September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, a good reminder to think about how prepared you and your family would be if an emergency disrupted your normal routine.

Most of us know the basics: have food, water, flashlights, batteries, and other emergency supplies on hand. But your healthcare needs should be part of your emergency planning too.

If you take prescription medications, include them in your emergency supplies. The American Red Cross recommends keeping a seven-day supply of medications and necessary medical items in your emergency kit. The FDA also recommends keeping an up-to-date medication list and copies of your prescriptions. If you are concerned an emergency could make it hard to get to a pharmacy, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about planning ahead.

Keep important medical information easy to access. Consider having copies of your insurance information, medication list, relevant medical information, and family and emergency contacts with your supplies. You may also want to keep secure electronic copies in case you need the information when you’re away from home.

If someone in your household relies on medication that requires refrigeration, medical equipment, or other healthcare supplies, plan for those needs too. For example, the FDA recommends having a plan for keeping refrigerated medications cold during a power outage and following the medication’s storage instructions.

You don’t need to prepare for every possible situation. A few simple steps now can make things a little easier if an emergency happens. September is a good time to check your supplies, update your information, and make sure your healthcare needs are part of your family’s emergency plan.

Sources: American Red Cross, Survival Kit Supplies; U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Safe Drug Use After a Natural Disaster