Your Hurricane Resource Guide: Get Medically Prepared

Being medically prepared during a hurricane is vital to protect your health and safety when access to care may be limited. Storms can cause your home to lose power, close your pharmacy, and make it harder to get help in an emergency.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs until November 30, 2025. Getting your hurricane first aid kit ready, staying updated with local news and taking advantage of local resources are smart ways to keep you and your family safe and healthy during and after the storm.

What should I put in my hurricane first aid kit?

In the chaos of a storm, you may not be able to receive medical attention as quickly as usual. If possible, keep an extra month's supply of any prescription drugs you might take because doctors or pharmacies may not be open right away after the storm has passed. Don’t forget to stock up on extra contact lenses, inhalers, insulin, extra batteries or other supplies for battery-powered medical devices you may need.

The purpose of your hurricane first aid kit is to hold you over until you can access professional help during an emergency. If possible, your kit should include bandages of all sizes, medical tape, gauze, alcohol wipes and 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 the Personal Medical Information Form. Store it in your waterproof hurricane emergency kit with your other emergency supplies and important documents so you can keep track of your health information wherever you are. The medical information on the form is also helpful to first responders if a crisis occurs and you need medical attention.

How do I know what’s open at North Oaks during and after the storm?

When a hurricane approaches our community, North Oaks Health System sets up a public information line at (985) 230-INFO (4636). This line provides essential medical information like:

• Medical preparations to make before the storm
• Special needs and medical shelters information
• Which healthcare services are available at North Oaks facilities and North Oaks physician offices (such as elective procedure cancellations, closures and reopening dates)
• Which local pharmacy services and other medical resources are open once the storm passes, and our community moves into the recovery phase.

If you have access to a radio, you can tune into updates from our media partners, including:

• 90.9 FM The Lion
• WFPR 1400 AM
• WHMD 107.1 FM
• WJBO 1150 AM
• WTGG Tangi 96.5 FM
• WWL AM 870 / FM 105.3.

How can I tell the difference between an emergency and a health situation that can wait until after the hurricane?

During a hurricane, it’s important to stay calm and be prepared. If local officials issue an evacuation order, follow it right away—staying behind could leave you trapped without access to emergency services. Dangerous conditions like flooded or blocked roads can make travel impossible, and emergency resources may be limited or overwhelmed.

But sometimes urgent medical issues don’t wait for the storm to pass. If one of the following health situations occurs, don’t hesitate to call 911 immediately.

• Severe Injuries: Significant trauma, broken bones or deep lacerations.
• Breathing Difficulties: Difficulty breathing, wheezing or chest pain.
• Worsening Medical Conditions: Conditions like heart problems, strokes or diabetic emergencies that are rapidly deteriorating.
• Loss of Consciousness: Unresponsiveness or fainting.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions.
• Heat-related illnesses: Severe heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
• Possible Poisoning or Overdoses: If someone has ingested a harmful substance.

Medical teams will 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 or semiconscious, place them in the recovery position unless you suspect a neck injury—then do not move them. After calling 911, begin CPR or rescue breathing if needed until help arrives, if you know how.

Situations that can wait until after the hurricane is over and your regular healthcare provider has resumed normal business hours include:

• Fever
• Minor cuts or burns
• Sprains or strains
• Mild stomach issues
• Non-severe headaches or migraines
• Eye irritation or discharge
• Minor allergic reactions
• Routine medication refills
• Chronic condition check-ups

What else can I do to prepare for a hurricane?

Preparing for a hurricane means a lot of planning, whether you choose to evacuate or ride out the storm. We've listed some helpful resources below.

• United States Department of Homeland Security
• National Hurricane Center
• American Red Cross
• Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
• Tangipahoa Parish Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
• Louisiana State Police

Get prepared. Stay safe.

Remember that the best time to prepare for a hurricane is long before the storm ever comes close to landfall. Protect your health and safety by getting your hurricane first aid kit ready, keeping up with the local news and checking out state and national hurricane preparedness resources.

During hurricane season and always, North Oaks Health System is here for you. Stay informed by calling (985) 230-4636 or tuning into one of our media partners for the latest storm updates.