Hurricane Health Tips

General Preparations}Preparation in advance of hurricane season is essential for people with special needs. Advance preparation should include how to evacuate and where to relocate. Many areas have special needs shelters that are equipped with medical staff and specialized equipment. Please call the Miami-Dade County Health Department for more information regarding available shelters and pre-registering for a special needs shelter. Some shelters may not be able to accommodate your special needs. Therefore, it is important to have another plan in place:

1. Determine with whom you will stay in the event evacuation is necessary. Select family or friends who are unlikely to be evacuated from their homes and obtain their commitment for you to be housed with them.

2. Make arrangements for transportation in the event of evacuation. If family or friends have agreed to transport you to safe housing, be sure they can accommodate any equipment or supplies that need to be taken with you. Also, be assured that your driver will transport you well in advance of the hurricane evacuation warnings.

3. Have any special provisions at the home in which you will be staying — in advance of hurricane season. This will prevent you from having to pack these items at the last minute and alleviate the possibility that you may forget something very important for your condition. The following is a list of some items that could be stored in advance:

o At least a one-month supply of medications

o Extra copies of your prescriptions in case your physician's office is damaged and not operational

o Identification and important information (Please refer to the "Identification and Important Information" section of this page for a complete listing.)

Plan on 14 days worth of items below:

• Foods for special diet (non-perishable)

• Food supplements

• Special medical equipment

• Oxygen for portable units

• Batteries for wheelchairs

• Adult diapers, over-the-counter medications, etc.

• Water — Store enough water for your stay with family and friends. Have at least one gallon per person for each day you plan to stay. Label the container with the date of purchase. Bottled water does not stay pure for long periods of time.

• Changes of clothing

• Hearing aid batteries