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FDA Offers Tips about Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters

General Safety

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Power Outage

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Warning about Potential Carbon Monoxide Problems when Using Generators

Since many medical devices used in the home require a source of electrical power, generators are often used to supply electricity during a general power outage. The following points should be followed to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
  • Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window or door where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.

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Water Contamination

Some medical devices and equipment, such as dialyzers or IV pumps, require safe water in their use, cleaning, and maintenance.

Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply. In the area hit by a hurricane, water treatment plants may not be operating; even if they are, storm damage and flooding can contaminate water lines.

Listen to and follow public announcements about the safety of the municipal water supply.

In an emergency situation, follow these steps to ensure that your water is safe for use with your medical device:

Note: Treating water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or liquid bleach will not kill parasitic organisms.

Use a bleach solution to rinse water containers before reusing them. Use water storage tanks and other types of containers with caution. For example, fire truck storage tanks and previously used cans or bottles may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals.

For additional information on keeping water safe, see http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater.asp.

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Sterility

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Re-use of Medical Devices

Do not reuse a medical device intended for single use.

If you find that you need additional single use products, contact a healthcare provider or emergency response personnel.

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Dealing with Heat and Humidity

 Heat and humidity can have an effect on home diagnostic test kits (including blood glucose tests used by people with diabetes). Test results may not be accurate. Read your owner’s manual to make sure your test kit is performing properly.

Special Information about Using Blood Glucose Meters

Heat and humidity can damage blood glucose meters and test strips.

If you use a blood glucose meter, check the meter and test strip package insert for information on use during unusual heat and humidity. Store and handle the meter and test strips according to the instructions. Perform quality-control checks to make sure that your home glucose testing is accurate and reliable.

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To protect your device from heat and humidity, follow the steps below:

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Treating Snakebites

The Food and Drug Administration regulates antivenins as part of its oversight of biological products. The agency requires certain criteria to be met before these materials are sold, including standards for purification, packaging and potency. The FDA also regulates antivenin labeling, ensuring that data on potential side effects and other pertinent information are available.

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See also:

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Updated August 29, 2008

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