Hurricane Season Preparedness for Those with Chronic Illness or Disability
As hurricane season ramps up, most people think about stocking up on bottled water and batteries. But for those of us living with chronic illness, disability, or medically complex conditions, preparation takes on a whole new level of importance.
Storms don’t just threaten our homes—they can jeopardize our health, disrupt our treatment plans, and isolate us from care. Having a thoughtful, personalized emergency plan can dramatically reduce your stress and increase your chances of staying safe and well during and after a hurricane.
Below are essential tips to help you prepare for this hurricane season, with chronic illness and accessibility in mind:
1. Medication Management
One of the most urgent risks during a storm is running out of critical medication. Pharmacies may close, deliveries may be delayed, and your usual refill routine may be disrupted.
Refill early: Ask your doctor or pharmacist for an emergency refill of essential prescriptions—aim for at least a 2-week supply.
Waterproof storage: Keep medications in a waterproof container, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
Medication list: Include a current list of all prescriptions and supplements you take, dosages, and administration times. Keep printed and digital copies on hand.
2. Backup Power for Medical Devices
If you rely on powered medical devices like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, or infusion pumps, power outages can become life-threatening.
Invest in a power source: A small generator, solar-powered backup, or high-capacity power bank can make a critical difference.
Register for priority: Contact your utility company and ask to be added to their medical priority list for power restoration during outages.
Know your limits: If your devices require uninterrupted electricity, include evacuation plans as part of your preparation.
3. Personalized Emergency Kits
Most emergency preparedness kits focus on general supplies—but yours should reflect your specific medical needs.
Include:
Extra medical supplies (batteries, sterile wipes, gloves)
Cold packs or heating pads for symptom relief
Specialized foods if you have dietary restrictions
Electrolyte mixes - liquid or powder, supplements like Calm AF and Sufficient-C, and gf/df protein powders
A week’s supply of clean clothes and hygiene products
Don’t forget the basics: bottled water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, manual can opener, first aid kit, and extra cash.
4. Portable Medical Records
In an emergency, you may need to see a healthcare provider who’s unfamiliar with your history.
Pack:
A printed summary of your conditions, medications, allergies, and any implants or devices
Copies of health insurance cards
A contact list of your care team
Durable medical orders (DNRs, power of attorney, etc.) if applicable
Keep these records in both physical and digital formats (USB or phone file), and ensure someone in your circle knows where to find them.
5. Your Support Network
Isolation can amplify risk. Identify at least one trusted person nearby who can check on you, help transport you if needed, or understand how to use your medical equipment.
Create a check-in system: Establish a routine for texting or calling before and after a storm.
Share your plan: Make sure someone knows where your medications and emergency supplies are stored.
Local connections: If you don’t have family or friends nearby, consider contacting mutual aid networks or disability advocacy groups in your area.
6. Stay Informed, Stay Ready
In fast-changing weather events, timely updates are essential.
Sign up for alerts: Many local governments offer text or email alerts.
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: This is essential if your phone dies and you lose service.
Know the terms: Understand the difference between a storm watch (be alert) and a storm warning (take action).
7. Accessible Evacuation Plans
Not all shelters or emergency lodging options are equipped to support those with chronic illness or physical disability.
Call ahead: Ask if shelters are wheelchair accessible or can accommodate specific medical needs.
Plan your route: Know where to go if you're forced to leave and how you’ll get there.
Keep a go-bag: Include copies of all essentials, extra clothes, medications, and a comfort item.
If you use paratransit or need special assistance, register in advance with your local emergency management office.
8. Insurance, Resources & Local Support
Storms can interrupt not just care, but your financial stability too.
Double-check your coverage: Understand your insurance policy for emergency evacuation, equipment loss, or shelter care.
Know your rights: People with disabilities have legal rights to equal access to emergency services.
Resource list: Keep a list of local shelters, clinics, and emergency pharmacies that cater to chronic conditions or accessibility needs.
9. Additional Tips for Those with Complex Needs
If you're immunocompromised, pack masks, sanitizers, and immune support tools.
For those with food sensitivities, keep extra allergy-safe snacks and beverages.
If storms trigger flares (e.g., due to stress, mold, barometric pressure changes), have symptom management tools handy.
Whenever possible, ride out storms with someone familiar with your condition who can assist you in case of flare-ups, confusion, or pain spikes.
Hurricane preparation is more than just weatherproofing your home - it’s safeguarding your body, your routine, and your access to care. While it might feel overwhelming, each small step you take today is an act of self-protection and empowerment.
You deserve to feel as safe and supported as possible during storm season. If you need further help planning or have condition-specific concerns, reach out to your care team or explore local support services.