Hurricane emergency kit: Don’t forget your family’s medical care

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Hurricane season is here, and as you may know, NOAA is predicting an above normal number of storms this year. It’s important to be ready with a proper emergency kit, which includes taking care of your family’s medical needs.

Riverside Retail & Specialty Pharmacy Services Director Cindy Coffey recommends you have a seven day supply of all prescription medications in your emergency kit.

“If you ask they may be able to split your medications into two different bottles for you,” Coffey said.

That way you can have a seven-day supply in a labeled bottle to put into your emergency kit. Just be don’t let it expire.

And make sure to keep over-the-counter meds such as ibuprofen, aspirin and antacids.

“It’s also important and a good time to think about refreshing their first aid kit,” Coffey said.

You’ll need basics, including bandages and antiseptic cream. You may also need spare glasses, glucose testing strips, or hearing aid batteries.

Also, keep a folder with all important medical documents, including a list of all the medications each person takes, a list of allergies, and contact information for doctors and insurance companies. Even if this information is in your phone Coffey recommends you write it down on paper in case you can’t charge the phone. Put the papers in a Ziploc bag you can quickly grab if you need to evacuate.

“Those are all things that when you’re in fight or flight mode, you’re not thinking about. So if you have that it’s just easy,” Coffey said.

When weather is brewing pharmacies are also stocking up and reminding patients to get refills.
In other words, Coffey said, they’ve got your back.

“If you’re stranded and unable to get to the pharmacy ask them if they have delivery options. They may have creative ways to get your medication to you.”

Some medications, including many types of insulin, are refrigerated. If you lose power don’t worry. Keep them in a cooler on ice and call your pharmacist.

Many of these medications have a shelf life of up to 28 days — so don’t throw them out until you know.