One of the most important things for a diabetic is that he or she can access diabetes supplies easily and often quickly when necessary. The occurrence of a natural disaster or emergency threatens patients’ ability to reach the diabetic supplies they rely on – unless a plan has been well mapped out and a special disaster kit has been stored in a safe but readily accessible place. By thinking ahead and taking certain simple steps, it is possible to reduce that risk and maintain health and safety conditions through prolonged periods of emergency.

Some of the most important diabetes supplies that need to be in a disaster kit include:

Food
• Packaged or canned foods from the diabetic’s normal meal plan. Stock pop-top cans; not those that require a can opener.
• Several gallons of water
• Sugar-free and regular pudding or candies
• Glucose tabs
Diabetes Supplies - Medicines
• Extra insulin (if prescribed) and syringes
• Prescription medications
• Approved anti-inflammatory and fever reducers
• Cough and cold medicines, sugar free
Other Diabetes Supplies to include
• Medical alert bracelet
• Lancets, monitoring system or meter
• Batteries for the monitoring system or meters
• Thermometer
• Glucagon kit
• Cool pack to keep supplies at the proper temperature
• Antibacterial soap
The alternative to being well prepared when a natural disaster strikes is for the patient with diabetes to be separated from food, communication and necessities to control the disease until emergency personnel are on the scene. Facing the fact that natural disasters do occur and planning for them is the best way for the patient to avoid panic, a higher risk should the unforeseen happen and to stay safe. Katrina is one recent example of why emergency kits are an important part of every home.

A standard emergency kit for all households contains necessities such as food and water, as well as a flashlight and extra batteries, blankets and pillows for each person in the home, a First aid kit, a battery powered radio, toiletries and emergency contact lists. The diabetic needs to have a fully stocked disaster kit that includes all of the standard supplies as well as the diabetes supplies that he or she cannot do without. It is recommended that all people store three days worth of supplies in a waterproof, insulated container that is easily identifiable and stored in a location that is easy to get to. In some circumstances it may be advisable that diabetics keep a smaller disaster kit in their vehicle; again, containing necessary diabetic supplies in addition to blankets and extra food.

A disaster kit is one necessary safety measure; but a plan of action is also necessary to maintain the highest degree of safety for a diabetic in an emergency situation. Families should develop a plan that includes ways to exit the home and where family members will meet up. People who live alone can develop a plan with neighbors so they are not left to fend for themselves should a natural disaster occur. That plan should include making sure that family and neighbors know where the emergency kit of diabetes supplies is stored. By working together, families and neighbors can minimize risk for the diabetic and maintain health and safety for all involved even in the most difficult of times.

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