Hurricane Preparedness: you can refill your prescriptions in advance.
By Celeste Mazloum
Since we are in the midst of hurricane season, it is imperative to be fully prepared in case of emergency. In June, you learned all there is to know about the Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)! This month’s topic of interest is focused on refilling prescription medications before a hurricane.
As you know, in the case of an emergency, it is important to keep an emergency kit, which carries your prescription medications as well as a list of all of your medications.
This list should include:
- The name of the drug
- The doctor who prescribed it
- The amount needed to take and how often
- The local pharmacy where you refill this medication
Therefore, during an emergency if you need assistance, your caregiver or yourself, has all of the necessary information to refill your medications. Additionally, it is recommended that you have enough medication to last for at least two weeks in order to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
The “Emergency Prescription Refill” law was passed in Florida, which allows you to refill prescribed medications for 30 days during a disaster if there is a hurricane warning or an announced state of emergency. This ensures that you are fully stocked up on your necessary medications. In order to be prepared with your prescriptions, once a storm is announced or close you should call your healthcare provider to get any necessary refills. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider, do not panic! If an individual cannot reach their doctor to refill their medication, pharmacists are allowed to provide them a 72-hour supply. In times of disasters doctors are very busy so it is important to remember that there are alternatives to make sure that you are supplied with the medications needed for your day-to-day life.
If you still have more questions, you can access the full description of the Emergency Prescription Refill Law here. In the midst of hurricane season, it is important to have all your preparations in order!
