In Quebec, a snowstorm, ice storm, flood, or evacuation can disrupt routines. When a family member takes medication regularly, preparing information and logistics in advance helps you know what to take and who to call. The goal is not to stockpile prescriptions: it is to plan for continued treatment with the professionals who support you.
Safety notice: This guide provides general organizational tips, not medical advice. It does not replace the advice of a pharmacist or healthcare provider. Never change a dose, schedule, or treatment, and do not share medications based on this article. Any supply must be obtained legally and planned with a professional. In case of an immediate medical emergency, contact emergency services.
1. Take inventory of current medications
Ask your pharmacy for an up-to-date list of your medications and review it with your pharmacist. For each person, gather the medication name, its concentration, the prescribed instructions, the quantity currently available, and the expiration dates. Include over-the-counter products and supplements on the list to be reviewed.
Note the update date, known allergies, and any accessories needed to administer the treatments. Keep a paper copy in your emergency kit and an offline digital copy, while protecting this personal information.
2. Plan a legal and appropriate supply
Before a service interruption, ask your pharmacist how much you can reasonably plan to have, when to fill refills, and what to do if your pharmacy becomes inaccessible. Options depend on your situation and your medications: do not assume that an early refill or extra quantity will be possible.
Only keep a supply obtained legally, according to the pharmacist's instructions, in a secure place and in its labeled packaging. Regularly check the quantities and expiration dates. Ask the pharmacy how to dispose of expired or unused medications.
The 72-hour guideline is intended to help you organize your family's preparation, not to set a universal medication supply. Do not stockpile prescriptions without professional guidance, and do not reduce your doses to build a supply.
3. Prepare a plan for refrigerated medications
Identify medications whose labels indicate special storage requirements. For each, ask the pharmacist about the required temperatures, transport precautions, and what to do during a power outage or evacuation.
Ask for clarification on the appropriate equipment and how to monitor the temperature. Do not choose a cooling method at random: direct contact with ice or a cold pack may not be suitable. Do not assume that a medication must be frozen because it must be kept cold.
If storage conditions become uncertain, note the times, known temperatures, and circumstances, then consult the pharmacist before deciding what to do with the medication. Do not judge its quality by its appearance, and do not change your treatment on your own initiative.
4. Keep important contacts on paper
Write down the name, address, and phone number of your pharmacy, as well as the contact information for your prescriber or clinic. With your permission, add a trusted person who can help you transport your medications or contact your healthcare team.
Ask in advance who to contact outside of business hours and what steps to follow if you are evacuated to another municipality. Keep this contact information with your medication list so you do not rely solely on your phone or the internet.
5. Prepare a medication sheet
Prepare a short information sheet to be reviewed by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. It can include your identity, an up-to-date list of treatments, known allergies, refrigeration requirements, necessary accessories, and the contact information of the responsible professionals. Clearly indicate the review date.
If your situation requires an official medical letter, ask the appropriate professional for one. A sheet prepared at home facilitates communication, but does not replace a prescription, authorization, or clinical assessment.
6. Incorporate everything into the 72-hour family plan
The family sheet from the 72-Hour Family Emergency Plan — Printable Booklet, Quebec Edition already includes essential medications. Use this section as a starting point, then add your reviewed list, contacts, and personalized storage instructions.
Specify who will collect the medications when leaving, where the documents are located, and what equipment must accompany an evacuated person. For products that must remain in the refrigerator, place a reminder in the departure bag rather than packing them in advance under unsuitable conditions.
A simple check to perform regularly
- Does my list still match my current prescriptions?
- Have I discussed my supply with my pharmacist?
- Are the storage and transport instructions written down?
- Are my contacts and information sheet up to date?
- Does everyone involved know what to collect in case of evacuation?
Review this file after every treatment change and during your family preparation checks. If you are at risk of running out of a medication, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider promptly for appropriate advice. Do not substitute a product, double a dose, or stop a treatment without professional instructions.
Good preparation begins with a conversation with your pharmacist, followed by clear information that your family can access at the right time.
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