How to keep insulin supplies cool during a power outage is one dilemma faced by insulin-dependant diabetics. If this is a concern for you, check out a Miami Herald report on how you can overcome this problem. The article quotes a spokeswoman from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) confirming that most insulin is in fact safe at room temperature for up to 28 days. Room temperature is defined as fifty-nine to eight-six degrees Fahrenheit.) Problem is, in many parts of the country in summer, room temperatures rise above that when the power goes off, say, during a hurricane. And when insulin is stored at temperatures higher than eight-six degrees, it loses its potency. Likewise, storing insulin in the freezer or packed in ice can also damage the medication.

So here are the ADA's tips for surviving a serious power outage: First, keep your insulin supply in the refrigerator for as long as possible. If the outage lasts so long that the fridge is no longer cool, place insulin in a container of cool water with a few ice cubes added. Another tip: if a hurricane is predicted for your area, turn your fridge up to the coldest setting so it will say cooler longer during an outage. Also for people in hurricane-prone areas: know that if you have to evacuate, the Red Cross can help you store your meds or replace them if necessary. Finally, consider purchasing FRIO cooling wallets (pictured) designed to keep medicines cool for up to forty-five hours without electricity. They are activated by placing in water and they are reusable.