What medical supplies to bring during a hurricane evacuation: Staying healthy and safe

When hurricanes threaten Louisiana communities, having your medical supplies organized and ready can be life-saving. Whether you manage chronic conditions, take daily medications, or care for family members with special health needs, proper medical preparation ensures you can maintain your health during evacuation. Here's your complete guide to packing medical supplies for hurricane evacuation:

1. Essential medications and prescriptions

Prescription medication checklist:

  • At least a 30-day supply of all prescription medications (aim for 90 days if possible)

  • Original prescription bottles with current labels and pharmacy information

  • Liquid medications in original containers with measuring devices

  • Insulin and diabetic supplies with proper cooling packs

  • Mental health medications including antidepressants and anxiety medications

  • Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy

  • Pain management medications with proper documentation

Getting extra medications before evacuation:

  • Contact your pharmacy early in hurricane season to discuss emergency refills

  • Many insurance plans allow early refills for disaster preparedness

  • Ask your doctor for paper prescriptions as backup

  • Know which pharmacies in your evacuation area accept your insurance

  • Keep a current list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors

Medication storage and safety:

  • Use waterproof containers or sealed plastic bags

  • Keep medications in original bottles to avoid confusion

  • Pack medications in both your evacuation bag and car

  • Store insulin and temperature-sensitive medications with cooling packs

  • Never leave medications in hot cars during evacuation

2. Comprehensive first aid supplies

Basic first aid essentials:

  • Adhesive bandages in various sizes

  • Sterile gauze pads and medical tape

  • Antiseptic wipes and alcohol pads

  • Thermometer (digital, battery-operated)

  • Disposable gloves

  • Scissors and tweezers

  • Instant cold packs

  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

  • Antihistamines for allergic reactions

Specialized first aid items:

  • Emergency epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) if prescribed

  • Asthma rescue inhalers with spacers

  • Blood clotting powder or bandages for serious cuts

  • Burn gel or cool compresses

  • Eye wash solution

  • Antacid tablets for stomach issues

  • Anti-diarrheal medication

  • Electrolyte replacement packets

First aid kit organization:

  • Use a waterproof container with clear labeling

  • Include instruction cards for emergency procedures

  • Check expiration dates every six months

  • Pack duplicate supplies in separate bags

  • Include emergency contact information inside the kit

3. Personal hygiene and health maintenance

Essential hygiene supplies:

  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste for each family member

  • Soap, shampoo, and body wash

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Deodorant and personal care items

  • Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)

  • Toilet paper and tissues

  • Baby wipes for quick cleaning

  • Nail clippers and personal grooming items

Infection prevention supplies:

  • Face masks for each family member

  • Disposable gloves for cleaning and food handling

  • Antibacterial wipes for surface cleaning

  • Laundry detergent for washing clothes

  • Bleach for water purification if needed

  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

4. Medical equipment and devices

Essential medical equipment:

  • Blood glucose monitors with extra test strips and lancets

  • Blood pressure cuffs for monitoring hypertension

  • CPAP machines with battery packs and extra tubing

  • Oxygen concentrators with backup power sources

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, or mobility devices

  • Hearing aids with extra batteries

  • Eyeglasses and contact lenses with solutions

Power and battery considerations:

  • Extra batteries for all electronic medical devices

  • Portable power banks and solar chargers

  • Car adapters for medical equipment

  • Extension cords and power strips

  • Backup manual alternatives when possible

  • Generator safety information for powered medical equipment

Equipment maintenance during evacuation:

  • Keep devices clean and dry

  • Protect from sand, saltwater, and humidity

  • Bring instruction manuals and customer service numbers

  • Pack spare parts and accessories

  • Know how to clean and maintain equipment without running water

5. Important medical documents and information

Essential documents to pack:

  • Photo identification for all family members

  • Insurance cards (health, prescription, dental)

  • Medicare or Medicaid cards

  • Complete list of current medications and dosages

  • Medical history summaries and recent test results

  • Emergency contact information for all healthcare providers

  • Copies of prescriptions and medical orders

  • Advance directives and medical power of attorney documents

Document protection and organization:

  • Store in waterproof containers or sealed plastic bags

  • Make digital copies stored on your phone or cloud storage

  • Keep physical and digital copies in separate locations

  • Include contact information for pharmacies and medical suppliers

  • Update emergency contact lists regularly

6. Special considerations for chronic conditions

Diabetes management:

  • Blood glucose monitoring supplies with extra test strips

  • Insulin with proper cooling storage

  • Glucose tablets or gels for low blood sugar

  • Ketone testing strips

  • Sharps disposal containers

  • Emergency glucagon kits if prescribed

Heart conditions:

  • Blood pressure monitoring equipment

  • Heart medications with clear dosing schedules

  • Nitroglycerin if prescribed

  • Emergency contact information for cardiologist

  • Recent EKG results and cardiac test results

Respiratory conditions:

  • Rescue inhalers and maintenance medications

  • Nebulizer with extra medications and tubing

  • Peak flow meters for asthma monitoring

  • Pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels

  • Emergency action plans from your pulmonologist

Mental health considerations:

  • Psychiatric medications with clear dosing instructions

  • Contact information for mental health providers

  • Coping strategies and relaxation techniques written down

  • Support person contact information

  • Crisis hotline numbers

7. Pediatric and elderly-specific supplies

For children:

  • Age-appropriate medications in correct dosages

  • Liquid medications with measuring devices

  • Comfort items like stuffed animals or blankets

  • Pediatric first aid supplies

  • Child-safe hand sanitizer and hygiene products

  • Emergency contact information for pediatricians

For elderly family members:

  • Pill organizers with daily medication schedules

  • Adult incontinence products if needed

  • Mobility aids and assistive devices

  • Comfort items and familiar objects

  • Extra supplies for memory care if applicable

  • Clear medication instructions and emergency contacts

8. Communication and healthcare access during evacuation

Staying connected with healthcare providers:

  • Download your healthcare provider's mobile app before evacuation

  • Know which providers offer telehealth services during emergencies

  • Keep a list of urgent care centers and hospitals in your evacuation area

  • Understand your insurance coverage for out-of-area care

  • Have pharmacy information for prescription transfers

Emergency medical information access:

  • Wear medical alert bracelets or necklaces

  • Keep emergency medical information cards in wallets

  • Store medical information on your phone's emergency contact settings

  • Share medical information with evacuation partners or family

  • Know how to access medical records electronically

9. Financial considerations for medical supplies

For Medicaid and Medicare recipients:

  • Understand emergency prescription coverage in other states

  • Keep insurance cards easily accessible

  • Know which pharmacies accept your coverage in evacuation areas

  • Ask about emergency medication assistance programs

  • Document medical expenses for potential disaster relief assistance

Managing medical costs during evacuation:

  • Keep receipts for all medical purchases during evacuation

  • Understand your insurance's emergency coverage policies

  • Know about Good Rx and other prescription discount programs

  • Ask about payment plans for unexpected medical expenses

  • Keep cash available for medical emergencies

10. Post-evacuation medical considerations

Returning home safely:

  • Check medication expiration dates after extended evacuation

  • Properly dispose of contaminated medical supplies

  • Schedule follow-up appointments with regular healthcare providers

  • Refill prescription medications that may have been used during evacuation

  • Address any health issues that developed during evacuation

Restocking and preparation for next time:

  • Replace used medical supplies immediately

  • Update emergency medical information

  • Review what worked well and what needs improvement

  • Maintain relationships with evacuation-area healthcare providers

  • Keep emergency medical supplies current year-round

Emergency medical contacts and resources

Keep these numbers easily accessible:

  • Your primary care doctor's emergency line

  • Pharmacy customer service for prescription transfers

  • Insurance company's 24-hour member services

  • Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Helpful medical apps and resources:

  • Medication reminder apps

  • First Aid by Red Cross app

  • Your insurance company's mobile app

Remember: Your health and safety are the most important things during hurricane evacuation. Don't wait until the last minute to gather medical supplies. Prepare your medical evacuation kit at the beginning of hurricane season and update it regularly. Having everything ready in advance reduces stress and ensures you can focus on staying safe during the storm.