How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster if you have Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

If you have diabetes mellitus type 2 it is vital that you prepare ahead of time for a potential natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, flood or any situation in which you will be temporarily without electric or water service or be forced to evacuate from your home. It is not pleasant to think about such events; however, if you are prepared in advance, this can lessen your anxiety level.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen and notebook
• Food and water
• Medications
• Cooler with Blue Ice
• First Aid Kit

1. Buy a small notebook that is bright in color and label the front cover with Emergency Medical Information for "your name." Inside the notebook record your medical history, list of current medications, past medications, medication allergies, food allergies, names and telephone numbers of your doctors and emergency contact names of family members.
2. Designate an easy to carry plastic tote as your emergency storage container. This can be quickly loaded into the car in case you have to evacuate. This container should be fairly large or you can have several different containers if it is too heavy.
3. Gather the following and place in your emergency storage container: A 30-day supply of all medications, emergency Glucagon kit and/or emergency carb snacks/glucose tablets, blood glucose test kit with 30-day supply of lancets and test strips. Small cooler for storing insulin. Note: Keep Blue Ice or refreezable packs in your freezer for this small cooler in order to preserve insulin.
4. At least a 3-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food which could include canned fish or meat, canned soup and beans, crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts and other items which do not require cooking. Be sure to include a can opener.
5. A good quality First Aid Kit that includes items to cleanse wounds, antibiotic ointment, and bandages. Cleansing wipes and antibacterial hand lotion should also be included.

Tips & Warnings

• Preparing ahead of time reduces anxiety about facing natural disasters
• Make sure to keep your kit up-dated and frequently check expiration dates on foods and medications
• Discuss with your personal doctor which items would be of the most benefit to you in your emergency preparedness kit