Emergency Preparedness

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We always need to be ready for emergencies. Say you were to lose power to your home for a few days or even a week. Would you have everything you need on hand to manage diabetes? What if you had to suddenly evacuate? What should you take with you? Do you have these things pulled together, ready to go? Or what about at school? Are you certain that your child's school is prepared to deal with diabetes in the event of an emergency?

Plan Ahead

It's always smart to talk ahead of time with your spouse, partner, and/or family about what you will do in the event of an emergency. Grab a pen and paper and make a list. For example, you might want to discuss:

• What type of emergencies are most likely to come your way?
• Are you likely to encounter earthquakes, hurricanes, or ice storms?
• Do you live near a major city, and if so, should that factor into your plans?
• Where the safest spots are in your home, depending on the situation?
• Are you on a hill?
• Is your home likely to flood?
• Do you have a basement?
• Where is the best spot to keep emergency supplies?
• Do you have a backup generator, kerosene or propane heaters, or extra cans of fuel on hand?
• Is there a need for these things?

Talk about where you could go if you needed to evacuate, what you would do with pets, supplies you'd need to take, and where they are.

• How would you get where you need to go?
• Would your evacuation destination depend on the type or location of the emergency?
• How much emergency cash should you keep on hand and where?
• In some cases banks could be closed and you may not be able to access your accounts.

What about diabetes care?

• What supplies should you keep on hand at all times?
• How should they be stored, and where?

The US Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have lots of ideas and resources to help you plan for an emergency.

Check out these lists to help you and your family plan

For general tips on emergency preparedness, click here:
http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes/travel/emergency-tips.jsp

For a helpful list of what to include in your diabetes emergency pack, click here:
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0n_910.htm