DIABETES & EMERGENCIES

DISASTER KIT

Disasters can strike at any time and often without warning.

Are you prepared?
• Have your disaster supplies in a bag that you can carry
• Make sure to check the expiry dates of items such as food, medication, and medical supplies. If necessary, renew these items every 12 months

Food
Canned or dried food for at least 3 days.
Here are some suggestions:
• Canned unsweetened fruit e.g. peaches
• Canned fish e.g. tuna or salmon in spring or brine water
• Baked beans
• Canned or packet soup
• Carbohydrate foods e.g. wholegrain crackers, rice, or pasta
• Weet-Bix, unsweetened cereals, or muesli in a waterproof container
• Dried milk powder or long life milk
• Nuts e.g. peanuts or almonds
• Jar of peanut butter or your favourite spread
• Pet food and baby food if needed
• Enough bottled water for 3 days (3 litres per person per day). Do not use milk bottles, as leftover milk may contaminate the water. Ensure you refresh your water supplies on a regular basis
• Quick acting carbohydrate for the treatment of hypos e.g. glucose tablets or jelly beans

Health/Hygiene
• Toiletries e.g. towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap
• Toilet paper
• Rubbish bags
• Towels
• 2 buckets- one for water and one for a temporary toilet
• First aid kit (including Panadol, sun-block, safety pins)
• Face and dust masks

Medication and medical supplies
At least two weeks supply:
• First aid kit
• Syringes and/or needles, or pens
• Blood glucose meter with spare batteries and test strips (30 days supply- check the date on your strips regularly)
• Insulin and/or diabetes medication in an insulated container if possible
• Other medication e.g. blood pressure, allergy, or heart pills
• Insulin pump supplies if needed
• List of insulin pump settings
• Written instructions from your diabetes team for an insulin regimen to use when off an insulin pump (along with appropriate insulins)
• Glucagon emergency kit
• Alcohol swabs or antibacterial wipes
• Blood glucose log book and pencil
• Empty sharps container for used lancets and needles
• Finger pricker and lancets
• MedicAlert or similar identification

Clothes
• Wind/waterproof clothing
• Warm clothing
• Durable and comfortable outdoor shoes

Other Supplies
• Cash
• Sharp knife
• Can opener
• Plastic cups, plates and utensils
• Portable gas cooker, and extra gas
• Pot for boiling water/heating food
• Torch
• Battery operated radio
• Spare batteries- check them every 3 months
• Whistle (so you can be heard)
• Spare glasses, and hearing/mobility aids
• Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof container
• Important documents in a waterproof bag/container e.g. birth/marriage certificate, passport, financial documents, your doctor’s contact details, list of allergies and medications you take and prescriptions
• Extra cellphone batteries and charger
• Nappies if required

For more information visit the Get Ready, Get Thru website.