Free Diabetic Supplies

As most of us know, this year has been a very active hurricane season.  We are not even at the end of the season yet and the most recent hurricane starts with the letter “P”, leaving only 10 letters until we reach the end of the alphabet!

Hurricanes are a force of nature that folks in the Gulf States and southeast states have lived with for years, though many of the hurricanes in more recent years have been much more forceful and destructive than in past decades.

Every area of the country – and the world – has its forces of nature.  The west – especially California – has earthquakes.  The middle has tornadoes, and much of the north, middle and eastern United States have snow and ice storms as well as blizzards.

Because of these conditions which often come with little or no warning, it is important to have some sort of emergency kit packed.  Most people know what they would grab if they had to leave their homes quickly, but many do not have a small bag packed.  An emergency kit makes good sense – simply a sweater or sweatshirt, change of undies and clothes, some water and water purifier tablets or filter (which can be purchased at most stores that sell camping equipment), and whatever else you feel is important to take with you.

One of the most important things that people fail to pack in an emergency kit is their medication.  Some folks can get away with not taking their meds; however, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart issues, it is essential to pack medicine in your kit.  A person on insulin or other diabetes medication must take their meds when prescribed or the results could be fatal.  The same goes with other illnesses.

It is essential that you pack enough to last for at least a few days.  Some people make the mistake of packing enough for a day or so, but as the situations with many of the disasters we have seen in the past few years show, it is very possible to be out of your home for a week or more.  If you have at least several days worth of medication (a week’s worth is suggested), as well as your blood glucose meter, blood pressure meter and any other normal supplies, there will be time for first aid/nurses/doctors wherever you temporarily go, to try to get you more medication as help becomes available.

So, as soon as possible, when you have a few minutes to spare, put together a small emergency kit for each member of your family and include meds and any other basic items that are needed.  This does not have to be fancy.  Each person can have their items packed in a grocery bag, using zip-locks to keep individual items dry in case of flooding.  Then if you have to leave suddenly, each person can grab their bag, knowing that essentials – especially meds – are safely packed within to keep their health stable during an emergency.