Disaster Preparedness: Special Medical and Dietary Needs

Author: Sharon Gray
Sharon.gray@uconn.edu

Reviewer: Heather Peracchio, UConn Extension
Publication EXT200 | March 2026

https://doi.org/10.61899/ucext.v3.200.2026

Introduction

Special medical or dietary needs require advance preparation for disasters. Weather events such as hurricanes, floods, fires, extended power outages, and snowstorms can all limit access to supplies.

Disasters can strain normal supply chains. In addition, they can place individuals with special needs at particular risk. In general, prepare for disasters by maintaining a minimum three-day supply, and up to a 14-day supply, of essential medications and special dietary foods. These should be stored in airtight, waterproof containers.

This factsheet focuses on specific tips to ensure adequate preparation for medications, medical equipment, and special dietary foods.

Medication Tips

  • Keep a two-week supply: Maintain a minimum three-day supply and up to 14-day supply of any prescription and over-the-counter medications;
  • For refrigerated medication: Invest in a portable cooler or insulated lunch bag. When longer power outages take place, a battery-operated cooler would be a better choice;
  • Rotate medications: Buy extra, store it and rotate and use older medications first;
  • Document medications: Keep a printed list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors stored in airtight, waterproof containers or waterproof document sleeves;
  • In case of evacuation: Create a go-bag of three to seven days of medication to add to the evacuation kit.

Medical Supplies and Equipment Tips

  • If you have electrically powered equipment, such as oxygen or infusion pumps, be sure to have a backup power source, such as a generator or battery. Contact your local utility company to inform them of life-sustaining equipment;
  • Keep a supply of any medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags, feeding tubes or syringes;
  • Record the style and serial numbers of medical devices (such as pacemakers) and usage instructions;
  • Keep extra batteries for hearing aids or implants;
  • Have on hand aerosol tire repair kits and tire inflators to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires.

Special Diet and Food Supplies

  • Specialty items: Have on hand a minimum three-day supply and up to 14–day supply of food for specific allergies or conditions such as gluten-free, diabetic friendly, low sodium, or renal diets;
  • Nonperishable foods: Stock up on foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, such as peanut butter, dried fruit and nuts, canned goods, protein bars, and nonfat dry milk;
  • For infants and toddlers: Make sure to have a three day to 14-day supply of specialized infant formulas and baby foods;
  • Water: Plan on one gallon of water, per person, per day for drinking needs. (three day minimum);
  • Check your kit and rotate supplies every three months.  Be sure to check ‘best by’ dates every six months and replace items as needed;
  • Tools. Make sure you have a manual can opener, disposable utensils and, if necessary, cooking equipment like a camp stove.

Important Preparation Steps

  • Create a disaster plan: Discuss emergency plans with health care providers in advance;
  • If you receive dialysis, chemotherapy, or other life sustaining treatment, find out whether there is a backup location, so your service is not interrupted;
  • Alert authorities: Ask local fire departments if they maintain a registry for individuals with special needs.   Contact local utilities to inform them of life sustaining equipment in your home;
  • Communication: Use text messages to communicate with out-of-area contacts as they may be more effective than calls;
  • Register for emergency alerts in Connecticut via ct alert https://portal.ct.gov/ctalert/common-elements/common-elements/sign-up-for-ct-alerts

It is particularly important for individuals with special medical or dietary needs to plan ahead in case of disasters. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about emergency refills for prescription medications. Create an emergency kit and keep copies of insurance cards, physician contact information and prescriptions. Build a stock of special dietary foods for emergencies. And if you rely on electrically powered medical equipment, plan backup generators or battery powered equipment. Planning ahead for these types of emergencies is crucial for individuals with special needs to remain safe during any stormy weather.

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.