The Ministry of Health and Social Development is encouraging residents to take proactive measures to protect medications, insulin, medical devices, and other essential health supplies before, during, and after a hurricane.
Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Gracia Wheatley-Smith, said hurricane preparedness should begin well before a storm poses a threat to the Territory.
Residents living with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and other illnesses are being advised to maintain at least a one-month supply of prescription medications throughout the hurricane season. Wheatley-Smith also urged individuals to keep an updated list of all medications, including names and dosages, and to ensure medications are dispensed in secure containers rather than plastic bags.
According to the Ministry, medications should remain in their original containers and be stored in zip-locked plastic bags to provide an additional layer of protection against floodwaters. These supplies should be placed in areas of the home that are less likely to flood and included in household emergency preparedness kits.
Special precautions are also recommended for insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications. While most modern insulin products can remain unrefrigerated at temperatures between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) for up to 28 days, they should be kept away from direct heat and sunlight.
Parents and caregivers of children with asthma are encouraged to ensure they have a full or new asthma inhaler available and to inspect spacers for damage before a storm approaches.
The Ministry further advised residents to take all medications, medical supplies, and health records with them if evacuation becomes necessary. These items should be stored in waterproof plastic containers to prevent damage or loss.
Persons who rely on oxygen therapy are reminded to use battery-powered flashlights instead of gas-powered lamps or torches and to keep electrical equipment dry and protected during severe weather conditions.
Residents are also urged to continue taking medications as prescribed and closely monitor the storage conditions of temperature-sensitive medications during power outages.
Following a hurricane, individuals whose homes have been affected by rain or floodwaters should carefully inspect medications and medical supplies for signs of contamination or water damage.
“If medications remain dry and uncompromised, they may continue to be used. However, medications that have come into contact with floodwaters should be returned to a pharmacy for assessment and replacement. Residents are reminded not to discard potentially contaminated medications until advised to do so by a pharmacist or healthcare professional as this can help identify medications in the event your records are lost,” the Chief of Drugs advised.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it remains committed to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands through effective policies, sustainable programmes, and strategic partnerships that support a safe, healthy, and resilient society.