MELBOURNE, FL-As Central Florida remains under the threat of Hurricane Irene, Health Firstâ??s family of hospitals is urging residents to make sure their health care preparations are underway.

As the largest network of hospitals on the Space Coast, including Cape Canaveral Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, and Viera Hospital, Health First urges resident to make the following preparations:

-Gather copies of your important health records, and ensure they are in a safe place.

-Make sure you have a copy of your health insurance identification card.

-If you are taking medications, make sure you have at least a two week supply available.

-Place your medication in a plastic watertight sealable bag.

-Keep your medication in its original containers. In the event of an emergency, pharmacies may be allowed to refill medications, but you may need the original bottle.

-Make sure you have an extra supply of needed medical equipment, such as syringes if you are diabetic, nebulizers, etc.

-Make sure every member of your family has identification

Please remember: Unless specifically designated, hospital Emergency Rooms SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED SHELTERS. Check with your local Emergency Management officials for a list of shelters. In Brevard County, the Office of Emergency Management can be found at www.embrevard.com, or by calling 321-637-6670.