Are you prepared for Hurricane Michael?

Managing diabetes can be even harder when you are dealing with a major storm, loss of electricity, and possible evacuation. You don’t want to be caught in the storm without your medication and diabetes supplies.

The Latest Resources & Information

• Make Your Emergency Diabetes Kit: Download DDRC’s Diabetes Preparedness Plan. Find a checklist of needed supplies and guidelines for people living with diabetes to help you be prepared in times of an emergency and natural disasters.
• Stay Updated: Visit org/disasterrelief and DDRC’s Facebook page with information on how to access medical support, storm status, shelters, and open pharmacies during time of disaster.
• Need Help: Call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) if you need help navigating diabetes care during the storm, please call us. Representatives are regularly updated with information on how to access medical support, storm status, shelters, pharmacies and more for anyone affected by the storm.
  Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
• Health Care Providers: During a disaster, call our emergency diabetes supply hotline 314-INSULIN (314-467-8546) if you know of diabetes supply shortages in your community (i.e. shelter, community center). Hotline is for Health Care Providers only.

Resources and Emergency Info

Remember, even when life is in a crisis mode, diabetes care does not have to be. Stay safe, be prepared! We’re here for you.

Get Started: Below is quick checklist to get you started. Download the Diabetes Preparedness Plan for more details and resources.

• Write down the type of diabetes you have, other medical conditions, allergies and previous surgeries. Include current medications, doses and time you take them along with your pharmacy name, address and phone number.
• Ask for an extra supply of all medications, including insulin and glucagon, if prescribed. Once a Governor declares a State of Emergency, you are eligible for an emergency override. Call your pharmacy for details. Warning: Insurance may not pay for the increased amounts. A list of open pharmacies can be found here.
• Insulin: If you lose power and you have unused insulin, don’t throw it out! In an emergency, it is okay to use expired or non-refrigerated insulin.
• A live map of open shelters from the American Red Cross can be found here. You can also contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-RED-CROSS. If you find yourself in a shelter without proper diabetes care and supplies, call 1-800-DIABETES.
• Statewide Updates: Emergency updates and other resources can be found here.
  • Florida Emergency Management Agency – org
  • Alabama Emergency Management Agency – alabama.gov
  • Mississippi Emergency Management Agency – org
  • Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness – la.gov
  • Georgia Emergency Management Agency – ga.gov
• Safely Storing Insulin: For the people with diabetes who use insulin it is important to store insulin as directed so that it remains usable by those who need it. Download the tip sheet.
• Safely Discarding Sharps: Outside the home, make sure you have something to store your needles, syringes, lancets, and other sharps for safekeeping.
• Customer Care for Medication & Supplies: Have questions about your insulin or insulin pump? Contact the manufacturer, find numbers here.
• Open Pharmacies: Real-time updates for open pharmacies in hurricane-impacted region.
• Find a Shelter: Live map of open shelters from the American Red Cross or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Be safe!