Storm preparations should include prescription medications and medical supplies. Pharmacy closures, evacuations and power outages can make refills harder to obtain during and after a hurricane.
CVS Pharmacy shared medication preparedness tips with WKGC to help residents plan ahead.
Check Prescriptions and Supplies
Refill eligible prescriptions and pick them up before weather conditions worsen. Talk with your pharmacist or prescribing provider about preparing an emergency supply. CDC hurricane guidance recommends having a week’s supply of medication available.
Gather supplies needed to administer medications or monitor medical conditions, including diabetes testing supplies.
Protect Medications and Keep Records
Keep medications in their original labeled containers and place them in a watertight container or waterproof bag.
Pack an updated medication list with names, dosages and your prescribing providers’ contact information. Keep prescription label information, even from empty bottles, to help pharmacy staff identify refill needs.
Plan for Power Outages
Follow each medication’s storage instructions and protect it from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
If a medication requires refrigeration, ask your pharmacist how to store it safely during an evacuation or power outage. Storage limits vary by product.
If medications are exposed to floodwater, excessive heat or a loss of refrigeration, contact a pharmacist promptly for guidance on safe use and replacement.
Additional Resources
Visit the CDC’s hurricane prescription medication guidance and the FDA’s medication safety guidance after a natural disaster.
Continue following local emergency officials for storm updates and evacuation instructions.
Preparedness tips provided by CVS Pharmacy, with additional guidance from CDC and FDA. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing provider with questions about your medications.
