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

Why Your Medication Go-Bag Could Save Your Life

Imagine this: you’re told to leave your home in 10 minutes. The floodwaters are rising. The fire is closing in. You grab your wallet, phone, and keys-but you forget your insulin, your blood pressure pills, your asthma inhaler. In the chaos, you don’t know if you’ll get to a pharmacy for days. That’s not a hypothetical. It’s what happened to thousands during Hurricane Ida, the California wildfires, and the 2023 Canadian wildfires. And it’s why a simple go-bag filled with the right medications and information isn’t optional-it’s essential.

What Exactly Is a Medication Go-Bag?

A medication go-bag is a portable kit with everything you need to stay safe and healthy if you have to evacuate quickly. It’s not just a few bottles shoved into a backpack. It’s a carefully planned collection of your critical medicines, backup supplies, and medical documents-all ready to grab in under a minute. The idea isn’t new. FEMA started pushing for it after Hurricane Katrina, but most people still don’t have one. Only 22% of U.S. households have enough medication for an emergency, according to the CDC. That’s a dangerous gap.

What to Pack: The Non-Negotiables

You don’t need fancy gear. You need the basics, and you need them in the right amounts. Start with your prescriptions. The minimum is a 7-day supply. But if you live in an area prone to long-term disasters-like earthquakes in California or hurricanes along the Gulf Coast-you need two weeks. That’s not a suggestion. That’s what Alert San Diego and the CDC recommend. Don’t wait until the sirens sound to fill your prescriptions.

• Every prescription you take daily or multiple times a day
• Over-the-counter meds you rely on: pain relievers, antacids, allergy pills, or laxatives
• Any injectables: insulin, epinephrine, or biologics
• Supplements you can’t live without: like iron, vitamin D, or thyroid meds

And don’t forget the containers. Keep meds in their original bottles with clear labels. That’s not just for your own peace of mind-it’s for emergency responders who might need to know exactly what you’re taking. A pill organizer is great for daily use, but never use it as your only storage during an emergency. Labels fade. Bottles break. Original packaging doesn’t.

Temperature-Sensitive Medications Are a Hidden Risk

If you take insulin, certain antibiotics, or biologic drugs, you’re already in a higher-risk group. Heat and cold can destroy these meds fast. A regular go-bag in a hot car or a cold basement won’t cut it. In 2022, the American Diabetes Association found that 62% of insulin users struggled to keep their meds stable during power outages. That’s why you need a cooling solution.

The Frio Wallet is the most tested option-it keeps insulin below 86°F for up to 48 hours without ice or electricity. There are newer options too, like the MedAngel ONE, a small sensor that connects to your phone and alerts you if your meds are getting too hot or cold. It’s FDA-cleared and costs less than a monthly prescription co-pay. If you’re on temperature-sensitive meds, this isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Documents: The Invisible Lifeline

Your meds mean nothing if no one knows what they are or why you need them. A printed list is your most important item. Write down:

• Medication names (brand and generic)
• Dosage and frequency
• Why you take each one (e.g., “for high blood pressure,” “for asthma”)
• Allergies and past reactions
• Your primary doctor’s name and phone number
• Your pharmacy’s name and number
• Any advance directives or living wills

Put this list in a waterproof pouch. Use a zip-top bag if you don’t have a specialized case. Keep it with your meds-not in your wallet or on your phone. Power’s out? Phone’s dead? Your paper list still works. One woman in Florida told the Red Cross her list helped ER staff avoid a deadly drug interaction during a flash flood. That’s the kind of detail that saves lives.

What Else Belongs in the Bag?

Medications are the core, but you need supporting items too:

• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
• Disposable gloves (in case you need to help someone else)
• Small scissors (for opening blister packs)
• Alcohol swabs (for injections)
• A list of emergency contacts
• Cash in small bills-ATMs won’t work during outages
• A copy of your insurance card and photo ID

Don’t overpack. Your go-bag needs to be light enough to carry out the door in a hurry. A small duffel bag or backpack with a shoulder strap works best. Keep it by your bed or near the front door-not tucked in the basement or the garage.

When to Check and Replace

Medications expire. So does your memory. Set a reminder on your phone every six months. On January 1 and July 1, open your go-bag and do this:

1. Check expiration dates on every pill, inhaler, and injector
2. Replace anything that’s expired or close to expiring
3. Refill prescriptions early-don’t wait until your last pill
4. Update your medication list if you’ve started, stopped, or changed a drug
5. Test your cooling device (if you have one) to make sure it still works

Pharmacists in 42 states can give you an emergency refill without a new prescription during a declared disaster. But you still need to ask. And you need to have your list ready. That’s why you check your bag twice a year. It’s not about being paranoid. It’s about being prepared.

Why Younger People Are at Higher Risk

Most go-bags are made by older adults. The CDC found that 34% of people over 65 have one. Only 18% of people under 35 do. That’s a problem. Chronic conditions don’t care how old you are. Millions of young people take daily meds for asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, or mental health. Yet they assume they’ll be fine if they just “grab their phone.” But phones die. Networks go down. Hospitals get overwhelmed. If you’re on meds, you’re not too young to need this. You’re exactly the person who needs it most.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford a Two-Week Supply

Cost is the #1 reason people don’t build go-bags. But you don’t need to buy everything at once. Start small. Ask your pharmacist: “Can I get a 90-day supply instead of 30?” Many insurers allow it for chronic conditions. Some pharmacies even offer free or discounted emergency kits for low-income patients. Call your local health department-they often have programs to help. And if you’re on insulin or epinephrine, ask about patient assistance programs. Many drugmakers give free supplies to people who qualify. Don’t let cost stop you. A single day without your meds could cost you far more than the price of a few extra bottles.

Final Thought: This Isn’t About Fear. It’s About Control.

Disasters don’t care if you’re ready. But you can still choose to be prepared. A go-bag doesn’t make you more anxious. It gives you back control. When everything else is falling apart, you know your meds are safe. You know what to say to the EMT. You know you won’t be the one in the ER because you ran out of your heart medicine. That’s not luck. That’s planning. And it’s the easiest way to protect your health when the world goes sideways.

Next Steps: Start Today

You don’t need to build the perfect go-bag overnight. Start with one thing: write down your meds. Right now. On a piece of paper. Put it in an envelope. Then, next time you refill a prescription, ask for a 90-day supply. Keep one bottle in your go-bag. Do that, and you’ve already done more than 78% of people your age. Don’t wait for the next emergency. Build your safety net now-before the storm hits.