Medical Needs in Disaster Situations

[peterpan13]

Hi all. Just wondered if anyone has ever been in a disaster zone (Katrina, Alison, Rita, other storms or fires or floods, etc) and had controlled meds destroyed, lost, or contaminated, and how to go about quickly replacing them. How do you prove it? I mean, it's a federally declared disaster, but even the doctors aren't getting people in quickly...any thoughts?

 

[CodyKowl]

Lot's of thoughts..... what happens if you have one of those little small metal pill containers on your keyring and you get pulled over by an eager Police Officer? Technically, because it isn't in the Rx bottle and if you do not have the Rx with you you can be arrested. Seriously, who carries around full Rx pill bottles? 

I fly a lot ... A LOT! I scanned my Rx into JPEG or PDF and carry a sized down copy in my shaving kit, have a pic of the Rx on my phone AND keep a USB drive (several) securely stashed with Rx and other emergency contact info. I've never had a problem with TSA but do get flagged often because I have many one-way segments. Most TSA agents aren't bad but a few have been pretty ridiculous, and it's usually in smaller regional airports.

Regarding meds in a "disaster zone" .... I would not be worried about showing proof of an Rx. Look at New Orleans and Katrina... that kind of disaster and looters are out in full-force. Pharmacy and liquor stores will be the first hit (next to milk and bread). You should start preparing now and have a 30 day reserve of everything, meds, water, food... right down to toilet paper. Do not count on the Government to save you ... even FEMA says be prepared to stand on your own for at least 72 hours. 

I've done a lot of research on Veterinary meds, in a pinch I would not hesitate to substitute vet anti-antibiotics and have stocked up on several,

Build a kit - Make a plan

http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit  

 

[Broadway2282]

Lot's of thoughts..... what happens if you have one of those little small metal pill containers on your keyring and you get pulled over by an eager Police Officer? Technically, because it isn't in the Rx bottle and if you do not have the Rx with you you can be arrested. Seriously, who carries around full Rx pill bottles? 

I fly a lot ... A LOT! I scanned my Rx into JPEG or PDF and carry a sized down copy in my shaving kit, have a pic of the Rx on my phone AND keep a USB drive (several) securely stashed with Rx and other emergency contact info. I've never had a problem with TSA but do get flagged often because I have many one-way segments. Most TSA agents aren't bad but a few have been pretty ridiculous, and it's usually in smaller regional airports.

Regarding meds in a "disaster zone" .... I would not be worried about showing proof of an Rx. Look at New Orleans and Katrina... that kind of disaster and looters are out in full-force. Pharmacy and liquor stores will be the first hit (next to milk and bread). You should start preparing now and have a 30 day reserve of everything, meds, water, food... right down to toilet paper. Do not count on the Government to save you ... even FEMA says be prepared to stand on your own for at least 72 hours. 

I've done a lot of research on Veterinary meds, in a pinch I would not hesitate to substitute vet anti-antibiotics and have stocked up on several,

Build a kit - Make a plan

http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit  

Great post CodyKowl! I can attest to the FEMA stand on your own for 72 hrs per Katrina as Louisiana  is my home state.  Thank God I moved!! Couple corrupt government & a disaster and you are fucked. So yes, best to have reserves 4 sure.

 

[julimond]

I don't live in an area where thunderstorms or hurrycans could blow my home away, but I've had situations in my life
(Tschernobyl, Anthrax shit after 9/11, mass deseases like bird flue) where I was glad that I had my 3 month reserve.

I exchange it from time to time (not the PKs, because these I only need after a car accident which has nothing to do
with the issues stated above) and as long as I can be sure that I have them availabe when needed, that gives me a feeling of
security.

Probably crazy, but thats me.