Although the following information was originally provided for evacuees in shelters, the same information applies to all residents - especially those returning to barrier island homes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SHELTER EVACUEES

U P O N       R E T U R N I N G      H O M E

FOOD SAFETY

Frozen and refrigerated foods can be unsafe after the hurricane.  Without electricity, refrigerators will keep foods cool for only about four hours. Thawed food can only be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold.”

“WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT”

SANITATION AND HYGIENE

·         Basic hygiene is very important during this emergency period.  Before eating and after toilet use, wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.  Also follow this practice after participating in any cleanup activity and after handling articles that may be contaminated from floodwater or sewage.

·        Do not allow children to play in floodwater.  They can be exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter.  Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been disinfected.  Use ¼ cup of bleach in one gallon of water.

PREVENTING MOSQUITO - BORNE  ILLNESS

·         To protect against mosquitoes, follow the “5 D’s” for prevention:

ü       Dusk and Dawn – Avoid the outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood.  For many species this is during the dusk and dawn hours.

ü       Dress – Wear clothing that covers skin areas.

ü       DEET – Use insect repellents containing the chemical DEET.  Products with concentrations of up to 30% DEET are generally recommended.  (It is not recommended to use DEET on children under 2 months of age.  Instead, infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting used over carriers).  If additional protection is needed, apply a permethrin repellant directly to your clothing.

ü      Drainage – Check your home to rid it of standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

REFILLING PRESCRIPTIONS AFTER THE HURRICANE

You can go to any licensed pharmacy, regardless of where the prescription was originally filled.

• Prescriptions dispensed in the emergency area may be refilled by any licensed pharmacy for up to a 30-day supply of medication.  This includes medication necessary for maintenance of life or chronic conditions.
• Pharmacists may choose to defer the usual telephone contact required when a prescription is transferred from one pharmacy to another.
• Pharmacists will use their professional judgment when filling prescriptions.
• People must bring label information to have their prescription filled.
• Hospitals with pharmacies may also refill prescriptions. 
• A pharmacy may or may not be able to bill the prescription to an insurance company.

** IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS **

FEMA  Federal Emergency Management Agency  1 800 621-3362

Red Cross 1 866  438-4636