Medical & Safety

Create an individual medical plan for every household member.

Record:

• Medical conditions
• Prescription medications
• Medication doses and schedules
• Allergies
• Previous serious reactions
• Blood type when known
• Doctors and specialists
• Preferred pharmacy
• Health insurance information
• Medical-device details
• Mobility and accessibility needs
• Emergency contacts
• Communication needs
• Advance directives when applicable

Ask a healthcare professional which information is most important for your circumstances.

Keep one protected paper copy with emergency supplies and another copy in each person’s evacuation bag. Maintain a secure digital copy that can be reached away from the home.

Do not depend entirely on a phone, patient portal, or internet connection.

A household first-aid kit should support common minor injuries until professional care is available.

The contents should match the number of people, their medical needs, the expected evacuation distance, and the hazards they may face.

Consider including:

• Adhesive bandages in several sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• Rolled gauze
• Medical tape
• Nonstick wound dressings
• Antiseptic wipes
• Soap or wound-cleaning supplies
• Antibiotic ointment when medically appropriate
• Elastic bandages
• Disposable gloves
• Sealable waste bags

Keep supplies dry, organized, and easy to identify.

Possible tools include:

• Digital thermometer
• Tweezers
• Trauma shears
• Instant cold packs
• CPR face shield
• Emergency blanket
• Flashlight or headlamp
• First-aid instructions
• Notepad and waterproof pen

Use equipment only when you understand its purpose and safe operation.

Depending on individual medical needs, a kit may include:

• Pain and fever medication
• Antihistamine
• Antacid
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Oral rehydration solution or packets
• Motion-sickness medication
• Any physician-recommended nonprescription supplies

Over-the-counter medications can interact with prescriptions and may be unsafe for children, pregnant people, older adults, or people with certain medical conditions.

Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist what is appropriate for each household member. Retain the original packaging, dosing instructions, warnings, and expiration information.

Add the items specific to your household:

• Prescription medications
• Prescribed rescue medication
• Epinephrine auto-injectors when prescribed
• Glucose-monitoring supplies
• Fast-acting glucose when appropriate
• Inhalers
• Insulin supplies
• Hearing-aid batteries
• Spare eyeglasses
• Contact-lens supplies
• Denture supplies
• Mobility-device accessories
• Catheters or other medical supplies
• Menstrual products
• Infant-care supplies

Do not combine everyone’s unidentified medication in one container.

Owning medical supplies is not the same as knowing how to use them.

Consider recognized training in:

• First aid
• CPR
• Automated external defibrillator use
• Severe-bleeding response
• Medication-specific emergency procedures
• Caregiver responsibilities
• Equipment operation

Train more than one responsible person when possible.

Keep instructions with unfamiliar equipment, but do not expect to learn a complicated procedure for the first time during a hurricane.

Do not perform a medical procedure beyond your training. Contact 911 or an appropriate medical professional when urgent or uncertain.

Do not wait until a hurricane warning is issued to review prescription needs.

Before hurricane season:

• Review every prescription.
• Check remaining quantities.
• Replace expired medication when directed.
• Confirm refill timing.
• Ask about emergency refill options.
• Verify the preferred and backup pharmacies.
• Ask whether prescriptions can be transferred.
• Keep copies of prescription labels.
• Record generic and brand names.
• Confirm required supplies such as syringes or test strips.
• Protect medications from heat, moisture, and contamination.
• Include medication in the evacuation checklist.

Maintain the largest practical emergency supply permitted by the prescription, insurer, pharmacy, and applicable rules.

Florida may permit certain emergency refills when qualifying emergency conditions are in effect. Confirm current eligibility with the pharmacist, insurer, Florida Department of Health, or other appropriate authority. Do not assume an emergency declaration automatically applies to every medication.

Never ration, stop, share, replace, or change the dose of a prescription unless a qualified healthcare professional directs you to do so.

Many medications can be damaged by heat, freezing, excessive humidity, direct sunlight, or contaminated water.

Keep medications:

• In their original labeled containers
• Inside a waterproof secondary container
• Away from vehicle heat
• Away from direct sunlight
• Above likely flood levels
• Within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature range
• Accessible during evacuation

Do not place medication directly against ice unless its instructions specifically allow it.

If medication has become wet, contaminated, frozen, overheated, discolored, damaged, or stored outside its recommended range, contact a pharmacist, healthcare professional, or manufacturer for product-specific guidance.

Do not decide that a temperature-sensitive medication is safe based only on its appearance.

Create a written plan for every medication that normally requires refrigeration.

Ask the pharmacist, healthcare provider, or manufacturer:

• What temperature range is required?
• How long may the medication remain outside that range?
• Can it touch ice or frozen packs?
• How should it be transported?
• What signs indicate damage?
• What should be done during a long outage?
• Where can a replacement supply be obtained?
• Is an alternative formulation available?

Prepare an insulated medication container, compatible cold packs, a thermometer when appropriate, and backup power if the storage system requires electricity.

Keep food and medication separate when contamination is possible.

Some life-sustaining medications may have special emergency-use instructions. Follow product-specific professional guidance rather than applying a general rule to every refrigerated medication.

If anyone depends on powered medical equipment, complete the power and relocation plan before a hurricane threatens.

Examples include:

• Oxygen concentrators
• Ventilators
• CPAP or BiPAP equipment
• Nebulizers
• Infusion equipment
• Dialysis-related equipment
• Medication refrigerators
• Powered wheelchairs
• Adjustable medical beds
• Suction equipment
• Communication devices
• Monitoring equipment

For each device:

• Record its manufacturer and model.
• Keep the operating instructions.
• Determine its electrical requirements.
• Confirm compatible backup power.
• Learn how long internal batteries last.
• Obtain approved spare batteries when possible.
• Label every cable and adapter.
• Test the complete backup system.
• Protect equipment from water.
• Identify a replacement or repair contact.
• Prepare a manual alternative when one exists.
• Identify a powered destination.

Do not connect medical equipment to an untested generator, inverter, power station, extension cord, or adapter.

Use the Power and Lighting guide to calculate electrical loads and prepare safe backup power.

Backup equipment does not guarantee that someone can safely remain home.

Relocation may be necessary when:

• Essential medical equipment cannot operate reliably.
• Refrigerated medication cannot be protected.
• The home may lose safe cooling.
• Flooding could prevent emergency access.
• The building is unsafe.
• Caregiver support will be unavailable.
• Transportation may soon become impossible.
• An evacuation order applies.
• A medical professional recommends relocation.

Choose a powered destination before the storm. Possible destinations may include family, a hotel, a general shelter, a special-needs shelter, or an appropriate medical facility.

A hospital should not be treated as a hurricane shelter unless medical care is required or officials specifically direct you there.

Florida special-needs shelters support eligible residents whose medical or functional needs exceed the services available at a general shelter but who do not require hospitalization.

Registration, eligibility, transportation, caregiver requirements, equipment support, and supplies vary by county.

Complete registration before a storm threatens. Registration does not replace an evacuation plan or guarantee that every requested service will be available.

Prepare to bring:

• Identification
• Medical information
• Prescriptions
• Medication
• Medical equipment
• Chargers and batteries
• Mobility aids
• Personal-care supplies
• Dietary supplies
• Bedding when requested
• A caregiver when required
• Service-animal supplies
• Emergency contacts

Use Special Needs and Medical for detailed evacuation, registration, transportation, and shelter planning.

Place important records in a waterproof, portable container.

Include copies of:

• Government identification
• Health insurance cards
• Prescription labels
• Medication list
• Allergy list
• Medical history
• Immunization information
• Doctor and pharmacy contacts
• Medical-device information
• Advance directives
• Healthcare surrogate documents
• Emergency contacts
• Special-needs registration information
• Relevant test results or treatment plans

Do not place the only copy of essential records inside luggage that may be separated from the person.

Power outages can create dangerous indoor temperatures, particularly for older adults, infants, pregnant people, people with chronic health conditions, and anyone taking medication that affects heat tolerance or hydration.

Prepare:

• Drinking water
• Oral rehydration supplies when appropriate
• Battery-powered fans
• Rechargeable fans
• Lightweight clothing
• Cooling towels
• Safe ventilation
• A room thermometer
• Backup power
• A cooler destination
• Transportation

Fans may improve comfort, but they cannot make every dangerously hot environment safe.

Possible warning signs include:

• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps
• Reduced urine output

Move the person to a cooler place, loosen unnecessary clothing, and begin cooling. Seek medical guidance, especially if symptoms worsen, persist, or involve someone at elevated risk.

Confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, slurred speech, severe behavioral changes, or a very high body temperature may indicate heat stroke.

Call 911 and begin rapid cooling while waiting for help.

Do not leave the person alone or give fluids to someone who is unconscious, confused, or unable to swallow safely.

Unsafe water and poor sanitation can quickly create medical problems after a hurricane.

Store drinking water before the storm and account for:

• Every household member
• Medication use
• Medical conditions
• Infant formula
• Food preparation
• Oral hygiene
• Pets
• Florida heat
• A prolonged outage

Follow official boil-water notices and local instructions.

Do not use floodwater, pool water, or bathtub water for drinking, medication, brushing teeth, preparing food, washing dishes, or making infant formula.

Store soap, hand sanitizer, toilet supplies, disinfecting materials, heavy-duty bags, gloves, and personal-hygiene products.

Hand sanitizer does not remove every contaminant. Use soap and safe water whenever available, particularly before food preparation and wound care.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.

Use appliance thermometers and current food-safety guidance when deciding whether refrigerated food remains safe.

Discard:

• Food touched by floodwater
• Food in damaged or swollen containers
• Perishable food held at unsafe temperatures
• Items with an unusual odor, color, or texture
• Food when safety cannot be determined
• Never taste food to determine whether it is safe.

Medication has different storage requirements from food. Consult the medication label, pharmacist, healthcare provider, or manufacturer before deciding whether a temperature-sensitive medication can still be used.

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. It can cause sudden illness and death.

Operate portable generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from occupied buildings, with exhaust directed away from windows, doors, vents, garages, and neighboring structures.

Never operate fuel-burning equipment inside or within:

• A home
• A garage
• A carport
• A shed
• A basement
• A crawl space
• An enclosed porch
• Any partially enclosed area

Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms or alarms with battery backup.

Possible carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Unusual sleepiness

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or poisoning is suspected, move everyone outside into fresh air and call 911. Do not reenter until emergency professionals determine that it is safe.

Many hurricane-related injuries occur after the storm.

Common hazards include:

• Broken glass
• Exposed nails
• Unstable structures
• Downed power lines
• Damaged trees
• Chainsaws
• Ladders
• Floodwater
• Mold
• Chemicals
• Heat
• Carbon monoxide
• Insects and animals
• Overexertion

Wear protection appropriate to the task:

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Sturdy waterproof boots
• Long pants
• Long sleeves
• Hearing protection
• A hard hat when falling objects are possible

A NIOSH-approved N95 respirator when mold exposure requires it

Do not enter a severely damaged building until the appropriate authority or qualified professional determines that it is safe.

Children should not participate in disaster cleanup or enter areas containing floodwater, mold, unstable materials, chemicals, sharp debris, or power equipment.

Avoid floodwater whenever possible. It may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp objects, animals, and electrical hazards.

If a wound is exposed:

• Leave the contaminated area.
• Wash your hands when possible.
• Clean the wound promptly with soap and clean water.
• Cover it with a clean waterproof dressing.
• Watch for signs of infection.
• Seek professional medical guidance when needed.

Medical evaluation is especially important for:

• Deep wounds
• Puncture wounds
• Animal or human bites
• Crush injuries
• Embedded objects
• Severe bleeding
• Wounds containing soil or debris
• Wounds exposed to contaminated water
• Increasing pain, warmth, redness, swelling, drainage, or fever
• Loss of movement or sensation

A healthcare professional should determine whether a tetanus vaccination or other treatment is needed based on the wound and the person’s vaccination history.

Do not enter floodwater to retrieve property.

Mold can develop rapidly in wet materials and may be hidden behind walls, cabinets, flooring, furniture, and insulation.

People with asthma, chronic lung disease, allergies, weakened immune systems, or other health concerns should ask a healthcare professional whether they should enter or clean a mold-damaged building.

For appropriate small-scale cleanup, protection may include:

• A properly fitted NIOSH-approved N95 respirator or greater protection
• Goggles without ventilation holes
• Protective gloves
• Long clothing
• Waterproof boots

Do not mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaning product.

Large contamination, sewage, structural damage, extensive material removal, or uncertain hazards may require trained professionals.

Use Cleanup and Safety for the full post-hurricane cleanup process.

Standing water and storm debris can increase contact with mosquitoes, insects, rodents, snakes, displaced wildlife, and stray animals.

Prepare:

• EPA-registered insect repellent
• Long sleeves and pants
• Window and door screens
• Mosquito netting when appropriate
• First-aid supplies
• Safe waste storage
• Pet protection recommended by a veterinarian

Empty standing water from containers when it is safe to do so.

Do not handle displaced wildlife, unfamiliar animals, dead animals, or snakes. Contact local animal control or the appropriate authority.

Seek prompt medical advice after an animal bite or possible rabies exposure.

Fear, shock, grief, disrupted sleep, irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, and exhaustion are common after disasters.

Helpful actions include:

• Maintain medication and treatment routines.
• Limit repeated exposure to distressing coverage.
• Use trusted sources for storm information.
• Rest whenever possible.
• Eat and drink regularly.
• Divide recovery into manageable tasks.
• Stay connected with supportive people.
• Watch for changes in children and older adults.
• Avoid using alcohol or drugs to manage distress.
• Contact a mental health professional when symptoms interfere with daily functioning.

The Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling for people affected by disasters at 1-800-985-5990.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 when there is immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency.

Use Recovery Mindset for additional emotional recovery planning.

Some household members may require additional medication, supervision, communication, transportation, or environmental support.

Plan for:

• Age-appropriate medication
• Mobility aids
• Transfer assistance
• Continence supplies
• Hearing aids and batteries
• Communication boards or devices
• Sensory needs
• Cognitive or memory needs
• Dietary requirements
• Safe cooling
• Backup caregivers
• Accessible transportation
• Service animals
• Medical identification
• A familiar comfort item

Do not assume emergency personnel will have the supplies, equipment, medication, or detailed information a person needs.

Use Family and Pets for household-specific planning.

Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency.

Examples include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Signs of stroke
• Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizure without an established response plan
• Severe burns
• Suspected carbon monoxide poisoning
• Suspected heat stroke
• Serious head, neck, or spinal injury
• Severe allergic reaction
• Poisoning
• Electrical injury
• A rapidly worsening medical condition
• Any situation that appears immediately life-threatening

Emergency response may be delayed during dangerous storm conditions. That makes early evacuation and medical planning especially important.

Do not delay emergency care to continue protecting property or cleaning up damage.

Complete these tasks before a storm enters the immediate forecast:

• Review medical conditions and risks.
• Refill eligible prescriptions.
• Replace expired supplies.
• Update medication and allergy lists.
• Test medical devices.
• Charge medical batteries.
• Test backup power.
• Prepare refrigerated-medication storage.
• Confirm doctors and pharmacies.
• Register for special-needs assistance when appropriate.
• Identify a powered destination.
• Confirm accessible transportation.
• Pack medical records.
• Restock first-aid supplies.
• Check carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
• Review first-aid and CPR skills.
• Prepare safe water and sanitation supplies.
• Place medical supplies above likely flood levels.
• Add medication to every evacuation checklist.

Before conditions deteriorate:

• Obtain permitted medication refills.
• Charge all devices and backup batteries.
• Freeze or prepare compatible cold packs.
• Confirm the medication-cooling plan.
• Check evacuation orders.
• Confirm whether remaining home is medically safe.
• Contact the planned destination.
• Pack medications and medical equipment.
• Bring mobility equipment and chargers together.
• Protect records from water.
• Tell the designated contact where you will be.
• Leave early when medical, transportation, flooding, or shelter needs require it.

Do not wait for a device to lose power, medication to become warm, or a medical condition to worsen before relocating.

Pharmacies may close, supplies may run low, and transportation may become unsafe.

Phones can be lost, damaged, discharged, or disconnected from the internet.

A sealed commercial kit may not include the quantities or personal supplies the household needs.

A battery or generator is not dependable until it has been safely tested with the actual equipment.

Vehicle temperatures can damage medication and medical supplies.

Freezing can damage some medications. Follow product-specific storage instructions.

A medical device, refrigerated medication, or heat-sensitive condition may make relocation necessary.

Floodwater can hide sharp debris, contamination, animals, holes, and electrical hazards.

Storm debris, mold, chemicals, heat, unstable structures, and power tools create serious risks.

Disaster-related stress can affect judgment, sleep, physical health, relationships, and long-term recovery.

General preparedness information cannot account for every diagnosis, medication, device, allergy, or emergency.

Use the Medical and Safety Gear page to compare first-aid, protective, hygiene, and household safety equipment.

Review Special Needs and Medical for evacuation assistance, transportation, registration, and shelter planning.

Use Power and Lighting to prepare backup electricity for medical devices and medication refrigeration.

Review Bug In Preparation for food, water, sanitation, heat, and extended-outage planning.

Use Family and Pets to prepare for children, older adults, disabilities, pets, and service animals.

Review Communications for emergency contacts, alerts, radios, and offline information.

Keep Bug Out Bags ready with medication, records, personal medical supplies, and essential equipment.

Use Evacuation Planning to choose a safe destination, departure time, primary route, and backup plan.

Review Cleanup and Safety before entering damaged buildings or beginning post-storm work.