When a natural disaster is in the forecast, people with Parkinson’s and their families have extra details to consider in order to ensure symptom management and overall health and safety. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has put together a list of tips and resources that can help people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and families prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural disasters.
Check Your Medication Supply
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Before the storm, contact your doctor or pharmacy to order enough prescription refills to have an extra week’s supply.
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Create a list of your medications, including dosages, and doctors and their contact information. Store this in a digital document, such as the notes app on your mobile phone, or send it to a family member. This will be handy in case you need to evacuate or seek medical care.
Create a Survival Kit
A survival kit is helpful whether you shelter-in-place or need to evacuate. Include the following:
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One to two gallons of drinking water per person, per day. Try to stock a two-week supply at home. If you need to evacuate, take a three-day supply.
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Non-perishable food items, including low-protein snacks if you separate levodopa from dietary protein
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Eyeglasses, hearing aids, a walker, cane or other assistive devices
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Flashlight, a radio, cash and a mobile phone and charger
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Personal documents including a driver’s license or passport, insurance cards and medical documents
In addition, fill up your car’s gas tank so you are ready in case you need to evacuate. Also, consider planning for where you’d go and stay, such as a hotel or with family, if you need to leave your home.
Check the Red Cross’ recommendations for additional items you may need.
If You Evacuate
In addition to your survival kit, bring the following:
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Your medication list and all medications in labelled bottles.
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A PD medical alert bracelet (if you have one).
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Deep brain stimulation documentation and programmer if applicable.
If you drive for long periods or across time zones, continue taking your medication as prescribed and avoid leaving medications in a hot car.
On-Call Emergency Assistance Resources
If you must evacuate, here are some organizations that can provide assistance.
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FEMA.gov: Lists important local information about disasters and emergency management. You can search by your state for more details on pressing issues.
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American Red Cross: Maintains a live map of open shelters throughout the country, which can also be accessed by calling 1-800-733-2767.
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Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies: Operates a 24/7 hotline, 1-800-626-4959, to help people with disabilities and the elderly find safety. The organization also provides for immediate needs related to durable medical equipment and supplies.
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RxOpen.com: Provides information and links on the operating status of health care facilities and pharmacies impacted by a disaster. Search their interactive map down to the county level for details.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation continues to support those impacted by natural disasters and provides resources to prepare in case of an emergency.