VHA Office of Emergency Management
Veterans, Families & Emergency Management
Preparing for a disaster is everyone’s responsibility. Managing your health should be part of your planning.
Planning for Disasters and Emergencies - Depending on where you live, you and your family could be impacted by one of the common disasters listed below. Click on a button below to learn more about what you can do before, during, and after an emergency to stay safe.
Creating an Emergency Health Information Card - An emergency health information card can help rescuers understand your medical needs if you are unconscious or incoherent or if they need to help you evacuate quickly. The card should contain information about medications, equipment, allergies and sensitivities, communication difficulties, preferred treatment, and important contact people. Click here to create your card today.
Managing Your Medications - Make sure you have necessary prescriptions and other medications available-usually. A 15-day supply is sufficient. If you have medications requiring refrigeration, have a small portable cooler or ice chest ready for easy transportation.
VA Emergency Pharmacy Program
In a catastrophic event, VA may activate the Emergency Pharmacy Program. Check with your VA medical center to see if this program is available to support your medication needs for a specific emergency or disaster. Through this program, Veterans with a VA ID card who need an emergency supply of medication can go to any retail pharmacy open to the public with a written prescription on a valid VA prescription form or active VA prescription bottle (not older than six months AND with refills available) to receive at least a 10-day supply. Note: Controlled substances are not included in this program; VA must fill them.
Basic Emergency Preparation
