THMP – Disaster Preparedness for THMP Clients
Disaster Preparedness Steps
Step 1: Get Ready
- Keep your prescriptions up to date.
- Ask your doctor to give you a copy of helpful medical information, and keep that information with you.
- Keep track of approaching storms via weather forecasts. Be sure to refill your prescriptions a few days before a storm arrives; do not wait until the last minute!
Step 2: Evacuate when instructed and take:
- All of your medications in their original bottles (with labels attached).
- A backup list of all medications you take and their dosages (use the Hurricane Preparedness form).
- Helpful medical information.
- Your clinic’s name, your doctor’s name, and phone number.
- Your medical and insurance cards.
- Picture identification, Social Security card, and any important legal papers.
- Medical equipment and supplies (dentures, glucometers & strips, nebulizers, and crutches).
- Personal hygiene items.
- Water, non-perishable food, and cash.
- The Hurricane Preparedness form with your medications and important numbers.
Step 3: Medication, Medication, Medication
- Make sure you bring all medications with you.
- If your HIV medications are running out, do not skip doses to stretch them out. Get refills as soon as possible!
- If you run out of one of your HIV medications – stop all of your HIV medications until you can get refills. Taking incomplete doses of your HIV regimen could lead to therapy complications later.
- Do not stop taking other medications for other medical conditions unrelated to your HIV infection. Seek refills from a local provider or pharmacy.
- If you evacuate or your normal pharmacy is closed, call the Texas HIV Medication Program at 800-255-1090. You can speak to any staff person to find out how to get your medications.