“DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAVE DIABETES AND USE INSULIN?
“Make a plan to stay healthy during natural disaster or emergency. Managing diabetes can be even harder when you are dealing with a major storm, loss of electricity, and possible evacuation from your home. Building a “diabetes kit” now can save a lot of worry and time when a disaster strikes.
“A checklist template is included for your use. Your diabetes kit can be stored in an easy-to-carry waterproof bag or container to hold the documents, information, and supplies that you will want to have with you.
“Important Information to Keep In Your Kit – Write down or copy the following:
• Type of diabetes you have
• Other medical conditions, allergies, and previous surgeries
• Current medications, doses, and time you take them. Include your pharmacy name, address and phone number.
• Previous diabetes medications you have taken
• A letter from your diabetes care team with a list of your most recent diabetes medications, if possible.
• A copy of your most recent laboratory result, like A1C results
• Make, model and serial number of your insulin pump or CGM. Include pump manufacturer’s phone number in case you need to replace your device.
• Doctor’s name, phone number, and address
• Phone numbers and email addresses for your family, friends, and work. Include out-of-town contacts.
• A copy of your health insurance card • A copy of your photo ID • Cash
Source: Adapted from American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) – My Diabetes Emergency Plan.
For additional emergency preparation resources for people with diabetes, visit: http://mydiabetesemergencyplan.com/ and www.DiabetesDisasterResponse.org • Questions? Call 765-314-DDRC (765-314-3372).
• Additional week supply (or more) of all medications, including insulin and Glucagon, if prescribed. If you lose power and you have unused insulin, don’t throw it out! In an emergency, it is okay to use expired or non-refrigerated insulin.
• Protect your insulin pump from water.
• Supplies to check your blood sugar, like testing strips and lancets. Don’t forget extra batteries!
• Extra supplies for insulin pump or CGM • Cooler and reusable cold packs • Note: Do NOT use dry ice and do not freeze the medication
• Empty plastic bottle or sharps container to safely carry syringes, needles and lancets
• Items to treat high blood sugar such as pump supplies (infusion sets) and/or syringes
• Items to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), like:
• Juice • Hard candy (not sugar-free) • Regular soda • Glucose tablets
• Honey • Glucagon
Other Supplies to Pack
• 2-day supply of non-perishable ready-to-go food, like:
• Pre-packaged tuna, beans, cheese and cracker snacks etc.
• A 3-day supply of bottled water (or more) • Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, trash bags
• Pen/pencil and notepad to record blood sugar, other test results and any new signs/symptoms
• First aid supplies like bandages, cotton swabs, and antibiotic ointments or creams
• Extra clothing, including socks and undergarments
• Cell phone and charging supplies for phone and pump including battery pack
• Flashlight and batteries
Other Recommendations
• Make sure that all your vaccinations are up-to-date.
• Choose a meeting place with your family in case you are separated.
Write down location and include in your kit.
• Wear a medical ID or medical alert bracelet or other form of identification in case you are
evacuated to a relief shelter.
• For children, write down name of school, address and phone number.
“NEED HELP?1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) Contact The American Diabetes Association Center For Information, MON.-FRI. 9:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. ET. Representative are regularly updated with information on how to access medical support, shelters, pharmacies and more.
EMERGENCY DIABETES SUPPLY HOTLINE: 1-314-INSULIN (314-467-8546). The DDRC hotline has been activated for physicians and health care providers to notify us of diabetes supply shortages and request support.”
