Hurricanes: Health and Safety

Before, during and after weather emergencies, it is important to have a plan in place for emergency medication, food and water, and medical supplies for both humans and animals. This is especially true for taking care of individuals with health concerns, particularly if the power goes out.

The following information will help you prepare.

Consumer Information

• Hurricane Season: Be Prepared

Food Safety

• Protect Food and Water During Storms - Includes these resources and more:
  • Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages, and Floods - What Consumers Need to Know
  • Food Safety for Consumers Returning Home After a Hurricane and/or Flooding
  • Power Outages - Key Tips for Consumers About Food Safety
  • Hurricanes and Floods - Key Tips for Consumers About Food and Water Safety

Your Pets

• Take Care of Your Pets Before Disaster Strikes
• Taking Care of Your Pets During Hurricanes and Floods

Your Drug Safety

• Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster
• Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency

Your Medical Devices

• FDA Offers Tips about Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters
• Medical Devices Requiring Refrigeration

 

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Industry Information

October 2024: The FDA is working continuously to address the shortages and supply disruptions to ensure patients have access to certain parenteral drugs, including IV solutions. For the most recent information on drug and biologic products that were impacted by Hurricane Helene, please see FDA’s Baxter Recovery webpage.

Food Safety

• Guidance for Industry: Use of Water by Food Manufacturers in Areas Subject to a Boil-Water Advisory
• Restaurants and Grocers Reopening After Hurricanes and Flooding
• A Notice to Growers, Food Manufacturers, Food Warehouse Managers, and Transporters of Food Products on How to Dispose of Contaminated Food
• A Notice to Growers, Food Manufacturers, Food Warehouse Managers, and Transporters of Food Products About the Safety of Food Affected by Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages
• Guidance for Industry: A Notice to Growers, Food Manufacturers, Food Warehouse Managers, and Transporters of Food Products on Decontamination of Transport Vehicles

Drugs

• Reporting Prescription Drug Sample Losses, Known Thefts, and Possible Diversion to the FDA in the Aftermath of a Natural Disaster

Medical Devices

• Disposal of Contaminated Devices

Clinical Investigations

• Contact Information for Questions about Clinical Investigations Affected by Natural Disasters

 

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Health Care Providers

• Reopening Dialysis Clinics after Restoration of Power and Water

• Impact of Severe Weather Conditions on Biological Products (Vaccines, Blood, Biologics)

 

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 Other Federal Agencies

• National Hurricane Center
• www.Ready.gov
• Hurricane Preparedness (National Weather Service)
• Disasters and Emergencies (USA.gov)
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Hurricanes (CDC)
• Disaster Assistance (FoodSafety.gov)

 

Resources

• Hurricane Preparedness
• Hurricanes (Ready.gov)
• Disasters and Emergencies (USA.gov)
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Hurricanes (CDC)
• Hurricanes (DHHS)
• Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water (EPA)
• Disaster Assistance (Foodsafety.gov)
• Ready.gov