Hurricane Readiness
Prepare for Special Medical Needs Before a Hurricane Strikes
Hurricane Supply List
Powerful hurricane winds and rain can knock out power and phone lines and prevent you from reaching your pharmacy for vital medication. Injuries also can occur while boarding up windows or from the impact pf storm-related flying glass and debris. Therefore, when gathering your hurricane supplies, be sure to include:
- Two weeks’ supply of prescription drugs, as well as an extra prescription from your doctor
- Personal hygiene items
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Antacids
- A first-aid kit containing bandages, gauze, scissors, tape, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic creams and pain killers like acetaminophen or aspirin
In addition, store your medical records (including children’s immunization records) in a waterproof container along with bank account numbers, Social Security cards and other important documents.
May 2006 — As anyone who went through the busy 2005 storm season can attest, one can never be too prepared for a hurricane. Now is the time to get everyting in order, especially if you or a loved one has special medical needs or has a chronic condition that would make it difficult to evacuate, prepare for or weather a storm.
Shelter from the Storm
In case of hurricane evacuations, people living in designated evacuation zones (particularly near the beaches) and in mobile homes will be advised to go to Red Cross Shelters.
In addition, each county has Special Needs Shelters — designated places of last refuge for residents with special needs. These shelters are not designed for long-term use, but to accommodate residents for a limited time during a hurricane or disaster. Please note that hospitals are not Special Needs Shelters.
Special Needs Shelters are available for people who:
- Need assistance in administering their own injectable medications
(Note: They must bring their own supply of medications.) - Need assistance with ostomy or catheter management
- Require minimal monitoring of a medical condition
- Need intermittent use of oxygen
- Are incontinent and accompanied by a caregiver
However, Special Needs Shelters are not equipped or staffed to accommodate certain types of conditions or circumstances. Please seek alternative care if you or a loved one is wheelchair-bound and cannot transfer to and from the wheelchair without assistance; requires 24-hour air conditioning or electrical power; has advanced Alzheimer’s disease; and/or is incontinent and unassisted.
Those evacuating to a shelter should bring a pillow, blanket, medications, prescriptions, non-perishable food items and water, changes of clothing and an extra pair of eyeglasses. While pets are not permitted, service animals are welcome (with an appropriate food supply).
Pre-registration is required with the Broward County Elderly and Veteran Services Division to utilize Special Needs Services during a hurricane. If you meet the Special Needs Shelter criteria and/or need transportation to a Red Cross Shelter, call (954) 537-2888 to request an application. When using a TDD/Teletype Device for the Deaf, call (954) 537-2882. The phone number for Miami-Dade County is (305) 468-5900; TDD (305) 468-5402.
Memorial Healthcare System Is Here for You
Certain individuals may have medical needs that Broward County Special Needs Shelters cannot meet. This includes people who are oxygen-dependent, are on hemodialysis, are having a high-risk pregnancy or are at 36 weeks or more gestation. As a hurricane approaches and a Hurricane Watch is issued, Memorial Healthcare System will activate a Community Information Line — (954) 967-2919 — that will outline the services available to patients with certain medical needs.
If you are concerned about how a hurricane could affect your specific medical condition, speak with your doctor. For a referral to a physician, please call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.