Extreme temperatures can affect your medications, plus power outages, road closures and evacuations can delay medication and oxygen delivery.

Create a list of your medications, doses and drug interactions. Make a paper copy and save a list on your phone.

Include your medication’s temperature requirements. You might have a battery-operated pump that administers treprostinil or epoprostenol 24/7.

Epoprostenol requires refrigeration, so always have a large, dedicated cooler and several ice packs on hand.

Treprostinil is stable at room temperature for up to 72 hours for subcutaneous infusion. Higher temperatures affect the stability of those medications: When temperatures go above 95 degrees F, IV or subcutaneous treprostinil or epoprostenol might not be effective after about 12 hours.

Extreme temperatures also could cause your pump to malfunction.

Test your cooler before an emergency to make sure you have room for your medication and ice packs.

Stock up on extra equipment such as distilled water, face masks and oxygen tubing connectors. Keep a supply of extra distilled water for inhaled therapy devices or CPAP machines.

If it looks like businesses could be closed and shipments disrupted, ask your PH care team if you can get extra medication and/or supplies (cassettes, syringes, etc.). Some insurance companies will allow early refills for emergency/disaster assistance.

Keep a copy of your electrocardiogram (EKG) results in case you need to go to the local emergency room so the emergency professionals can see your “normal” heart rhythm. Keep a list of contact numbers, including your specialty pharmacy, PH doctor/clinic and emergency contacts with you. Pack a “go bag” that is always ready. Include a paper copy of medication information and phone numbers for local shelters, the power company, specialty pharmacies and your PH health care team. Laminate the information or keep it in a waterproof bag.

Exchange numbers with your PHA support group leader and other members to keep in touch during unexpected events. Connect to PHA and PH friends on social media. It’s a fast, easy way to convey information in crisis.

Power outages are particularly dangerous for those on infusion medication or supplemental oxygen. Plan ahead and alert those around you, including neighbors, first responders and your power company.

Ask your power company to list you as high-priority customer with medical needs. Your health care team can help you submit necessary paperwork to ensure your power stays on in an outage.

Stop by your local firehouse to see how to get on a priority list. Let them know you’re a household with special medical needs. If you need to be rescued or evacuate, or you have any kind of emergency, they know you’re going to need something extra.

Consider investing in a generator and learn how to use it.

Accessing a consistent and necessary supply of portable oxygen is a challenge right now, even when the weather is good. That means many people depend on larger, at-home oxygen units.

You might need to go to an emergency shelter or find a landline if you don’t have cell service so you can ask your PH coordinator to help you troubleshoot problems. For example, if your specialty pharmacy or durable medical equipment company is affected by the storms, your PH coordinator can arrange to get you medications or supplies through an alternative company.

If you have to see a doctor, and your clinic is closed, consider calling 911 to go to the emergency room or asking a neighbor to drive you. If possible, choose an ER with a designated PH clinic. At the hospital, you can access medications or supplemental oxygen.

Make sure you create an evacuation plan ahead of time in case you need to go somewhere safer. Whether you choose to move to a safer location or local officials require you to leave, be sure to identify a safe place to go and a way to travel.

Is there a family member in another area you could stay with before a storm hits? If you plan to drive, fill your gas tank as soon as you learn of an impending storm.

Identify where local shelters are.

If you have pets, check in advance which shelters allow animals. Many shelters don’t accept pets. Identify pet-friendly hotels in case you need to relocate.

Make sure you have your insurance cards with you when you leave home.