Medications in Disaster Situations

In the event of a disaster, you may need to evacuate your home and access to regular health and medical services may be temporarily limited. To ensure that you are able to continue taking your medications under such circumstances, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends that you be prepared and plan now by taking the following measures:

• Call your doctor now and request a 30-day supply of medication if possible.
• Keep your prescription medications in the issued labeled containers. This will assist providers if refills are needed. Place bottled and packaged medications in a plastic bag to keep them dry and protect them from extreme temperatures.
• Make a list of all your medications: how they should be taken, what time, etc. Your doctor’s name and emergency phone number should also be on this list. Your medical professional or caregiver should be able to assist you in this. Make copies of the list. Put one copy with your medications; give one to a friend, and keep one with you at all times.
• Make sure to list any allergies, as well as foods, you need to avoid.
• Pack your medications now to have ready to carry with you at a moment’s notice.
• If you are taking prescription narcotic pain medications, keep them with you at all times.
• If you are on a special diet or require special supplements, take a two-week supply with you.
• Over the counter items that you should also prepare to bring with you: Pain relievers (Ibuprofen or others), antacid, laxative/suppository, antidiarrheal, antihistamine, decongestant, antibiotic ointment, lubricating eye drops.
• If you are using respiratory medications with a nebulizer, bring both the medication and the machine with you.