Disaster Resources
Hurricane Michael is forecasted to be a significant threat to North Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Our hearts go out to those who may be impacted by the storm and its aftermath in the coming days.
Because the health of heart disease and stroke patients can be impacted by a natural disaster, we wanted to remind you of some resources and tips that can help. Our Disaster Resources page includes a wide range of helpful information. 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 in a resealable plastic bag to help keep your pills dry.
- In advance of the storm, ask for an extra supply of prescribed medications.
- 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.
- In North Carolina, you have within 29 days of the disaster declaration to obtain one prescription refill or get a replacement for a recently filled prescription.
- Research open pharmacies.
- See the 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
- Find shelter with the American Red Cross’s live map of open shelters or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
After a hurricane, it can be difficult to find a health care provider for a checkup as well as get medications, especially for vulnerable populations. Stress and trauma also intensify, which can lead to an increase in cardiovascular disease risk.
As always, the American Heart Association remains a resource for information and guidance. Visit heart.org for the latest on heart and stroke health.
