Preparing for the Unexpected
Florida's hurricane season spans six months, from June 1 through November 30, and every resident of the Tampa Bay area should have a plan. While most people focus on boarding up windows and stocking bottled water, medical preparedness is equally important and often overlooked.
At Zimmer Medical Group, we have seen firsthand how storms can disrupt medication access, close pharmacies and medical offices, and cut off power to patients who depend on medical devices. A little advance planning can prevent a weather event from becoming a health emergency.
Your Medication Preparedness Plan
Build a 30-Day Medication Supply
Do not wait until a storm is imminent to refill your prescriptions. During hurricane season, maintain at least a 30-day supply of all prescription medications. Most insurance plans allow early refills during declared emergencies, and your healthcare provider can help you obtain extended prescriptions.
Create a Medication List
Keep a written or digital list of every medication you take, including:
- Medication name (brand and generic)
- Dosage and frequency
- Prescribing doctor's name and phone number
- Pharmacy name, address, and phone number
Store this list in a waterproof bag with your emergency supplies and share a copy with a trusted family member. If you are evacuated and cannot reach your regular pharmacy, any provider can use this list to help you obtain critical medications.
Store Medications Safely
- Most medications should be stored between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If you lose power and air conditioning, medications can degrade quickly in Florida's heat.
- Insulin and certain injectable medications require refrigeration. Have a small cooler and ice packs ready to maintain proper temperature for at least 24 to 48 hours.
- Keep medications in their original containers with labels intact for identification.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, medication-related issues are among the most common health problems during and after hurricanes.
Medical Records and Documentation
Assemble a Medical Information Packet
Create a portable medical file that includes:
- A summary of your medical conditions and surgical history
- Your current medication list
- Copies of recent lab results
- Insurance cards (front and back)
- Advance directives and power of attorney documents if applicable
- Contact information for all your doctors and specialists
Go Digital
Take photos of your insurance cards, medication bottles, and key medical documents. Store them in a secure cloud service you can access from any device. Many patient portals now offer downloadable health summaries that consolidate your information in one document.
Chronic Condition Management During Storms
Diabetes Management
- Stock extra glucose testing supplies, including batteries for your glucometer.
- Have glucose tablets or hard candy available for hypoglycemia.
- Know the signs of both low and high blood sugar, as stress and disrupted routines can cause fluctuations.
- If insulin loses refrigeration for more than 28 days or is exposed to temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, it may lose effectiveness.
Heart Conditions and Blood Pressure
- Maintain your medication schedule even during disruptions. Set phone alarms if your routine is disrupted.
- Avoid high-sodium emergency foods (canned goods, shelf-stable meals) as much as possible if you have high blood pressure.
- Keep a portable blood pressure monitor in your emergency kit.
Respiratory Conditions
- Have rescue inhalers fully charged and easily accessible.
- If you use a nebulizer or CPAP machine, have a battery backup or portable power source.
- Mold growth after flooding is a major respiratory trigger. Avoid re-entering flood-damaged buildings without proper respiratory protection.
Dialysis Patients
- Contact your dialysis center before hurricane season to understand their emergency plan.
- Know the locations of backup dialysis centers along your evacuation route.
- The Medicare Emergency Dialysis Services can help locate temporary dialysis access during disasters.
Power-Dependent Medical Devices
If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment such as CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, ventilators, or home infusion pumps:
- Register with your power company as a medically essential customer. This may prioritize your area for power restoration.
- Have a battery backup or portable generator tested and ready.
- Contact your equipment supplier about loaner battery packs or alternative devices.
- Know your nearest hospital and emergency shelter locations that can accommodate medical equipment.
Mental Health Preparedness
The psychological impact of hurricanes is significant and often underestimated. Anxiety before storms, stress during power outages, and grief after property damage are all normal responses. However, watch for signs of more serious distress:
- Persistent inability to sleep
- Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Difficulty performing daily tasks weeks after the event
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a free disaster distress helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
Your Hurricane Health Checklist
- [ ] 30-day supply of all prescription medications
- [ ] Written medication list in waterproof storage
- [ ] Cooler and ice packs for temperature-sensitive medications
- [ ] First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and over-the-counter pain relievers
- [ ] Medical information packet with insurance cards and records
- [ ] Battery backup for power-dependent medical devices
- [ ] Portable blood pressure monitor and glucometer (if applicable)
- [ ] Contact numbers for all healthcare providers
- [ ] Evacuation plan with medical facility locations along your route
Start Preparing Now
Do not wait until a storm is in the forecast. The beginning of hurricane season is the time to review your medical supplies, update your emergency contacts, and discuss contingency plans with your healthcare team.
Need help preparing your medical hurricane plan? Contact Zimmer Medical Group to schedule a visit. We can help ensure your medications, records, and care plans are storm-ready.
