Medication Safety in Emergencies: What to Keep in Your Go-Bag

When disaster strikes-whether it’s a flood, fire, or sudden power outage-your first thought shouldn’t be medication go-bag. It should be getting yourself and your family to safety. But if you don’t have your meds ready, safety becomes a lot harder. Imagine being diabetic and your insulin spoils because your go-bag sat in a hot car for hours. Or having high blood pressure and realizing you only packed three days of pills when you’re stuck for a week. These aren’t hypotheticals. They happen every year.

Why a Medication Go-Bag Isn’t Optional

The CDC says 89% of Americans over 65 take at least one prescription drug. That’s nearly 9 out of 10 older adults. But only 22% of households have a proper medication go-bag. That gap is deadly. During Hurricane Ida, 23% of evacuees ran out of meds. In California wildfires, people showed up to emergency rooms with diabetic ketoacidosis because their insulin went bad. These aren’t just inconveniences-they’re medical emergencies that could have been avoided.

What Exactly Goes in a Medication Go-Bag?

It’s not just tossing pills into a backpack. A real go-bag follows clear, tested guidelines from FEMA, the Red Cross, and pharmacists. Here’s what you actually need:

• At least a two-week supply of every prescription and over-the-counter medication you take daily. The Red Cross says seven days. Alert San Diego and the CDC say two weeks. Go with two weeks. Disasters don’t follow calendars. If you’re stuck for 10 days because roads are blocked, you won’t get a refill.
• Original containers with clear labels. Pharmacists and first responders need to know what’s in each pill. Don’t dump them into plastic bags. If your meds are in their original bottles, emergency staff can verify dosages and check for allergies.
• A printed medication list. Write down: the name of each drug, why you take it (e.g., “for high blood pressure”), the dose, and how often. Include any allergies. Add your doctor’s name and phone number. If you’re unconscious or confused, this list saves lives.
• Emergency contact info. Put a card in the bag with your primary care provider, pharmacy, and a family member who knows your meds. Include your insurance card or a copy.
• Specialized items. If you use an EpiPen, inhaler, glucose monitor, or insulin pump-pack extra. Keep syringes, test strips, and alcohol wipes. If you need oxygen, pack portable tanks and backup batteries.
• Non-medical essentials. Water (at least 4 liters per person per day), cash in small bills, flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit. You might need to pay for a pharmacy visit or buy supplies if stores are closed.

How to Store Medications Properly

This is where most people fail. Medications aren’t like canned food. Heat, moisture, and sunlight ruin them fast.

• Keep it cool. Most pills are fine at room temperature. But insulin, some antibiotics, and biologics? They need refrigeration. If you live in a hot climate or have a power outage risk, use a Frio Wallet or similar cooling pack. Consumer Reports tested one that kept insulin below 86°F for 48 hours without ice.
• Use a water-resistant bag. A simple ziplock isn’t enough. Buy a dedicated emergency kit with a waterproof exterior. Store it on a high shelf in your bedroom closet-out of reach of kids but easy to grab.
• Avoid the bathroom. Humidity from showers degrades pills. Don’t store your go-bag under the sink.
• Temperature monitors help. The MedAngel ONE (FDA-cleared in 2023) is a small sensor that connects to your phone. If your bag gets too hot or cold, it sends an alert. It’s not cheap, but for insulin users, it’s worth it.

How to Keep Your Go-Bag Updated

A go-bag that’s six months old might as well be empty. Expired meds don’t work-and some can be dangerous.

• Check every six months. Set a reminder on your phone for January 1 and July 1. Look at expiration dates. Toss anything expired. Replace it right away.
• Refill early. Don’t wait until you’re down to your last pill. Ask your doctor for 60- or 90-day refills instead of 30-day ones. Fill your prescription on the first day you’re eligible. That way, you’re always ahead.
• Rotate your supply. Use the oldest meds first. If you’re storing two weeks’ worth, use one week’s worth from your daily supply and replace it with fresh pills from your go-bag. That keeps everything current without waste.
• Use pill organizers. A weekly or monthly divider with date labels helps you track doses and spot missing pills fast. Just make sure the original bottles are still in the bag.

Special Cases: Insulin, Epinephrine, and More

Some meds need extra care.

• Insulin. Never freeze it. Don’t leave it in a car. Use a cooling case. Carry two pens or vials. If your pump fails, have syringes and alcohol wipes ready.
• Epinephrine auto-injectors. These lose potency after expiration. Replace them on time. Keep two in your bag. One might fail. One might be left behind.
• Heart meds. Beta-blockers, blood thinners, diuretics-these are the most common drugs involved in emergency visits after disasters. Don’t skip them. If you take warfarin, include your latest INR reading on your list.
• Psychiatric meds. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs-stopping these suddenly can cause withdrawal or relapse. Pack extra. Tell your doctor you’re building a go-bag. They’ll help you plan.

What You Don’t Need

People overpack. Don’t waste space.

• Don’t bring your entire medicine cabinet.
• Don’t pack meds you only take occasionally (like occasional painkillers) unless you’re actively using them.
• Don’t rely on your pharmacy to give you emergency refills. In many states, pharmacists can help-but not always. Don’t count on it.
• Don’t forget your pets. If you have a pet on medication, pack their meds too. Many shelters don’t take animals without proof of vaccination and meds.

What to Do If You Can’t Get Your Meds

Even with a go-bag, things can go wrong. Here’s your backup plan:

• Know your state’s emergency refill rules. In 42 states, pharmacists can give you a 72-hour emergency supply without a new prescription if you have the original bottle.
• Call your pharmacy first. They might have a backup supply or know a nearby open clinic.
• If you’re in a shelter, ask for the medical triage team. They often have basic meds on hand.
• Keep a digital copy of your med list in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) and on your phone. Print a copy for the bag.

Real Stories, Real Lessons

One woman in Florida lost her home to Hurricane Ian. She had a go-bag with seven days of meds. She was stranded for 11. Her insulin expired. She ended up in the ER. Now, she keeps two weeks’ worth and a Frio Wallet.

A man in Oregon with asthma kept his inhaler in his go-bag. When the wildfires hit, he grabbed it and ran. He didn’t have a backup. His inhaler ran out. He survived, but barely. Now he carries two.

A nurse in Texas told her patients: “If you don’t have a go-bag, you’re not prepared. You’re just hoping.”

Start Today

You don’t need to buy a fancy kit. Use a sturdy duffel bag. Buy a week’s worth of extra meds. Print your list. Put it in a waterproof sleeve. Check it next month.

This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about being smart. Medication safety in emergencies isn’t glamorous. But it’s the difference between staying healthy and ending up in a hospital when you’re already running for your life.