Get ready! Disaster preparedness for people with epilepsy

October 2, 2017 It’s been an active hurricane season, with many Americans affected by evacuations, flooding, storm damage, and power outages. Unfortunately, hurricane season is not over yet, and winter storms are just around the corner. Now is a good time to learn how to prepare for the special needs of people with epilepsy during a natural disaster. Spotlight: Epilepsy & Disaster Preparedness You can’t stop a natural disaster, but you can take steps now to protect yourself and your family, especially those with medical needs such as epilepsy. Build an emergency kit Check out this checklist to know what to include in your emergency kit. You may need to survive on your own for many days after an emergency. To be prepared, you will need enough food, water, and other supplies, such as seizure control medicines, to last at least 72 hours. Get Help If you need help with epilepsy medicines or other support after a disaster, help is available. CDC supports the Epilepsy Foundation to conduct a 24/7 helpline. You can speak with trained information specialists who will connect you to local resources. Make sure your medicine is safe It’s important to check all medicine after a natural disaster. Learn about recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the use of medicines that may have been affected by fire, flooding, or unsafe water after a natural disaster.