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Come Squall Or High Water, You Better Be Good To Go

Tribune photo by VICTOR JUNCO

Among the basic first-aid items: pain medication, antihistamines, bandages, cold medicine and antibiotic ointment.

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By IRENE MAHER

News Channel 8 Medical Editor

Published: June 27, 2008

Wendy and Bill Davis are ready. If a hurricane targets Tampa, they have bottled water, prescription medication and two weeks' worth of nonperishable food in a sealed cardboard box standing by. They also have a plan. If time permits, the 78-year-olds will drive north and stay with children who live in North Carolina. If not, they'll grab their supplies and a suitcase full of clothes and report to a special-needs shelter in North Tampa, where they've been registered for several years.

"We're always ready by May," Wendy Davis says.

The Davises can't leave anything up to chance. Wendy had a stroke in 2003 and relies on an electric wheelchair to get around. Bill has apnea and must sleep with an electronic breathing device at night. If the electricity in their Bayshore Boulevard high-rise condominium goes out, the consequences could be deadly.

Anyone who requires help with a medical condition should consider registering to stay at a county special-needs shelter. Although not a substitute for a hospital, health department nurses and doctors staff these shelters and can assist with medications, injections, wound care and dialysis. To register in Hillsborough County, call the information line at (813) 272-5900 or the Hillsborough County Health Department at (813) 307-8015, ext. 6006.

Disaster preparedness experts say it's not enough to stock up on food and flashlights. Residents also should take their health into account by being prepared to handle minor injuries and to meet their daily medical needs. That starts with putting aside at least a three-day supply of prescription medications, more if possible. Wendy and Bill have worked with their doctor, health insurance company and pharmacy to stockpile a two-week supply of their pills.

Residents also are advised to assemble basic first-aid items, including pain medications (Tylenol, Advil, aspirin), antihistamines (such as Benadryl), anti-diarrhea medication (such as Imodium), stomach and reflux medications (Pepto Bismol, Mylanta, Pepcid), cough and cold medication, bandages, gauze, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin), soap, antiseptic wipes, alcohol pads, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, hydrogen peroxide, disposable cold packs, disposable gloves, boxes of tissue, paper towels and a first-aid manual.

You may need to personalize your list by adding items such as contact lens solution, spare eye glasses and sunglasses, hearing-aid batteries, denture-care products, dietary food supplements, adult diapers, feminine hygiene supplies, baby supplies (such as formula, powdered milk, bottles, medications, shelf-stable food, diapers), and medications for your pet.

It's a good idea to stock your hurricane kit with a bucket, a bottle of all-purpose disinfectant cleaner, household bleach, insect repellant, bug spray, sunscreen and several sizes of plastic zip-top bags. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, include a small cooler and several freezer packs. Also, buy an appliance thermometer to monitor the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer, in case the electricity goes out. If the temperature rises above 40 degrees for more than two hours, you'll have to discard any perishable foods, as well as any packaged foods labeled "refrigerate after opening."

Make a list of all your prescription medications with dosages, dosing schedules, doctors' names and phone numbers, and pharmacy phone numbers. Include the names and phone numbers of people to contact in an emergency. Keep the information stored with your important papers in a plastic zip-top bag.

If you rely on a motorized scooter or wheelchair, you should have a regular wheelchair on hand in case the electricity goes out and you can't recharge batteries.

Don't forget bottled water. You should have a two-week supply on hand. Plan on a gallon of water per person per day. Stored water should be replaced every three months.

Finally, have plenty of heavy-duty plastic garbage bags among your hurricane supplies. Trash collection may be interrupted during a weather emergency, and you will need to store garbage in a way that doesn't attract animals and rodents.

This hurricane season is predicted to be more active than the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The Davises have a plan that gives them peace of mind and promises to make hurricane season less threatening. They're ready. Are you?

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