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Living in New England or other parts of the country where weather tends to be unpredictable and often severe, it is essential that people with chronic illnesses and health problems make it a habit to prepare themselves for emergencies. Most of these will be weather-related but difficult situations, like loss of electricity, heat and water can last longer than expected.


As patients with a chronic illness, being prepared as much as possible is key to reducing the stress that comes from lack of preparation. It is no secret that stress is not our friend, especially if you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) or Fibromyalgia (FM).

This article is a detailed outline of what to prepare for so you don't have to think. However, keep in mind that each individual person may have to personalize the list. And in no way does it cover absolutely everything. Feel free to add your particulars to the list.

Contact your county government's emergency information management office and see what they have to offer for planning resources.

If you use services from your state, county or city as a disabled person, such as meals-on-wheels or home aid, contact them and ask what services they provide in an emergency and see if they maintain a list of disabled people on which you can be put. In a disaster, this means someone would be looking for you.


What to keep in your car

For automobiles: there are some specific things to keep in the car either for emergencies or for inclement weather, especially when we start another unpredictable winter in New England:


For your home or apartment

Depending on space, this may have to be adjusted. Plan on having at least a 3-day supply of food. As we have seen, outages can last for longer, so being prepared is important.

First, have a plan

What to put in an emergency grab bag— documentation

Contact Lists

– Your name, address, phone, and date of birth
– A list of children's names, birth dates and if in school or daycare, the name, address, phone number and name of contact person and/or      principal at the facility in case of an emergency. Do this for each child. 
– If adult children, list them with names (especially if females are married) addresses, phone numbers and relationship.You may know this      information, but in an emergency, others may not.
– List of pets names, vets, medical history
– List of emergency contacts including names, addresses, phone numbers and emails
– List of relatives to be notified with their names, phone numbers and their relationship to you
– Do Not Call list—many patient's families are not understanding and in fact, cause additional stress. This is a time and place to list the            relatives/friends not to call
– Name, address and phone number of attorney
– Name, address, phone of financial advisor, if applicable
– Name, address, phone and contact name at the bank you use

Legal Documents

– Copy of your social security card
– If disabled, disability papers whether social security disability, long term disability or supplemental disability insurance information
– Copy of the last year's tax return (needed to apply for loans and verify qualifications for income-based assistance etc.)
– Acceptable proof of citizenship for individuals not born in the United States (http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms)
– Legal copy of will and power of attorney documents
– Copy of birth certificate, adoption papers, military discharge notice, marriage certificate, divorce decree or other legal documents
– Mortgage or homeowner papers with account numbers and phone numbers and amount paid
– Property tax statement
– Utility company statements (these may be needed for federal help)
– If a renter, have a copy of your lease with pertinent phone numbers, and management office name and number, if appropriate

Financial Information

– Should you have any investments including retirement (manyME/ CFS patients are dirt poor) a list of said investments as well as the            name, address and phone number of your financial planner or investment advisor
– Employer information and a copy of pay stub
– Bank names, addresses, phone numbers and account numbers with balance information
– Title or loan papers for automobile with bank name and account and phone numbers
– Charge card and debit card names, account numbers and phone numbers to call, and date of last payment with amount

Insurance Information

– Insurance information such as company name, phone number, agent's name and account number for home
– Insurance information such as company name, phone number, agent's name and account number for apartment
– Insurance information such as company name, phone number, agent's name and account number for car
– Insurance information such as company name, phone number, agent's name and account number for healthcare
– If you have any other type of insurance, include this information as well

Medical Information

– A list with names, addresses, specialty and phone numbers for all your physicians
– A list of all medications including over the counter drugs you take, along with dosages, MARK THIS LIST WITH A RED CHECKMARK to            facilitate finding it faster
– Medical history list—this can be an outline of surgeries, diagnosis and allergies. MARK THIS LIST WITH A RED CHECKMARK to facilitate          finding it faster
– Copy of your latest eyeglass prescription
– Copy of name, serial number and information of any medical assist devices in use
– Name, phone number and address of your pharmacy
– If applicable, hospital name and number with patient account numbers (you can always get another plastic card)
– For each child, duplicate the above list and ADD vaccination record
– For pets, include their veterinarian's name, address and phone number with vaccination papers and any medical issues if applicable

General Information

– Computer list of passwords (needs to be kept up to date) in a hard copy. You can back it up on a flash drive.
– Any computer files that are important can be put on a flash drive
– If you are a veteran, obtain copies of your Military DD214


Checklist of supplies that you should have readily available

Food and Kitchen Supplies:

Household Supplies:

Medical Supplies:

General Supplies:

For folks whose lose power and have gas hot water heater and/or stove, it may be possible to light the pilot light on the hot water heater using a long handle butane lighter. Check with your manufacturer or a plumber. To light a gas stove pilot light, use the same type of lighter, turn on the gas slowly and light the pilot light on the stove. Do not put your face down into the stove to watch!

Snowstorms and hurricanes are common to our area. However, 2011 showed us we also have to be aware of tornadoes and earthquakes—2011 saw it all. Should the household have to be evacuated, for whatever reason, there are a few precautions CFS/FM patients, or any chronically ill person, should take. Since a timeline is not known for returning, the reasoning is better to be prepared and not need something, than need it and not be prepared.


In case of evacuation take-with items:

Although this looks like a long list, do a little at a time, and before you know it, it will be done. Start with the Emergency Grab Bag of Documentation, as that is probably the most important, next to your medications.

For additional generalized information, check out the following sources:

Information for how to deal with disasters and emergencies, as compiled by the CDC, Disaster Information for People With Chronic Conditions and Disabilities. 

A government website (sponsored by FEMA) offering a lot of valuable information for how to get ready for many weather-related emergencies such as Winter Weather survival