June is National Safety Month. One important way to stay safe is to prepare in case of an emergency. In 2025, the U.S. had 23 weather-related disasters, which caused almost 300 deaths.1 Even more people were hurt or lost their homes. Many lost access to basic resources like electricity and water.
Preparing for a natural disaster is extra important when you have a health condition like COPD. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:
- Keep a 30-day supply of medications on hand. Check the expiration dates often to make sure they are still good.
- Write down important phone numbers. This includes contact info for your family, health care provider(s), pharmacy, and insurance company. You want to be able to access these numbers even if your phone dies.
- Pack an emergency kit. Include your back-up medications and chargers or batteries for medical equipment. Also pack a refillable water bottle and food such as granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruits, and nuts.
- Put together a basic first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit includes bandages, medical tape, and antibiotic cream.
- If you use portable oxygen, think about what you would do if your home lost power. Make sure the battery backup system is charged. Consider getting a generator, which can provide electricity even if your area loses power. Keep a back-up oxygen system, tanks, and supplies so you always have what you need.
For more info about emergency preparedness with COPD, download the COPD Foundation’s Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Tell us in the comments: What steps have you taken to prepare for an emergency? Do you have any tips or strategies to share?
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