Stock up on medical supplies as peak of hurricane season nears

Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Gracia Wheatley-Smith is urging residents with chronic health conditions to have an additional supply of medication on hand as the peak of the hurricane season draws closer.

Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma should ensure they have at least a month’s supply of medication to prepare for any storm’s impact, according to the Pharmaceutical Services boss.

“Sometimes, based on the forecast of the storms, there may not be sufficient time to go to the pharmacy and have medication prescriptions filled,” Wheatley-Smith explained. “Weather conditions may deteriorate quickly causing early closure of pharmacies or impassable roads. That is why it is imperative for persons with chronic conditions to be adequately prepared as we enter the peak of the hurricane season,” she said.

Additionally, parents were advised to have pain and fever medications should the need arise. Safety precautions are also recommended in storing these medications.

“In preparing, we also have to make sure that we think about the children and their medical and pharmaceutical needs and ensure they are adequately prepared as well,” she said.

This message comes after TS Ernesto affected the territory on August 13 with heavy rainfall and strong winds, causing flash flooding in some areas.

Although some residents reported minimal indoor flooding, the majority of the damage affected outdoor infrastructure.

Government offices and businesses including pharmacies and health centres were closed as a safety measure, thus highlighting Smith’s caution to the public.

Though the storm has passed, the public has been urged by officials to exercise caution, patience, and, most importantly, make preparations as the territory heads into the busiest period of the hurricane season.

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