How Preparing Medications For a Disaster

During disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or tsunamis, managing medications becomes a critical and sometimes complicated challenge for caregivers. Older adults often depend on multiple prescriptions and medical devices to maintain their health, and interruptions to access or scheduling can have serious consequences. Being prepared to manage medications effectively before, during, and after a disaster can safeguard the health and well-being of your loved one.

Know the Medication Needs Thoroughly

Caregivers should maintain an up-to-date, detailed list of all medications your care recipient takes. This list must include:

• Medication names (both generic and brand)

  
  

• Dosages and schedules

  
  

• Prescribing doctor’s name and contact information

  
  

• Allergies or adverse reactions documented

  
  

• Specialty medications requiring refrigeration or special handling
  

• Make sure to highlight any urgent medical needs, especially if your loved one requires critical medications like insulin or heart medication that might need immediate attention.

Use resources like Healthcare Ready’s Rx on the Run wallet card to carry this critical information in case you need to access care away from home. Assemble a Medication Emergency Kit

Prepare a medication kit including:

• At least a 3-day supply of all prescription medications in their original labeled containers

  
  

• Over-the-counter medications commonly used (e.g., pain relievers, antacids)

  
  

• Any needed medical supplies (e.g., syringes, inhalers, glucose monitors)

  
  

• A small cooler and ice packs if medications require refrigeration, like insulin.
  

Ensure this kit is easily accessible, portable, and part of your overall emergency preparedness supplies.

Understand State Emergency Prescription Laws

Each U.S. state has different emergency prescription refill protocols allowing early refills or emergency provision of medications during declared disasters. Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific laws before an emergency happens. You can ask your local pharmacy for guidance. In California for example, pharmacists are allowed to dispense a “reasonable amount” of medication without a prescription at their discretion to see patients through until they can get a regular supply.

Plan for Specialty Medications and Providers

If your care recipient uses specialty, compounded, or hard-to-find medications, maintain a list of pharmacies along your evacuation route or in your relocation area that can fill these prescriptions. Use Healthcare Ready’s Rx Open tool to find pharmacies and healthcare facilities currently operating during or after disasters Communicate with Pharmacies

It’s a good idea to contact your local pharmacies ahead of time to learn their disaster protocols so you’re prepared before an emergency strikes.

Corinne Purtill from the LA Times suggests that if your usual pharmacy is closed or inaccessible due to a disaster, you can request a refill from another location within the same pharmacy chain. If you’ve evacuated to an area without a nearby branch of your regular pharmacy, simply visit any local pharmacy and ask to have your prescriptions transferred. Review Your Medical Kit After A Disaster After the disaster, take time to review and update your medication emergency kit, list of pharmacies, and emergency contacts to ensure you're better prepared for the future. Assess whether any medications are missing or need to be replaced.

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Disasters can be overwhelming, but proper preparation and organization can make all the difference when it comes to managing medications for your loved ones.