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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2024 | 11 Disaster preparedness: How to Stockpile Personal Medications In January's EPAP Lifestyles article, we discussed what you should keep in your "go bag" so in the event of an evacuation you have the items you may need, and, of course, food and water are very important. But food and water may not be enough, especially if you are dependent on daily medications for your health and safety. This is why stockpiling your personal medication is important. This may be difficult when most insurance companies will only allow a 30-day supply. However, it is possible to safely stockpile some prescriptions if you plan ahead. It is suggested by many pharmacists that the way to do this is to start by refilling your prescriptions before your prescription runs out. This will give you some extra medications each month. Take this extra medication and store it in a watertight container. Then, place it in your disaster "go bag." Don't forget to label each container with the medication's name, instructions, and expiration dates. If you are prescribed medication that is not taken daily, safely put some aside. Pharmacist Clark Botha from Loma Linda University Medical Center says you should replace the saved supply once a year by putting new pills in and using the pills that you have been collecting in your "go bag." He also said it is important to check your prescription plan because some insurance companies may allow for a vacation supply. Otherwise, the cost for an extra prescription comes out of the patient's pocket. And while some people might try to conserve their medications, skipping your medication is not a good idea. You really would want to have at least a two-week supply of medication in the event of an emergency. Reality is the need for extra medication doesn't always have to come with a disaster. Weather, illness, and everyday life can get in the way of getting to the pharmacy. EPAP LECTURE SERIES - PRESCRIPTION 101 Thurs., Fen. 15, 1 to 4 pm in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom. Pharmacist Clark Botha will speak on how important it is to understand your prescriptions and have enough medication in the event of any emergency need. EPAP/EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER OPEN HOUSE Sat., Feb. 17, 1 to 4 pm in the EOC Center (on Country Club near the Maintenance Yard - there will be signs and flags). EPAP Executive Team invites you to join us at the EPAP/EOC's First Annual Open House, at our EOC Center. See where the monthly EPAP radio checks take place and the radios which keep us connected to the outside world. Find out how we plan for our annual disaster drills and train our EPAP Team members to be ready and prepared. Refreshments will be served. ~ Janis Rice, EPAP PIO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DISASTER PREP AND MEDICATIONS

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