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.

To help you stay healthy during a hurricane or other catastrophic weather event, use the Patient Preparedness Plan developed specifically for people living with diabetes as they face unique challenges during times of disaster. You’ll find a checklist of supplies, information, and guidelines on how to prepare for an emergency.

Be Prepared: Download the Patient Preparedness Plan and visit the Diabetes Disaster Preparedness Coalition Facebook page to get the latest information.

Need help? Contact 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., ET, M-F.

The Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DDRC) will be continuously updating its Facebook page with information on how to access medical support, donate supplies, and find emergency resources for anyone affected by Hurricane Florence.

Important Information: Download the Patient Preparedness Plan for a full checklist and resources. Below are a few suggestions as you prepare for Hurricane Florence:

1.    Documentation. Write down 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.

2.    Prescriptions. Ask for an extra supply of all medications, including insulin and Glucagon, if prescribed. During an emergency, you are eligible for an emergency override. Call your pharmacy, if they say no, contact your healthcare provider for an altered prescription. Warning: Insurance may not pay for the increased amounts. A list of open pharmacies can be found here – RX Open.

3.    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.

4.    Shelters. 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.

5.    Statewide Updates. Emergency updates and other resources can be found here.

o South Carolina: https://scemd.org/

o North Carolina: https://www.ncdps.gov/ncem

o Virginia: http://www.vaemergency.gov/

o West Virginia: https://dhsem.wv.gov/

o Maryland: https://mema.maryland.gov/

o Pennsylvania: https://www.pema.pa.gov/

o Delaware: http://www.dema.delaware.gov/

o New Jersey: http://www.ready.nj.gov/

o New York: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/

o Connecticut: https://www.ct.gov/demhs/site/default.asp

o Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-emergency-management-agency

Be safe!