For many, taking your medication is a regular part of your daily routine. What happens in the case of an emergency that knocks you out of your daily routine? It can be unpleasant or even dangerous if you don’t have easy access to your medications. Read on to learn more about creating a medication emergency kit.
Why Create A Medication Emergency Kit?
As stated above, it is critical to have easy access to your medications in the case of an emergency. This includes emergencies that include needing to shelter in place, being without electricity or water, personal or family emergencies, or any number of unusual situations that require your immediate attention and restrict your typical access to your medications. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), if you “can’t easily obtain an emergency supply, ask your insurance company to assist you in obtaining…an emergency supply.”
How Do I Make A Medication Emergency Kit?
When creating a medication emergency kit, make sure you have supplies for at least seventy-two hours, or three days, at a minimum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Additionally, “Always keep a written copy of your prescriptions and orders for medical equipment and supplies with you, a list of all medications, equipment, and supplies you use” (FEMA). Think about the things you take every day or every week- prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, pain relievers, antacids, etc.? Make sure you include a supply of everything you regularly take (Ready.gov). This also includes medical equipment and topical treatments such as creams or ointments. Lastly, you will want to include other wellness staples such as hand sanitizer, backup glasses and contact solution, etc. (Ready.gov).
How Do I Store & Maintain My Medication Emergency Kit?
When storing and maintaining your medication emergency kit, first make sure that everything is properly labeled and well-organized (Ready.gov). If you have items that need to be chilled, have a cooler and ice packs on hand (CDC). Have a plan to rotate your supply so that everything stays up-to-date! Lastly, FEMA also says that if you are unable to create an emergency supply, DON’T wait until the day you run out to refill your prescriptions- refill them as soon as you are eligible for a refill.
Have questions about your prescriptions or creating a medication emergency kit? Call the Compass Community Health Pharmacy at (740) 351-1500. You can also set up a Primary Care appointment by calling (740) 355-7102. One of our Primary Care Providers would be happy to meet with you for a check-up and to discuss your health needs! Your health is important- reach out today!
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Compass Community Health is here to help.
-Email: info@compasscommunityhealth.org,
-Message us on Facebook @ Compass Community Health
-Call: 740-355-7102
-Address: 1634 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
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