Hurricane Prep for Diabetic Feet – What to Have on Hand
Prepare diabetic feet for hurricane season with essential supplies, prevention strategies, and post-storm care protocols specific to diabetic foot health.
By Dr. Robert Hoover, DPM, FACFAS
Hurricane Prep for Diabetic Feet – What to Have on Hand
Florida hurricane season brings its own challenges, but for people with diabetes, the risks extend beyond the storm itself. Diabetic feet are vulnerable to complications that hurricane situations can exacerbate—from foot injuries sustained during cleanup to infections developing in post-storm chaos, to inability to maintain regular foot care routines. Preparing ahead ensures you can protect your feet when access to healthcare becomes difficult and normal routines are disrupted.
Why Diabetic Feet Need Special Hurricane Preparation
Diabetes affects your feet in multiple ways: reduced sensation from neuropathy, impaired wound healing from high blood glucose levels, and increased infection risk from compromised immune function. In normal times, these complications are manageable with regular foot checks and healthcare access. During hurricanes—when you might be sheltering in place, wading through contaminated water, or dealing with injuries—these vulnerabilities become critical.
Understanding these risks and preparing specifically for them can prevent complications that might take months to resolve.
Essential Foot Care Supplies to Stock
Wound Care Supplies
Sterile Gauze and Dressings: Stock a substantial supply of sterile gauze, medical tape, elastic bandages, and specialized diabetes-friendly wound dressings. Foot wounds in diabetic patients require meticulous care, and you may not have hospital access immediately post-storm.
Antibiotic Ointment: Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments (like Neosporin) should be applied to any foot wounds immediately. Stock several tubes.
Saline Solution: For cleaning wounds and irrigating cuts, sterile saline solution is safer than tap water (which might be contaminated post-storm).
Antiseptic Wipes: Alcohol or chlorhexidine-based wipes for cleaning wounds and preparing skin.
Hydrogen Peroxide or Povidone-Iodine: For more thorough wound cleaning, though use with caution as these can irritate skin in diabetic patients.
Protective Equipment
Heavy-Duty Gloves: Thick, waterproof gloves protect hands and feet during cleanup. Avoid wading or walking through debris-laden water barefoot or in inadequate footwear. The NIDDK diabetes foot-problems page is blunt about shoes in general: don't walk barefoot or in just socks, even indoors—you may not feel a cut.
Waterproof Shoe Covers: If you must wade through water, protective shoe covers reduce contamination exposure.
Socks: Extra moisture-wicking, seamless socks prevent blistering and moisture retention. Stock multiple pairs.
Protective Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes appropriate for cleanup work. Flip-flops and sandals expose feet to injury during active recovery.
Medications and Supplies
Prescribed Topical Medications: If you use prescription antibiotics or other foot-specific medications, maintain an extra supply beyond your regular stock.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) help manage any foot pain or discomfort.
Antifungal Medications: Post-storm moisture and fungal exposure increase infection risk. Stock antifungal powder or cream.
Antihistamine Cream: For itching related to minor irritation or insect bites.
Insulin and Blood Glucose Monitoring: Stock extra insulin if you're insulin-dependent, plus extra lancets, test strips, and glucose monitoring supplies. Blood glucose control is critical for foot healing.
Hygiene and Comfort Items
Gentle Soap and Washcloths: Mild, fragrance-free soap and soft washcloths for daily foot cleansing.
Moisturizer: Fragrance-free foot lotion prevents dry skin and cracking. Avoid lotion between toes (risk of maceration).
Nail Care Tools: Clean, sterile nail clippers and files. Improperly trimmed nails can cause injuries in diabetic feet.
Foot Bath or Basin: A clean container for soaking feet and inspecting them thoroughly.
Clean Towels: Designated foot towels keep feet clean and dry.
Hurricane-Specific Foot Care Strategies
Before the Storm
Get a Professional Foot Assessment: Schedule an appointment with your podiatrist before hurricane season to ensure feet are healthy and any existing problems are addressed. This reduces risk of complications if you're unable to access care for weeks post-storm.
Trim Nails Carefully: Cut toenails straight across at a moderate length. In post-storm chaos, you won't want foot problems from ingrown nails. If you're unable to trim safely, have a podiatrist do it.
Address Existing Problems: Bunions, hammertoes, calluses, or other foot concerns are best managed before storm season when healthcare is accessible.
Stock Medications Early: Ensure your regular foot care medications are fully stocked before hurricane threat appears.
Fill Prescriptions: Any prescriptions related to diabetic foot care should be filled and stocked weeks before hurricane season.
During Evacuation or Sheltering
Keep Feet Elevated: Swelling increases if you're stressed and unable to elevate feet. Try to keep feet raised above heart level periodically.
Maintain Daily Inspection: Even in shelter, inspect feet thoroughly daily. Look for blisters, cuts, swelling, or skin changes. Early detection prevents serious complications.
Change Socks Frequently: If you get wet, change to dry socks immediately. Moisture promotes fungal infections and maceration.
Avoid Walking in Contaminated Water: This is critical. Post-storm water contains sewage, chemicals, and debris. Wounds exposed to contaminated water risk severe infections. Wear protective footwear and keep feet as clean as possible.
Keep Blood Glucose Controlled: Stress and dietary disruptions make blood glucose control difficult. Monitor carefully and maintain insulin or medications as directed. Good glucose control is essential for foot healing.
During Recovery and Cleanup
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with thick soles protect feet from injuries. Avoid barefoot walking or inadequate footwear during cleanup.
Protect Feet from Contaminants: If wading is necessary, wear protective coverings and wash feet thoroughly immediately afterward.
Clean Wounds Immediately: Any cuts or scrapes sustained during cleanup should be cleaned immediately with saline solution, then kept clean and dry. Monitor closely for infection signs.
Manage Blisters Carefully: Diabetic patients must treat blisters differently than non-diabetics. Don't puncture blisters. Keep them clean and dry, and watch for infection signs.
Rest and Elevation: Cleanup work is exhausting and puts stress on feet. Balance activity with adequate rest and foot elevation.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Care
Even if you're in post-storm chaos and healthcare access is limited, these warning signs require urgent care:
Increasing Pain or Swelling: Growing pain or swelling suggests infection or serious injury.
Warmth or Redness: Localized warmth or redness indicates infection.
Discharge or Odor: Any discharge from wounds or unusual odors suggests infection.
Fever: Fever with foot symptoms suggests systemic infection.
Inability to Bear Weight: If you suddenly can't put weight on a foot, serious injury is present.
Changes in Toe Color: Darkening, purplish, or very pale toes suggest circulation problems.
If you experience any of these, seek emergency care even if you must travel significantly to access it.
Mental Health and Stress Management
Hurricane stress elevates blood glucose and complicates diabetes management. Practice stress reduction techniques—breathing exercises, meditation, or simple relaxation—to help manage blood glucose during storm periods.
Post-Hurricane Follow-Up Care
Schedule Timely Appointments
As soon as healthcare access is restored, schedule appointments with your podiatrist and primary care doctor. Even feet that seem fine deserve professional evaluation after hurricane exposure.
Report All Injuries or Concerns
Tell your podiatrist about any foot injuries sustained during the hurricane, any wounds that developed, or any changes you noticed. This helps catch problems early.
Resume Normal Routines
As quickly as possible, resume your normal daily foot inspection routine, regular foot care, and any scheduled podiatric care. This gets you back to your baseline protection.
Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute's Hurricane Support
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we understand the unique challenges Floridians with diabetes face during hurricane season. Dr. Robert Hoover and our team are committed to helping diabetic patients prepare and recover.
Before hurricane season, schedule a pre-season foot assessment. We'll ensure your feet are in the best possible condition and help you prepare a foot care supply kit. After the storm, we prioritize diabetic patients for prompt foot evaluations and care.
Our locations throughout Central Florida—Lake Mary (Waymont and MedPlex) and Downtown Orlando / SODO—are positioned to serve our community before, during, and after hurricane season. People also drive in from Sanford, Altamonte, and Longwood — we do not have offices in those towns.
Call (407) 307-0006 or book at https://floridafai.intakeq.com/booking to schedule your pre-hurricane foot care appointment.