The recent devastation created by the Southern California wildfires highlights the importance of planning ahead (as much as possible) for managing your medical needs in the wake of a crisis. So, we've gathered some expert preparation tips and ideas for what to keep in an emergency supply kit.
Creating Your Emergency Medical Plan
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that individuals with health conditions must develop personalized emergency strategies. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Medication Documentation
- Take clear photos of all prescription labels
- Document NDC numbers for each medication
- List all prescribing physicians with contact information
- Record pharmacy details, including prescription numbers
- Note specific storage requirements (temperature, light exposure)
- Keep digital and physical copies of insurance cards
Essential Medical Supply Kit
- 7-14 day supply of medications in waterproof containers
- Backup medical devices (inhalers, glucose meters, etc.)
- Extra supplies (syringes, testing strips, batteries for devices)
- Cooler and gel packs for temperature-sensitive medications
- Portable medical equipment (CPAP battery, oxygen concentrator)
- Medical alert jewelry or identification
- First aid supplies, including wound care materials N95 masks rated for smoke protection (minimum 5 per person)
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- List of allergies and medical conditions
Critical Documents Folder
- Recent medical records and test results
- Medication list with dosages and frequencies
- Insurance policy information and cards
- Doctor and pharmacy contact information
- Power of attorney and medical directives
- Copies of medical device prescriptions
- Recent lab results or vaccination records
Replacing Lost Medications After Wildfires
Emergency Prescription Access
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides critical medication access during disasters. This program ensures eligible individuals can receive up to a 30-day supply of their essential medications without copays through participating pharmacies in disaster-affected areas. EPAP helps disaster survivors maintain their medication regimens even when displaced from their usual healthcare providers and pharmacies.
Healthcare Ready's Rx Open Tool
Healthcare Ready's Rx Open Tool offers real-time mapping of operational pharmacies in disaster zones. This invaluable resource helps individuals locate the nearest functioning pharmacy, showing which locations have emergency power supplies and are actively dispensing medications. During wildfires, when many businesses may be closed or evacuated, this tool becomes essential for finding available pharmaceutical services.
Mobile Emergency Pharmacy Services
Mobile Emergency Pharmacy Services deploy directly to affected communities, establishing temporary pharmacy locations in evacuation zones. These services provide vital prescription verification and medication dispensing capabilities when regular pharmacies are inaccessible. They work directly with insurance providers to expedite prescription authorizations and ensure continuity of care.
Mobile pharmacies often set up near emergency shelters or disaster recovery centers, making them easily accessible to displaced residents who need to replace lost or damaged medications.
For individuals requiring specialized medications or those with complex medical needs, these emergency pharmacy services can coordinate with healthcare providers to verify prescriptions and ensure appropriate medication substitutions when necessary. They also help navigate insurance coverage during emergencies, working to minimize out-of-pocket costs for disaster survivors.
Insurance Provider Emergency Protocols:
During declared disasters, insurance companies activate special emergency protocols to ensure continuous access to healthcare and medications. Most major insurers implement emergency override procedures that allow early prescription refills and temporarily waive restrictions on pharmacy choice.
This means you can obtain medications from out-of-network pharmacies if your regular pharmacy is inaccessible due to evacuation or damage.
Key emergency provisions include:
- Automatic approval for early medication refills
- Extended coverage for lost or damaged medical equipment
- Waived prior authorization requirements
- Access to emergency mail order services
- Extended payment grace periods for premiums
Financial Assistance Programs
FEMA's Individual Assistance Program provides comprehensive support for disaster survivors, covering essential medical needs and equipment replacement. The program can help with immediate medical expenses, prescription costs, and replacing damaged medical equipment. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through FEMA's mobile app.
State Emergency Management Offices coordinate local disaster relief efforts and often provide additional resources beyond federal assistance. These offices can help arrange:
- Emergency medical transportation
- Temporary medical equipment loans
- Access to medical care facilities
- Coordination with local healthcare providers
- Emergency shelter placement for those with medical needs
After evacuating, I realized my medications were running low and my regular pharmacy was in the evacuation zone. I called my insurance company's emergency hotline first. I went through a lot of automation but finally found a person who helped override the 'too soon to refill' restriction.
It took some time though. My advice: don't wait until you're almost out of medication to start this process. Start making calls as soon as you're told to evacuate."
PatientsLikeMe Member Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Many pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies maintain dedicated disaster response programs that offer:
- Free medication replacement for disaster survivors
- Bridge supply programs ensuring continuity of care
- Patient assistance programs for those who've lost insurance coverage
- Direct shipping to temporary addresses
- Coordination with emergency shelters for medication delivery
Emergency Medical Support Network
Creating a robust support network before disaster strikes is crucial. Keep these essential contacts readily available:
Emergency Response Resources:
- Medical Emergencies: 911
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (24/7 crisis counseling)
- FEMA Registration: 1-800-621-3362
- Healthcare Ready: 1-866-247-2694 (medication access assistance)
- American Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS (shelter and supply information)
Special Medical Considerations
Different medical conditions require specific emergency planning. Here's a comprehensive overview of special considerations:
Diabetes Management
Maintain an emergency diabetes kit containing a 14-day supply of insulin (stored properly), blood glucose meter with extra batteries, testing strips, glucose tablets, and a sharps container. Keep a small cooler with gel packs ready for insulin storage during power outages.
Respiratory Care
Ensure access to portable nebulizers and backup inhalers. Keep copies of prescriptions and contact information for pulmonologists. Consider investing in a portable battery-operated nebulizer for power outages.
Cardiac Care
Maintain detailed documentation of cardiac devices, including model numbers and settings. Keep a recent EKG and list of medications readily available. Consider wearing medical alert jewelry with critical cardiac information.
Community Support
Living through a natural disaster is traumatizing and overwhelming, but you do not need to navigate the next steps alone. Join PatientsLikeMe to connect with others who have navigated similar challenges during natural disasters. Members share valuable insights about managing specific health conditions during emergencies and can provide practical advice based on real experiences.
Share your own emergency preparedness tips or ask questions about specific medical needs during disasters in the comments below. Building a knowledgeable, supportive community helps everyone prepare for and recover from natural disasters more effectively.