As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, it’s essential for everyone to be prepared, especially those with cancer. Living in Central Florida means that we must often navigate the challenges that hurricanes bring, but if you’re undergoing cancer treatment, there are extra steps you’ll need to take to ensure your health and safety. Here’s additional information from the State of Florida which also includes links to individual counties such as Orange County.
This post will guide you through key preparations, from securing your medications to understanding how hospitals prepare for the storm. Whether you’re receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or another form of treatment, a little planning can go a long way in making sure you stay safe and on track during this time.
1. Secure Your Medications and Treatment Plan
One of the most important things to do as a cancer patient before a hurricane hits is to make sure you have an adequate supply of your medications and treatment essentials.
- Stock up on medications: Make sure you have at least a two-week supply of all your medications, including chemotherapy pills, pain medications, and any other drugs you take regularly.
- Waterproof your medications: Store your medications in waterproof containers or sealed bags to prevent any damage from water or moisture.
- Check with your pharmacy: If you’re running low, contact your pharmacy as soon as possible to refill your prescriptions. Many pharmacies may close during and after the storm.
- Portable medical devices: If you use portable medical devices (e.g., oxygen concentrators, infusion pumps), ensure you have extra batteries or a backup power source ready.
2. Communicate with Your Cancer Care Team
It’s vital to stay in contact with your cancer care team before, during, and after the storm. Here’s how to keep that communication going:
- Ask about your treatment schedule: If your treatment is scheduled during the storm, call or text your oncologist’s office via the portal to find out if appointments will be rescheduled or if an alternative plan is in place. Things may change day by day, so be sure to double check the day of treatment.
- Know your treatment center’s emergency plan: Many hospitals and cancer centers have contingency plans for hurricanes. Ask your care team about how they handle power outages and storm-related disruptions. Major hospitals have generators and backup systems, so it is one of the safest places to be during a major storm, in my opinion.
- Get contact information: Make sure you have contact information for your oncologist, treatment center, and pharmacy. Keep this information in a safe, accessible place. Despite the weather, there will be a team of nurses, staff, physicians, specialist who will have to bunker down in the hospital during the time period to avoid driving during the weather.
3. Prepare for Potential Power Outages
Many cancer treatments, such as infusion therapies, require stable electricity, and some patients use home medical equipment that depends on power.
- Backup power for medical equipment: If you rely on devices like oxygen machines or IV pumps, ensure you have backup batteries or a generator to keep them running.
- Plan for refrigerated medications: Certain medications, such as biologics or injectable cancer treatments, need refrigeration. Make sure you have a cooler and ice packs ready in case of a power outage.
4. Evacuation Plans and Special Needs Shelters
If evacuation is recommended for your area, you need to have a plan in place that considers your medical needs.
- Locate special needs shelters: Florida offers shelters specifically designed for people with medical conditions. These shelters have backup power and can provide support for patients with special medical requirements. Contact your local county emergency management office to pre-register for these shelters.
- Bring medical documentation: If you need to evacuate, bring a copy of your medical records, current medications, and any other critical health information.
- Inform your caregivers: If you have a home healthcare provider, let them know about your evacuation plans in advance.
5. Hospitals and Emergency Care: What You Need to Know
Hospitals across Florida take extensive precautions before and after hurricanes to ensure that they can continue providing care, especially to vulnerable patients like those undergoing cancer treatment.
- Pre-hurricane preparations: Hospitals take numerous steps to secure their facilities before the storm. They stock up on medical supplies, ensure backup generators are ready, and plan for additional staffing needs to manage patient care during and after the hurricane.
- After the storm: In the aftermath of a hurricane, hospitals often experience a surge in patients needing care. They work tirelessly to handle the increased demand, but it’s important to recognize that outpatient services and elective treatments may be delayed.
- If you’re hospitalized during the storm: Know that hospitals have detailed plans to protect inpatients. From securing medication supplies to ensuring that critical treatments like chemotherapy continue, hospitals prioritize patient safety.
6. Emotional Well-being and Support During a Hurricane
Facing a hurricane is stressful for everyone, and it can be even more overwhelming when you’re dealing with cancer treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out for emotional support.
- Talk to your support network: Make sure you stay connected with family, friends, and support groups. Having someone to talk to can ease anxiety during these challenging times.
- Reach out to your cancer care team: Many oncology centers offer emotional support services and counseling. Let your care team know if you’re feeling overwhelmed so they can provide resources.
Final Thoughts: Safety First
As Hurricane Milton approaches, the safety of you and your loved ones is the top priority. Preparing in advance ensures that you can stay focused on your health and treatment, even in the midst of a storm. Remember, while hurricanes bring challenges, hospitals and healthcare providers are well-prepared to continue caring for patients both during and after the storm.
If you have any questions about how to prepare, don’t hesitate to contact your oncology team. We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through it with proper planning and care.
For many of us in the medical field, his journey represents what’s possible when science, hope, and humanity come together. As we celebrate his remarkable life, we also look forward with optimism to a future where more and more patients can share in such stories of long-term survival and meaningful quality of life.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas is a distinguished medical professional and a compassionate guide in the field of oncology. With over a decade of dedicated experience as a board-certified medical oncologist/internal medicine specialist, Dr. Thomas has become a trusted expert in the treatment of melanoma, sarcoma, and gastrointestinal conditions. With his many years of experience, he brings a wealth of expertise to the complex and challenging world of oncology. About Dr Thomas – MedOncMD