Health tips for severe weather planning

Hurricane season is underway, and above-normal activity is predicted this year.

As COVID-19 is still a concern, there may be added stress when it comes to ensuring safety from severe weather and the spread of infection. Being properly prepared with medical supplies, and food and water, can help ensure personal safety and well-being.

“Past experiences show it can take one storm to have an impact, so it is important to make a plan for you and your family in advance of any severe weather event,” says Dr. Brittany Beel, a Mayo Clinic emergency medicine physician.

Location safety: “It is important to have a safe place to ride out a storm. You will also want to think about loved ones, such as elderly relatives and pets who might require special assistance,” says Dr. Beel.

In advance of a storm, she also recommends unplugging electronics that could become potential shock or fire hazards, especially if there is a risk of flooding. Also, think about the heat. “No electricity means no air conditioning, so that could lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion. I always recommend battery-powered fans to keep cool.”

Fire and gas safety: “Generators are popular items in areas where power outages are common. When operated safely, in a controlled environment, they are valuable,” says Dr. Michael P. Boniface, Mayo Clinic emergency medicine physician but reminds that they are a potential hazard for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced from the combustion of any material, including wood, charcoal, and gasoline. Risks for exposure increase during severe weather, says Dr. Boniface. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a vague array of common ailments, including headache, nausea, fatigue, and confusion.

“In the U.S., carbon monoxide is still a prevalent disease with the majority of exposure happening from portable generators,” he says. “But charcoal grills, propane grills and combustible furnaces also pose a risk.”

Dr. Boniface advises that grills and generators should only be used outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, and never on a covered patio or porch, or in a garage. He recommends checking the batteries in carbon monoxide detectors prior to a storm, and, if anyone exhibits signs of concern, seek medical attention immediately.

When the winds and rains of a hurricane finally end, a new danger emerges: “… injuries related to storm cleanup and exploration after the storm,” says Dr. Boniface.

He says chainsaw wounds are among the injuries that spike after a storm. Skin lacerations and punctures are also common during cleanup, as are injuries caused by falls.

Dr. Boniface says you can protect yourself during storm recovery by dressing appropriately.

“This includes long-sleeve shirts, thick leather work gloves if you’re going to be working and picking up and cleaning debris,” he explains. Dr. Boniface says to protect your feet with rugged closed-toe shoes. Wear a mask in areas where dust or mold may be present, and spray on insect repellent “…because you are going to be exposed to a lot of mosquitoes and other insects that are going to be equally displaced by the storm,” says Dr. Boniface.

Food and water safety: “While it’s important to stay hydrated with water, drinking only water isn’t enough. You also need drinks with electrolytes in them to make sure your body is replenished with the tools it needs to keep functioning. Electrolytes help your body use water effectively,” Dr. Beel says.

Also, she says that while you might be tempted to stock up on certain food prior to a storm, you should limit the amount of food that requires refrigeration. “This will be the first food to spoil if the power goes out. You don’t want food poisoning during a severe weather event.”

She notes that you should check expiration dates on canned foods and rotate out items, as needed.

First-aid and medications: Review health care necessities in advance of a severe weather event, reminds Dr. Beel. “Create a list of all medications, including over-the-counter items, with the names, doses and conditions you are taking the medicine for. And you will want to ensure you have extra doses on hand—ideally seven to 10 days’ worth.”

Dr. Beel also says to think about any medical devices. “You will want to have a supply of batteries and backup power for equipment such as oxygen, glucose meters or other devices.”

Lastly, keep a list of health care professionals, phone numbers and medications in your emergency kit, as well as any important papers, such as health records, health care directives and living wills.