Stay Healthy: Quick Tips

  • Contact your water and power companies to get on a “priority reconnection service” list of power-dependent customers if you rely on electrical medical equipment.
  • Remove, throw away or use, and replace any food and water, prescription medications, and supplies before they expire. Inspect all food and prescription medication before use. Throw away canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded. Check the look and smell of your medications before you use them. If you are unsure about their safety, contact your pharmacist or health care provider.
  • Learn about insulin storage in an emergency that may include flooding or a power outage. Insulin in its original vial, cartridge, or pen can be kept at room temperature (59°F-86°F) for up to 28 days and is safe to use. Do not use insulin that has been frozen.
  • Safely dispose of expired, unwanted, and unused medicinesexternal icon, including prescription medications, to help prevent adverse drug events at home and when traveling.
  • Put appliance thermometers in your freezer and fridge to help you determine if food is safeexternal icon after a power outage.
  • If you rely on dialysis and know a disaster (e.g., a hurricane) is coming, talk to the health care professionals at your facility about scheduling treatment before it happens.
  • Dialysis patients: Prepare to follow a 3-Day Emergency Diet to limit the buildup of water, protein wastes, and potassium if you are on dialysis but cannot get treatments.
  • Users of home use medical devices: Show people in your personal support network, including family, friends, and neighbors, how to operate and maintain your medical equipment and devices.
Page last reviewed: October 1, 2020, 11:10 AM