Hurricane Emergency Preparedness

1. Know your evacuation plan
2. Update your emergency contacts
3. Make a medical plan
4. Create an emergency supply kit
5. Prepare a First Aid Kit

• Plan ahead for accessible transportation; keep your gas tank full in case an evacuation is needed.
• Charge portable cell phone chargers in preparation for a power outage.
• Work with your health care provider in advance to identify alternative locations for ongoing medical treatments (i.e., dialysis, chemotherapy, etc.)
• Find emergency shelters in your area that are wheelchair accessible.
• Stock extra over-the-counter and prescription medications, oxygen, insulin, etc.
• Label all assistive devices with name and contact information.
• Maintain a list of phone numbers for your doctors, pharmacy, service providers and medical facilities.
• Prepare/update Advance Health Care Directive.
• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

• Obtain supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours: water, food, first aid kit, cell phone, portable cell phone chargers, radio, flashlight, batteries, towelettes, garbage bags, toilet paper, paper towels and pet supplies.
• Prescription medications, contact lenses and hand sanitizer
• Blanket and/or sleeping bag, extra clothes, soap and towels
• Emergency contact names and phone numbers
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Road map or atlas
• Store copies of insurance policies, medical records, Advance Health Care Directives, identification and bank records in a waterproof container.

• Include latex gloves, thermometer, cold compress, absorbent compress dressings, adhesive bandages, adhesive cloth tape, antibiotic ointment packets, antiseptic wipes, aspirin, hydrocortisone ointment, scissors, sterile gauze pads and tweezers.
• Keep kit in designated place, and have it ready for any emergency.
• Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Make sure contents are not expired.

Homebound patients or those dependent on any medical device that requires electricity should contact their physician for his or her recommendations. If you receive home health services, confirm that your home health provider has developed a special hurricane plan for you, and if you require oxygen, check with your supplier about emergency plans.

Should you evacuate, remember to take the following with you:

1. Medications
2. Written care instructions
3. Special equipment
4. Bedding

If you are dependent on life support systems or on any medical device which requires electricity, you will need to make plans to relocate early for a hurricane. Power may be off for some time before, during and after a storm.

Pregnant women who are two weeks from their due date or are considered high risk may want to consider staying at the hospital or evacuating to a secondary location near a hospital. Speak with your provider to develop an emergency weather plan.

Below is a list of resources to help you stay informed before, during and after any potential storm.

• Health System Website: You are currently on the Health System’s Hurricane Webpage. View the Hurricane Timeline for up to date details on the storm and its impact on Health System services.
• Media (Radio, Print): Updates will be sent to local media outlets as needed.
• Social Media: Updates will be provided on the Health System’s Facebook page.

Sign up to receive emergency weather alerts from your county.

• Camden County
• Glynn County

General preparedness information:

• National Hurricane Center
• National Weather Service
• Red Cross

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by following a few basic safety tips:

• Heed county guidelines regarding travel. Emergency crews may still be clearing debris and fixing hazardous power lines. Civilian traffic will hamper their efforts.
• If you do leave your home, be careful near damaged buildings and trees. Avoid power lines and floodwater.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping your generator 20 feet from your home and never use indoors.
• As electricity cuts in and out, be sure to avoid refrigerated and frozen food that may have spoiled.
• Stay tuned for water advisories, and use bottled water when in doubt.
• Prevent mold and disease following flood damage by thoroughly cleaning all hard surfaces and discarding fabric items that cannot be washed.