Mask: Take inventory of vital medications now

With the threat of Hurricane Florence headed our way, people are busy preparing.

Food, water and batteries are at the top of the list, but what about monitoring your health? People on medication, especially those with chronic health issues, are asked to take action now.

"First, I'm telling my patients to make sure they have the medications that they need -- specifically the ones that can be life-threatening if they don't have them," ​​​​​​ said WRAL's Dr. Allen Mask.

Some of those include insulin and diabetes medications, asthma inhalers, blood pressure and heart medications and antibiotics. Dr. Mask said everyone should have at least a two-week supply of medication and water before a hurricane.

Experts say it's also a good time to update your immunization record, including tetanus and diptheria boosters as well as hepatitis A and B, as recommended by your doctor. Everyone should have the following special medical supplies in their home or car during a hurricane:

It's also important to make sure you have Benadryl on hand in case someone experiences a severe allergic reaction.

Keeping an ice cooler on hand is also a good idea -- iin case you lose power, you'll have a place to keep medications and food safe.

Another reminder is to prepare for your pets' needs with an ample supply of food, water and medications.