Our hearts go out to everyone in Vermont dealing with the flooding disaster now affecting residents throughout the state. The American Heart Association’s Disaster Resources page includes a wide range of helpful information.
In addition, here are some quick tips:
- Take time now to write down any medical conditions, allergies and medications, including doses and the time you take medications, along with your pharmacy name, address and phone number. Keep the information with any other “go-kit” items you have handy for quick evacuation.
- If you do need to evacuate, even temporarily, bring your medications and your health information with you in a resealable plastic bag to help keep it dry.
- If your medication is lost, damaged by water or was left behind when you evacuated, research open pharmacies and seek a refill as quickly as possible.
- Some states allow pharmacists to make medically necessary exceptions on certain types of prescription refills during an emergency. Information on all state emergency prescription refill laws is available here.
- Use the AHA’s Patient Preparedness Plan if you have diabetes and use insulin. There you’ll find a checklist of supplies and for guidelines on how to prepare for an emergency.
Another way to prepare ahead for a possible medical emergency is to learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) until help arrives. If performed correctly, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. You could be saving the life of someone you love. A simple, one-minute video shows you what you need to know to perform Hands Only CPR.
As always, the American Heart Association remains a resource for information and guidance. Visit heart.org for the latest on heart and stroke health.