Gulf Coast Families Should Refill Prescriptions and Plan Dialysis and Oxygen Backup Before Isaias Arrives This Weekend

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For most households, preparation means water, food and fuel. For families caring for someone who relies on dialysis, home oxygen, insulin or other daily medicines, the timeline is tighter. Pharmacies and dialysis centers may close, roads can flood, and power can stay out for days after landfall.

The forecast is still changing, and no coastal watches or warnings were in effect as of the 4 a.m. CDT advisory on Wednesday. But the center said hurricane and storm surge watches will likely be needed for part of the northern Gulf Coast later Wednesday, so readers in New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Pensacola and Panama City should start planning now.

In its Wednesday morning forecast discussion, the hurricane center forecast that Isaias could peak near 110 mph over the central Gulf. “There is an increasing risk of dangerous wind and storm surge impacts along portions of the northern Gulf Coast,” forecasters wrote.

Fox Weather placed the most likely landfall zone between Biloxi, Mississippi, and Panama City, Florida, late Friday or early Saturday, with about 30 million people in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle facing possible effects. The hurricane center expects 3 to 6 inches of rain along the northern Gulf Coast through the weekend, with local totals up to 10 inches, along with life-threatening surf and rip currents.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 25 counties on Wednesday, Fox Weather reported. The storm’s track and strength can still shift, so families should follow each new advisory.

The simplest step is often the most overlooked. Families should refill daily medicines now rather than waiting until the storm is a day away, when pharmacy lines grow and some locations close early.

In Florida, a declared state of emergency triggers a state law requiring health insurers to waive time limits on early refills, according to Florida Board of Pharmacy guidance. Pharmacists there may also dispense up to a 30-day supply of essential medicine if they cannot readily reach the prescriber. Residents of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama should ask their pharmacist or insurer how early refills work under their plans.

Insulin and other medicines that need refrigeration require a plan for keeping them cool if the power goes out. The FDA advises throwing away medicine that has touched floodwater, even in its original container. It adds that if a medicine stored at the wrong temperature “is needed to sustain life (for example, insulin) and a replacement is not readily available, it may be used until you can get a new supply.”

Keep a written list of medicines, doses, doctors, and pharmacy numbers in a waterproof bag. Phone batteries die, and patient portals can go offline.

People on dialysis face one of the sharpest risks, because missed treatments can quickly become an emergency. The CDC advises dialysis patients to keep contact numbers for their doctor, their regular dialysis center, and another dialysis center nearby, and to follow the 3-Day Emergency Diet if treatment is disrupted. The Kidney Community Emergency Response hotline, 1-866-901-3773, is another resource. The CDC also recommends registering with water and power companies ahead of time for priority restoration of service.

Families using home oxygen, ventilators, feeding pumps, or power wheelchairs should contact their equipment supplier now about backup oxygen and batteries, and ask their utility whether it offers a medical priority program. Generators must run outdoors and away from windows, because their exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide.

Special needs shelters serve people with medical conditions who need help but not hospital care. In Florida, residents register through the state’s Special Needs Shelter Registry, and county emergency management offices can help. The Florida Department of Health advises bringing a 30-day supply of medicines, a medication list, vital medical equipment, backup power sources, special dietary foods, photo ID and insurance cards.

In Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, residents can call 211 or their parish or county emergency management office to ask about medical needs shelters and help with evacuation. Families should ask what medical support a shelter offers and bring their own equipment and supplies. Anyone who depends on electricity for life support and lives in a likely surge zone should consider leaving early, before roads become crowded.

People should call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, or swelling or shortness of breath after a missed dialysis session. Updated advisories are expected later Wednesday, and watches could be issued then. Families who finish their medical checklist early will face fewer hard choices if the storm strengthens as forecast.

When could Isaias reach the Gulf Coast? Forecasters expect it to approach the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, with landfall possible late Friday or early Saturday. Timing may change.

Which areas face the greatest risk? Current forecasts favor the coast between Biloxi and Panama City. New Orleans, Mobile and Pensacola could also see heavy rain, wind and surge.

Can I refill prescriptions early? Florida law requires insurers to waive early-refill limits during a declared state of emergency. In other states, ask your pharmacist or insurer.

What should dialysis patients do now? Keep contact numbers for a backup dialysis center and learn the 3-Day Emergency Diet. The KCER hotline is 1-866-901-3773.

How do I find a special needs shelter? Florida residents can use the state’s Special Needs Shelter Registry. Others can call 211 or their local emergency management office.