How to prepare your medications for 2025 hurricane season

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — When preparing for hurricane season, there is always an emphasis on food, water, gas and extra supplies, but what about medicine?

Your health during a major storm is just as important as all other measures.

If you or a loved one rely on certain medications, then as a part of your hurricane season game plan, it should be at the top of your list.

On May 22, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its predictions, stating it expects to see an “above-normal” 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

NOAA officials believe there will be between 13 and 19 named storms, with six to 10 expected to become hurricanes with 74 mph winds or higher.

WGNO’s Raeven Poole spoke with DePaul Community Health Centers’ Pharmacist LaChandra McGowan, who says you must prepare in advance.

How should you decide what medications to take when evacuating?

Have a list of all your medications and their dosage readily available in case of an emergency. If possible, have at least a 14-day supply of those medications and avoid waiting until you run out to request a refill. Be sure to bring all of your maintenance medications and prescriptions that address chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. It’s also important to pack urgent medications such as epi pens, asthma inhalers, etc. in case of an emergency.

How far out ahead of a storm should you contact your pharmacy for a refill on your medication?

It’s always a good idea to request a refill of your medications five to seven days before running out. Sometimes, there are restrictions that prevent refilling too early; however, once a state of emergency has been declared, reach out to your pharmacy team for guidance and/or assistance.

What is the proper storage for your medicine if you are staying home or evacuating? What if your medication needs refrigeration?

If you have medication that must be refrigerated, such as insulin, try to keep it cool by using frozen ice packs and coolers during a loss of power or when evacuating. Do not place medications directly on ice or ice packs – be sure to place a towel or barrier between the ice and your medication. Also, try to refrain from opening the cooler frequently to keep cool air inside. Keep non-refrigerated medications as cool as possible as well. The length of time this method works varies depending on the storage, type of ice, ambient temperatures and more.

What if you have health concerns going into hurricane season?

If you have ongoing health concerns going into hurricane season, please prepare in
advance! Have evacuation plans and a medication list completed BEFORE any storms
arrive.

During this hurricane season and for those to come, DePaul Community Health Center officials say they are making patients’ health and overall wellness a priority. Adequate and affordable medication for patients is made available through their 340B program.

DCHC pharmacy locations across the Greater New Orleans region include:

• Algiers
• Carrollton
• Central City
• Gentilly
• Metairie
• New Orleans East
• St. Cecilia
• West Bank Expressway – Harvey

“We also are encouraging everyone to prepare in advance. Be proactive and do not wait until the last minute! Your health depends on it,” said DCHC officials.

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