Mobile County residents urged to prepare for medical needs, power outages and pets 09.11.26

September 11, 2026

Mobile County residents urged to prepare for medical needs, power outages and pets

MOBILE, Ala. — During National Preparedness Month, the Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) is encouraging residents to take practical steps now to protect their households before a hurricane, flooding event, extended power outage, or other emergencies occur.

This year’s National Preparedness Month theme, “America Stands Ready,” reminds us that preparedness begins well before a storm approaches. For residents who rely on electricity for life-support equipment, refrigerated medicines, or other essential medical needs, advance planning can be especially important.

“An emergency plan should reflect the real needs of each household,” said Brittany Edmondson, Emergency Preparedness Administrator for MCHD. “For some families, that means having food, water and flashlights ready. For others, it may mean making a plan for medical equipment, medications, a caregiver, transportation or pets. The most important step is to plan early—before an emergency is imminent.”

Planning for Medical Needs

Mobile County’s medical-needs shelter planning may provide limited support during certain emergencies for eligible residents who require electricity to operate life-support equipment. At the direction of the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency and local elected officials, MCHD may open and operate a medical-needs shelter during certain emergencies to support eligible residents with power-dependent, life-support or other qualifying medical needs.

Space is limited, and the shelter is intended for individuals who require electricity for life-support equipment. Residents must bring their own medications, medical supplies, and a caregiver over the age of 18. Cots, blankets, electricity, and three standard meals a day are also provided, though anyone with specific dietary needs is advised to bring their own food.

Residents should make arrangements and understand eligibility requirements well in advance of an emergency.

Build a Kit Before You Need It

An emergency can disrupt access to food, water, electricity, pharmacies, stores, and communication for several days. FEMA recommends that households maintain enough supplies to be self-sufficient during that time and store their kits in one or two portable, easy-to-carry containers.

A basic emergency supply kit should include:

• Water — at least 1 gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
• A several-day supply of non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• A NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, if available.
• A first-aid kit and needed prescription medications.
• Cellphone charging cables and a portable backup battery or power bank.
• Dust masks, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape for sheltering in place, when appropriate.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for hygiene and sanitation.
• Important documents, insurance information, identification and emergency contacts in a waterproof, portable container.
• Cash, since power outages may affect ATMs, card readers and other electronic payment systems.

Residents should review kits at least annually and replace expired food, water, batteries, medications and other supplies. FEMA also recommends keeping emergency supplies at home, at work and in vehicles, since an emergency can happen when family members are away from home.

For federal preparedness resources, including family planning forms and emergency-kit checklists, visit www.Ready.gov. Residents can also find local preparedness information through MCHD’s Emergency Preparedness program and the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency.

By preparing today, Mobile County families can stand ready to protect their health, their loved ones, and their community when it matters most.