People with limb loss who are in the path of Hurricanes should pay careful attention to local weather reports and emergency personnel. Above all, heed instructions to evacuate and make certain you inform emergency personnel that you have special needs.

Amputee Coalition of America Medical Director, Dr. Terrence Sheehan, cautions: “It's not enough to simply react in times of emergency. Advance preparation is needed to prevent, or at least minimize, damage and casualties. It's also not enough to rely on community services alone; you should also be as self-reliant as possible. Contact organizations such as your local emergency management agency, fire department, emergency medical services, and your local Red Cross for more information on how you can be prepared….Become familiar with your neighborhood, if you're not already, and where to find services you need and how to contact them.”

The Amputee Coalition of America recommends preparing a disaster survival kit. The kit should be based on your specific needs, but should include these basic items:

• battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• first-aid supplies, especially those you might need for your residual limb
• prescription and over the counter medications in original containers
• water-purifying tablets
• blanket and sleeping bag
• change of clothing, extra liners and sturdy  footwear
• personal hygiene items
• envelope of important documents, including contacts, ID cards, copies of prescriptions, medical records, bank account numbers, and cash
• list of family, friends, physicians and pharmacist, including a back-up contact person living outside the immediate area
• list of the style and serial numbers of your medical devices

For more information about preparing for a natural disaster see the following articles from the Amputee Coalition of America:

When Disaster Strikes - A Pocket Survival Guide
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/jan_feb_08/pocket_survival_guide.html

What's Your Motto? Be Prepared
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/inmotion/sep_oct_06/be_prepared.html

An evacuation preparedness guide for people with disabilities is available from the Center for Disabilty Issues and the Health Professions at:

http://www.cdihp.org/evacuation/toc.html