Week 10: The Six P’s of Evacuation – Part 3: Prescriptions, Vitamins, and Eyeglasses

After this week, we’ll be halfway through the P’s. Last week (Week 9), you gathered important information, including prescription and vitamin details, as well as vision records. This week, make sure to collect the actual items.

The third P only lists prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses, but I recommend adding anything you need regularly to this list. If you want, you can separate the items by “must haves” and “nice-to-haves.”
 
Prescriptions, Vitamins, and Eyeglasses

• Prescriptions
• Vitamins
• Eyeglasses
• Critical dental needs
• Hearing aids (and extra batteries)
• Mobility aids (canes, walkers, crutches, powered carts (and extra batteries))

 
Here is what I do: Every time I get a new prescription or bottle of vitamins I count out 14 pills and save them in a pill box in my Go Bag. That way I’m not storing pills for several years past their expiration dates because I’m cycling them each time I acquire a new bottle. Also, this serves as a time to check what is in my Go Bag.

If you need glasses during an emergency, store a pair purchased from the drugstore in your Go Bag. Or, when you pick up a new prescription pair, save the previous pair in your Go Bag (assuming the prescription hasn’t changed that much).
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If there are any other items you require during an extended time away from home, make sure to have something that will get you through at least two weeks. For example, purchase an extra cane or hearing aid batteries and store them with your Go Bag now.
 
Cost: $0 - $$ (Depending on whether you need to purchase anything)
Frequency: Check your supplies every two-to-three months, but add or swap any new items right away. Do not let medications expire or batteries lose their charge.
 
I’d love to know how you all tackle this step. Leave your tips and ideas in the Comments.
 
Important Disclaimer: I am not a fire preparedness professional. I am merely sharing my research, opinions, and what I find that applies to my geographic and personal situations in hopes that it will help others. Please make sure that whatever steps and advice you follow are what is best for you.

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□️□ It’s Week 10 of the #FirePrepFriday series. This week, work on the third of the Six P’s of Evacuation - Prescriptions, Vitamins, and Eyeglasses. Visit my website for the associated blog post and let me know how you handle this task: kristaleewest.com/fireprepfriday.html

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— Krista West, Ph.D. (@rsfirenerd.bsky.social) June 13, 2025 at 11:20 AM