Emergencies happen. They can come in the form of a hurricane that blocks roads for weeks at a time. Or they can just be a power outage that lasts a few days. To most people, these problems can mean an inconvenience or need to evacuate the area.

To diabetics, it can mean a life-threatening loss of access to their medication.

Keep a Complete Emergency Kit

It’s a good idea for diabetics to keep a stocked emergency kit in both the house and car. Ideally, this kit will have a current supply of medication and other essential equipment. The Red Cross recommends a 7-day supply of these items because you never know how long it may take to get access to a pharmacy or hospital after a disaster. Women may also want to have a backup supply of insulin and glucose tablets in their purse.

Items for the Medical Kit

Keep extras of all your medications or equipment in the kit. This includes any prescriptions, not just your diabetes meds. Some of the things you may want to include are:

• Extra Needles and Syringes
• Lancets
• Blood Glucose Meter
• Extra Batteries
• Test Strips
• Alcohol Swabs
• Sharps Container

A copy of your medical records or a medical ID may be of use to others in your group or rescuers if you become unconscious or are injured.

How Long Is Insulin Good?

If you are using insulin injections, you’ll want to store that extra supply in the refrigerator for as long as possible. This product is a protein dissolved in water, and a cool environment helps keep it fresh. However, manufacturers state that it is okay to keep insulin at a maximum of 86 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 28 days. So, if you must evacuate on short notice, your medication will be effective and safe at room temperature. It’s helpful to have an insulated, zippered bag or cooler handy to transfer your supply into should you have to leave your home.