Emergency Medicine Kit

If you’ve been following our series on personal preparedness, you may have noticed a common theme: the everyday resources we rely on may not be available after a disaster.

That’s why personal preparedness is so important. By creating your own emergency plans, toolkits, and supplies, you can stay safe and supported until normal conditions return.

This month, we’re focusing on something essential—building a personal medication kit for times when your pharmacy may not be accessible.

Your Task: Create a Personal Medication Kit

Putting together a medication kit now can help you avoid stress and delays during an emergency.

Tip: Always check with your doctor to ensure these items are safe for you and your household.

What to Include in Your Medication Kit

Prescription Medications

• A one-week supply of all prescription medications
• Keep medications in their original containers

Over-the-Counter Medications

Include common non-prescription items to manage everyday symptoms:

• Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen)
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacids for stomach upset
• Cold, cough, and allergy relief products
• Laxatives
• Multivitamins

First Aid and Skin Care Supplies

• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Optional:
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Zinc oxide ointment
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Antifungal cream
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF

Vision and Medical Supplies

• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
• Contact lens solution
• Extra batteries for:
  • Hearing aids
  • Insulin pumps
  • Monitoring devices
• Sterile saline solution (for wound cleansing when clean water isn’t available)

Hygiene Essentials

• Germicidal hand wipes
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Diabetes Supplies (If Needed)

If you or a household member has diabetes, include:

• Glucose tablets or gel
• Lancets
• Meter check solution
• Blood glucose test strips
• Extra syringes (if insulin is used)

How to Safely Store Your Medication Kit

Proper storage is key to keeping medications effective and safe.

Storage Best Practices

• Use a plastic bin with an airtight lid
• Store items in re-sealable plastic bags for extra protection
• Keep the kit in a cool, dry, and dark place

Temperature Guidelines

• Ideal storage range: 59–77°F
• Avoid high heat and humidity
• Limit temperature fluctuations to preserve medication potency

Refrigerated Medications

Some medications can safely be stored outside the refrigerator for short periods.

• Example: insulin vials may last 21–28 days unrefrigerated
• Always consult your pharmacist for specific guidance

Check Expiration Dates Regularly

Keeping your kit up to date is just as important as creating it.

Monthly Maintenance Tips

• Check all medications once a month
• Replace anything that has expired

Helpful Tip:
Label your kit with the soonest expiration date so you know when it’s time to update supplies.

Important Documents to Include

Having the right paperwork can speed up care during an emergency.

Add Copies of:

• Prescription records
• Driver’s license
• Medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy insurance cards
• Doctor contact information (business cards)

Include a Medical Summary

Prepare a clear, easy-to-read summary that includes:

• Medical conditions
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Medical devices (glasses, dentures, prosthetics, etc.)

Add Device Information

List details for any medical devices you use:

• Make and model
• Serial number

Digital Backup

• Store scanned documents on a non-password protected flash drive
• Keep it in your medication kit with paper copies

How to Maintain a 7-Day Emergency Medication Supply

Insurance may not cover extra medication for emergency kits—but there are safe ways to prepare.

Option 1: Request a 7-Day Prescription

• Ask your doctor for a separate 7-day supply
• Store it in the original labeled container
• Replace it before it expires

Option 2: Refill Early

• Refill your prescription about one week early
• Set aside the remaining medication as your emergency supply
• Rotate it before expiration

Option 3: Ask About Samples

• Some doctors may provide samples
• Use caution:
  • Samples may not include labeled instructions
  • They often have shorter expiration dates

Stay Prepared, Stay Protected

Building a personal medication kit is a simple but powerful step in protecting yourself and your family.

By planning ahead, you can ensure access to essential medications, supplies, and information—no matter what challenges arise.

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow.