What Medical Supplies Should I Bring in a 2025 Hurricane Evacuation?

When a hurricane is approaching, people often pack valuables like cash, jewelry, or even their pets. But what about medications and medical supplies? Many people forget these necessary items, even though they rely on them every day.

This guide will help you prepare a 2025 medical supply kit for a hurricane evacuation. You’ll find simple tips on what to pack and how to organize and store your supplies.

Why is a medical supply hurricane kit essential?

Hurricanes can limit access to hospitals, pharmacies or electricity. Being prepared with the right medications and equipment keeps you safe and stress free during unpredictable times.

What would a medical supply hurricane evacuation checklist look like?

When preparing your emergency evacuation kit, prioritize the following hurricane evacuation checklist to meet your medical needs:

1. Medications

• Prescription medications: Pack at least a week’s supply. Try to store them in their original containers with clear labels.
• Over-the-counter medications: Bring items you use often, like pain relievers, allergy medicine or antacids.
• Medication list: Write a list of your medications and instructions for each. Keep it in a waterproof bag or save a digital copy on your phone.

2. Refrigerated medications

• Use a cooler with ice packs or gel packs to keep your medicines cold. This will keep them safe if the power goes out or during travel.

3. Medical devices and equipment

• Bring backup power sources like batteries or portable chargers for important devices:
  • Oxygen concentrators
  • CPAP machines
  • Glucose monitors
• Pack extra batteries for hearing aids or thermometers.
• Write down the model and serial numbers of medical devices. This will help if a replacement is needed.
• Don’t forget extra eyeglasses, contact lenses and cleaning solutions.

4. Health documentation

• Carry your medical insurance cards, Medicare or Medicaid cards and doctor contact information.
• Make a list of your allergies and major health conditions. Store it in a waterproof folder or on your phone.

5. Personal health essentials

• Pack a basic first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes and any personal hygiene products you need.
• Include face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to stay safe from germs and infections.

6. Identification and emergency tools

• If you have allergies or medical conditions, wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace. This helps emergency responders know your needs.

By organizing items, you reduce the risk of last-minute confusion in the event of an evacuation and your hurricane medication preparedness list will be easier to handle.

How should I store medications during a hurricane?

Improper storage can ruin medications. Here’s how to protect them:

• Keep them dry: Use waterproof containers or zip-lock bags.
• Keep them cool: Store medications in a cool, dry place.
• For refrigeration, use a sealed cooler and keep it out of direct sunlight.

How do I pack medications in a waterproof container?

Don’t have a waterproof container? Use zip-lock bags. Put medications in their original bottles. Then place the bottles in the bags. This adds an extra layer of protection from water damage.

Can pharmacies refill my prescription during a hurricane?

Pharmacies often refill prescriptions during emergencies. Call ahead or use mail-order services to prepare. What if I forget essential medical supplies during evacuation? Contact your nearest urgent care clinic or hospital immediately upon arrival to your evacuation hub. Facilities often help evacuees in such situations.

What should I do if the power goes out and I rely on medical equipment?

If medical equipment requires electricity, consider buying a portable generator or backup batteries. Contact your power company if you rely on electricity for health needs. Some companies offer priority service for medical equipment users during outages.

Additional tips for medical emergency preparedness

• Download the MyOchsner app for quick access to medical records.

• Charge a power bank to keep your phone ready for health appsortelemedicine consultations
• Check your emergency kit every month. Make sure supplies and details are up to date

Your ability to recover from an emergency tomorrow may depend on the planning and preparation you do today on your disaster preparation medical checklist. Remember to keep your 2025 hurricane evacuation medical supplies up to date and follow these hurricane evacuation health tips.

Learn more about hurricane preparedness at Ochsner.