Valdosta Scene June 2022 | Page 40

health

Preparedness Key During

Hurricane Season

by KRISTIN PATTEN , South Health District

The 2022 hurricane season is here , and The Georgia Department of Public Health ’ s South Health District wants to remind you that the time to prepare for a hurricane is now , not once a storm hits .

Hurricane season begins in early June and lasts through November each year . Prior to the first hurricane of the season , public health recommends making sure your home is stocked with necessary supplies and you have an emergency plan for yourself and your family .
Across the southeast , where hurricanes are more common , most people are aware that they need to stock water , non-perishable food and flashlights . However , many people often do not think about preparing their healthcare needs ahead of the storm .
Prior to the arrival of a storm , South Health District recommends making sure to have :
• At least a 7-10 day supply of all medications .
• A plan for maintaining proper refrigeration of medications in the case of an extended power outage .
• A backup battery plan for all electricity dependent medical equipment including ventilators , hearing aids and electric wheelchairs .
• Important medical documents in case of evacuation .
Don ’ t wait for a hurricane to be in the forecast . Sit down with your family and write out your emergency plan today .
Make a list of all medications , paperwork and supplies you would need or want to take if you had to leave your home quickly . As best as possible , come up with a few options for where you would go in case of evacuation and make sure you have a plan for evacuating your pets as well .
Make sure that your family also has a reliable method for getting weather updates during the storm . If the power goes out , having a weather radio with a backup battery or a portable charger for your cell phone can ensure that you are able to continue receiving alerts .
Once a storm hits it is often too late to gather supplies and , in the chaos , people often forget essential personal items if they need to evacuate . Planning ahead can help prevent a medical emergency in the midst of a natural disaster .
40 Valdosta Scene | June 2022