Emergency Preparedness Kit: Essential OTC Products Every Senior Should Have

Be Prepared for Anything

Hurricanes, power outages, heat waves, and other emergencies disproportionately affect seniors. Having an emergency health kit ready ensures you have essential supplies when pharmacies may be closed or inaccessible. Your OTC benefit can help you build and maintain this kit throughout the year without extra cost.

First Aid Essentials

• Comprehensive first aid kit: A well-stocked kit with bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, and scissors. Keep it in an easy-to-grab location
• Thermometer: A digital thermometer to monitor for fever during illness. Battery-powered models work even during power outages
• Blood pressure monitor: A portable blood pressure cuff to monitor your BP when you can't reach your doctor. Especially important for seniors on blood pressure medication
• Pulse oximeter: A fingertip device measuring blood oxygen levels. Critical for seniors with respiratory conditions during emergencies when medical help may be delayed

Medication Management

• Pill organizer: A 7-day or 14-day pill organizer pre-filled with your medications. In an emergency evacuation, you grab one container and have your medications organized
• Waterproof bag: A resealable waterproof bag or container for medications. Water damage can destroy medications during floods or storms
• Extra supply: Talk to your doctor about maintaining a 30-day emergency supply of critical medications. Some OTC medications you can stock up on quarterly using your benefit

Comfort and Care Items

• Hand sanitizer: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren't available. Essential during power outages when water may be unsafe
• Sunscreen: SPF 30+ sunscreen in case you need to spend extended time outdoors during an evacuation or power outage
• Insect repellent: Bug spray for protection during warm-weather emergencies when you may be outdoors for extended periods
• Electrolyte packets: Oral rehydration solution packets to prevent dehydration during heat waves or illness. Dehydration is a leading cause of emergency room visits for seniors

Building Your Kit Quarterly

• Use your benefit strategically: Each quarter, use part of your OTC benefit to add or replace items in your emergency kit. Rotate supplies so nothing expires
• Check expiration dates: Review your emergency kit every 3 months. Replace expired medications, check battery-powered devices, and ensure everything is accessible