DSHS Issues Health-Related Evacuation Tips

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has issued the following checklist of health-related items people evacuating ahead of Hurricane Rita should take with them. 

• Birth certificates
• Immunization records for children and adults
• Driver license or other photo ID
• Social Security cards
• Health insurance cards and policies
• Prescription medications and containers
• Any unfilled written prescriptions
• List of medications taken by family members
• Three- to five-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person per day)
• Three- to five-day supply of canned and other non-perishable foods
• Special foods for diabetics and others with special dietary needs
• Baby food, formula, diapers and other supplies for infants
• Fruits and vegetables
• Manual can opener
• Water-purifier, such as unscented chlorine bleach or iodine tables
• Soap, toothpaste, tissue and other personal hygiene supplies
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Disposable cleaning cloths or wipes
• First aid kit
• Extra eyeglasses, contacts and solutions
• Sleeping bags or blankets, sheets, pillows

       

DSHS officials also are encouraging people to honor any evacuation orders.