5 ways to prepare your medications for hurricane season

Is your medication hurricane-ready?

When preparing for hurricane season, stocking up on water, batteries, and nonperishable food may be top of mind. But if you or someone in your family takes prescription medication, preparing those medications should also be part of your hurricane plan.

Severe weather, power outages, flooding, and pharmacy closures can make it difficult to access or safely store medications when you need them most.

In the video below, Touro clinical pharmacist, Anh Tran, PharmD, shares simple steps you can take now to help keep your medications safe and accessible before, during, and after a storm.

5 ways to prepare your medications for hurricane season

1. Keep an updated medication list

Write down the name of each medication you take, the dosage, and how often you take it. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and any important medical information.

Keep a copy with your emergency supplies and consider saving a digital copy on your phone so it's easy to access if you need to evacuate.

2. Check your medication supply early

Don't wait until a storm is approaching to find out you're running low. Check your prescriptions regularly and talk with your pharmacist about refill options before severe weather threatens to disrupt pharmacy access.

3. Protect medications from water

Floodwater and moisture can damage medications. Keep prescription bottles and other medical supplies in a secure, watertight container as part of your hurricane kit, particularly if you may need to evacuate. 

4. Make a plan for refrigerated medications

Some medications, including certain forms of insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications, require special storage.

Before a storm, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about how your medication should be stored during a power outage. Have a plan for keeping medications at the appropriate temperature if electricity is unavailable, and never assume a medication is safe to use if it has been exposed to extreme temperatures.

5. Take your medications with you if you evacuate

If you need to leave your home, bring your medications with you rather than leaving them behind. Keep them in their original labeled containers when possible and pack your medication list along with any supplies you need to safely take or store them.

Prepare before the storm

A little preparation now can prevent added stress when severe weather arrives. Review your medications, refill prescriptions when appropriate, and talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about any medications that require special handling.

If you're unsure whether a medication is safe to take after it's been exposed to heat, flooding, or an extended power outage, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.