Are you suffering from cardiovascular disease? A few tips on how to prepare for the hurricane
Before, during and after a hurricane, anxiety and stress may intensify, which can lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk. The impact can be more intense for heart disease and stroke patients.In the aftermath of a significant storm, it may be challenging to see a health care provider for a checkup or to get medications, especially for more vulnerable populations.
The American Heart Association has a Disaster Resources Page on its website, which includes a wide range of helpful information: https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/disaster-resources
In addition, here are some quick tips:
- Write down any medical conditions, allergies, medications, doses and time you take medications, along with your pharmacy name, address and phone number.
- Put your medications and your health information 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.
- According to Florida law, you can obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication at any time if you live in a county under a National Weather Service hurricane warning or under a Governor declared state of emergency.
- In Georgia and South Carolina, you can get a 30-day refill of certain medications. Contact your pharmacist to request an out-of-schedule emergency refill to make sure you have enough medicine during the declared state of emergency.
- If you have diabetes and use insulin, see the Patient Preparedness Plan (PDF). There you’ll find a checklist of supplies and for guidelines on handling your condition during a weather emergency.
- Information on all state emergency prescription refill laws is available here.
IMPORTANT: The St. Lucie County Emergency Information Hotline is 772-460-HELP (4357).
The St. Lucie County Special Needs Shelter is located at the Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Residents who need transportation to the Special Needs Shelter can call Community Transit at 772-464-7433. Westwood High School is pet friendly, click here to preregister: https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/public-safety/animal-safety-service-protection/pet-shelter-registration
If you’re in the path of #HurricaneDorian, download FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency’s app to receive real-time alerts, emergency safety tips, get to shelter or locate a Disaster Recovery Center.