Prepare for a Hurricane: First Aid and Medical Care
- Category: In The News, Severe Weather, Wellness, Emergency Medicine
- Posted On:
- Written By: Emma James-Wilson
Being prepared for a hurricane is important to protect your health and safety. Storms can cause power outages, pharmacy closures, and delays in emergency care. Planning ahead can help you stay safe until services return to normal.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30, 2026. Gathering your home medical supplies, staying informed through local news, and using local resources are smart ways to keep you and your family healthy during and after a storm.
What Should I Put in My Hurricane First Aid Kit?
It may take longer to get medical care during a hurricane, so it’s a good idea to prepare in advance.
If possible, keep at least an extra one-month supply of your prescription medications. Pharmacies and doctors’ offices may be closed after the storm. Be sure to also stock up on:
- Extra contact lenses or glasses
- Inhalers
- Insulin and diabetic supplies
- Extra batteries, especially for battery-powered medical devices
Your hurricane first aid kit should help you handle minor injuries until you can get professional care. Include:
- Bandages (various sizes)
- Gauze and medical tape
- Alcohol wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
View the comprehensive Red Cross first aid kit checklist here for a more detailed list of supplies.
You should also download and fill out a Personal Medical Information Form. Keep it in a waterproof container with your emergency kit and important documents. This medical information can help first responders treat you quickly in an emergency.
How Can I Find Out What’s Open at North Oaks?
Before and after a storm, North Oaks Health provides updates through a public information line: (985) 230-INFO (4636)
You can call this number to learn about:
- Medical preparations before the storm
- Special needs shelters
- Which North Oaks clinics and services are open or closed
- Local pharmacy and healthcare resources available after the storm
You can also listen for updates on local radio stations, including:
- 90.9 FM The Lion
- WFPR 1400 AM
- WHMD 107.1 FM
- WJBO 1150 AM
- WTGG 96.5 FM
- WWL AM 870 / FM 105.3
When Should I Call 911?
During a hurricane, it’s important to stay calm and make safe decisions. If local officials tell you to evacuate, do so right away. Waiting too long can leave you stranded without help because of strong winds and flooding.
However, some health problems cannot wait until after the storm passes. Call 911 immediately if you experience:
- Severe injuries, broken bones, or deep cuts
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or chest pain
- Signs of a stroke, heart problem, or diabetic emergency
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Severe allergic reactions
- Heatstroke or serious heat illness
- Possible poisoning or overdose
Emergency teams focus on the most serious cases first, so you may have to wait longer for help if your condition isn’t life-threatening.
If someone is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position, unless you think they have a neck injury—then do not move them. If needed, begin CPR or rescue breathing if you are trained.
What Health Issues Can Wait?
Some conditions can safely wait until after the storm, when regular medical care is available. These include:
- Fever
- Minor cuts or burns
- Sprains or strains
- Mild stomach problems
- Non-severe headaches
- Eye irritation
- Mild allergic reactions
- Routine medication refills
- Regular check-ups
What Else Can I Do to Prepare For A Hurricane?
Hurricane preparation takes planning, whether you choose to stay or evacuate. Helpful resources include:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- National Hurricane Center
- American Red Cross
- Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
- Tangipahoa Parish Homeland Security
- Louisiana State Police
Stay Ready. Stay Safe.
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before the storm hits. Make your emergency first aid kit early, know how to keep track of local updates, and use trusted resources if you choose not to evacuate before the storm arrives.
During hurricane season and always, North Oaks Health is here to support you. Stay informed by calling (985) 230-4636 or listening to one of our media partners for local radio updates.
