Disaster Prep for Medically Fragile Loved Ones

 

Being prepared for a natural disaster is crucial, but it takes on a whole new level of importance when you’re caring for someone with a medical condition.

I’ll be honest and say that I never really gave this aspect of caregiving much thought until we had a big ice storm and lost power at home for 35 hours; then a tornado touched down and destroyed part of our hometown. That certainly gets one to thinking, doesn’t it?

For us, it’s about more than just stocking up on water and canned food — it’s about making sure our loved ones have what they need to stay safe and healthy, especially when it comes to life-saving medications.

Here’s how we approach preparedness for our medically fragile family member:

💊 Medication Supply: We always aim to have at least a 2-week supply of essential medications. This means working with your doctor and insurance ahead of time to ensure you’re able to get what you need. For us, it’s non-negotiable.

🎒Emergency Go-Bag: We keep a dedicated medical emergency bag that includes:

Medications (in their original bottles, with dosing instructions)

Syringes, emergency kits, and other critical supplies

Cooler packs for meds that need to be kept cold

A list of important contacts (doctors, pharmacies, etc.)

🔋Power Backup: If any medication requires refrigeration or special equipment, we have a portable power source ready in case of an outage.

📱Communication: Make sure to talk with your medical team about how to access refills if pharmacies are closed. Keep a printed list of pharmacies and emergency refills in your bag.

⚕️Medical ID: Dot wears a medical ID necklace at all times to ensure first responders are aware of her condition and treatment needs.

Taking these steps gives us peace of mind knowing we’re as prepared as possible, even in unpredictable situations. 🌿

How do you prepare for emergencies with your medically fragile loved ones?

Share your tips below ⬇️