Note: The posts in this series were adopted from a regional “hurricane preparedness” resource packet developed by the South Florida Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SFSCIMS) that can be downloaded in .pdf here.
Food and Water:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
- At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, for example:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables
- Dry cereal or granola
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit
- Canned juices
- Ice or frozen bags of water
- Can opener
Basic Supplies:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Whistle
- Backup generators
- Hand sanitizer
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Type ABC fire extinguisher
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
Medical Supplies:
- List of all medications, dosages, and any allergies
- Contact information for doctors, relatives, or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
- First aid kit
- Surgical face mask (or the equivalent)
- At least seven day supply of prescription medications
- At least seven day supply of catheters
- Gloves and arm/leg sleeves or coverings
- Adult suppositories (Ducolax) and/or stool softeners
- Adult briefs (Depends)
- pH balanced wipes
- Oxygen supply tanks
- Extra wheelchair batteries (or manual wheelchair if possible)
- Lightweight manual wheelchair (as a backup if possible)
- Nebulizer/mechanical in/exsufflator
- Portable, battery-operated fan
- Bag-mask supplies (if dependent on a ventilator)
Important Documents:
- A list of all medications, dosages, and any allergies
- Contact information for doctors, relatives, or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
- Waterproof storage of materials
If you are evacuating, be sure to also pack:
- Sleeping arrangements (blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, bed sheets)
- Cushions, splints, braces
- Check with your county’s shelter program for any specific items you are expected to supply.
If you have a pet:
- Collar with ID tag, rabies tag, and a leash
- Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration, and adoption documents
- At least three-day supply of food (in an airtight, waterproof container)
- At least three-day supply of water specifically for your pets
- First aid kid (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, pet first aid reference book)
- Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, plastic trash bags)
- Treats, toys, and bedding
Other tips:
- Know the size and weight of your wheelchair in addition to whether it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
- Show others how to operate your wheelchair sleeping bags, pillows, bed sheets, etc.
Medical Records/Keeping and Accessing:
- Make sure you have important medical information with you in case they need to be referenced
- You may want to keep these organized in a folder, or know how to locate them electronically (ie. Epic and Cerner Portal access)
- Make sure your caregiver or significant other knows how to access your records if needed in an emergency.
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