Health and Fitness

FDA Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Agency urges consumers to ensure safety of food, water, medical supplies

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Silver Spring, Maryland–(ENEWSPF)–August 26, 2011.  The FDA reminds consumers to take precautions for storing water and ensuring the safety of their food and medical supplies for themselves and their pets during and after this week’s expected hurricane-related rain, possible flooding and power outages.

The agency also reminds consumers that it is important to have a plan in place for emergency medication and medical supplies for both people and animals. This is especially true for those with health concerns, particularly if the power goes out.

In general, FDA encourages consumers to:

Food

Water

  • Area health departments will determine whether local tap water can be used for drinking. If the water cannot be used or is questionable, and bottled water is not available, then use the directions in the next bullet to purify it.  
  • Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present. If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle and draw off the clear water for boiling. Boil the water for one minute, let it cool and store it in clean containers with covers.   
  • For more information, see Food Safety for Consumers Returning Home After a Hurricane and/or Floodinghttp://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm076993.htm

Pets

  • If you have to leave your home, take your pet with you if at all possible. You are the best person to take care of your pet.  
  • Pets should be contained in a carrier or on a leash.  
  • Emergencies can make pets display unexpected or uncharacteristic behaviors. It may take several weeks before your pet’s behavior is back to normal.  
  • Allow your pet plenty of time to rest and get used to new surroundings. Provide familiar toys, if possible.  
  • For more information see Taking Care of Pets During a Disaster or Emergencyhttp://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ResourcesforYou/ucm047099.htm

Drugs Exposed to Water

  • For lifesaving drugs exposed to water, when replacements may not be readily available, if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected –if the pills are dry—the pills may be used until a replacement can be obtained. However, if the pill is wet it is contaminated and should be discarded.  
  • Other drug products (pills, oral liquids, drugs for injections, inhalers, skin medications) —even those in their original containers—should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood or contaminated water. In the ideal setting, capsules, tablets, and liquids in drug containers with screw-top caps, snap lids, or droppers, should be discarded if they are contaminated. In addition, medications that have been placed in any alternative storage containers should be discarded if they have come in contact with flood or contaminated water.  
  • For more information, see Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/ucm085200.htm

Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency

  • As a general rule, insulin loses its potency according to the temperature it is exposed to and length of that exposure. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86 °F. Such extreme temperatures may cause insulin to lose potency, which could result in loss of blood glucose control over time.  
  • In any case, you should try to keep insulin as cool as possible. Try to keep insulin away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight, but if you are using ice, also avoid freezing the insulin.  
  • When properly stored insulin becomes available, discard and replace the insulin vials that have been exposed to these extreme conditions.  
  • For more information see Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergencyhttp://www.fda.gov/Drugs/EmergencyPreparedness/ucm085213.htm

Medical Devices

Vaccines, Blood, Biologics

Find more information for consumers and industry on all FDA-regulated products at
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064572.htm

For more hurricane preparedness information: Hurricanes at http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html

Source: fda.gov

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