Fill prescriptions on time or ahead of time, if you can
Call your pharmacist to ask if your prescriptions can be filled early
When filling prescriptions at the pharmacy, use mail-order delivery or call in your prescriptions ahead of time, and use drive-thru or curbside pickup options when available.
Keep a list of your local healthcare facilities, with addresses, phone numbers, and emails/websites
Consider these facilities:
Hospitals/ERs
Pharmacies
Urgent care clinics
Ancillary care:
Dialysis Centers, Cancer Treatment centers
COVID-19 Testing Centers
Keep a “go-bag” of emergency supplies ready, including your medications
Suggested items: first aid kit, flashlight, portable radio, NOAA weather radio, batteries, whistle, blankets, important documents, cash if possible, and supplies to protect you and others from COVID-19 including multiple masks for everyone 2 years and older, soap and disinfectant wipes
Pack all medications in a resealable, waterproof bag
Have an evacuation plan
Use your state emergency management agency and RedCross.org/Shelters website to find local shelters
Identify back-up locations, such as the homes of loved ones or motels
If you have pets, look for places that accept pets
Plan several routes to your back-up locations
Use RxOpen.org to locate pharmacies near your alternative location
Follow the instructions of local officials
Have a communication and reunification plan with everyone in your home
If you are unable to evacuate, alert local emergency management officials and your loved ones or caretakers
Pay close attention to local guidelines about updated evacuation plans and emergency sheltering.
Plan for any chronic conditions you may have
Diabetes: Talk to your pharmacist about keeping a supply of insulin on hand – Try to refrain from eating sugar and other carbohydrates
Kidney disease: Make sure you have access to dialysis treatment and use the renal diet
Cardiovascular disease & hypertension: Try to refrain from high-salt and fatty food and aim for 30 minutes of activity a day to manage your blood pressure
Pulmonary disease: Work with your supplier to understand options for keeping resupplies of oxygen with you
Disability: Develop alternative transportation plans and identify a trusted caretaker if necessary
Aging: Post emergency numbers near every house phone and cellular phone
Asthma: Have a plan to ensure you have a supply of your asthma medications and supplies
Cancer: If you have a cancer survivorship care plan, keep a copy handy and take steps to lower your risk for infections
Keep a list of helpful hotlines
Healthcare Ready: 1-866-247-2694
FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (or text “TalkWithUS” to 66746)
Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER): 1-866-901-3773
Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767
American Diabetes Association: 1-800-342-2283
American Heart Association: 1-800-242-8721
American Association of People with Disabilities: 1-800-840-8844
American Stroke Association: 1-888-478-7653
Make sure you know your prescription medication and health information – use Rx on the Run to keep a list of your prescriptions
Rx on the Run is a personalized wallet-sized card that lists your prescriptions with the latest dosage and instructions
Check with your health insurance provider for emergency support resources and hotlines
Start by calling the number on the back of your insurance card for assistance
Stay indoors to limit exposure to smoke in the air
When outside, wear a KN95 mask to keep the air your breath free from harmful particles; know that cloth masks will not protect you from wildfire smoke
Recovering After a Wildfire
Wait for an alert from authorities that water is safe to drink before drinking tap water without boiling it first
Watch weather alerts for information on the air quality
Use caution when cleaning up debris and don’t overexert yourself
Always wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear, and beware of glass, nails, and other sharp objects
Be careful of ash, embers, and burning debris
If you are cut or scraped, clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly and keep it covered, especially if you have cancer or are otherwise immunocompromised
Contact family and friends to let them know you are safe
Check in on your loved ones that may need support
Use text messages instead of phone calls because phone lines might be down
When checking up on friends and family, don’t forget to continue practicing COVID-19 safety precautions like wearing a mask, washing hands often with soap and water, and staying six feet apart from others.
Check with your health insurance provider for emergency support resources and hotlines
Start by calling the number on the back of your insurance card for assistance
If you don’t have insurance, call 2-1-1 and ask about local services that may be able to help
If there is a disaster declaration, you can also try to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance for financial support by calling 800-621-3362 or visiting DisasterAssistance.gov