A cautionary tale... Pack a "Go Bag"

toedtoes wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:

For many most daily meds can be skipped for a few days to a week or more without serious consequences but some are nearly life changing if not life threatening almost immediately when discontinued even for brief periods.


:C

Yeah. That's why I think a small container that you can attach to your keys or put in your purse for those "absolutely must have" meds is best. They are always with you no matter what. So even if you forget your go bag, you have those meds.

What if you go out for a day with a buddy in his vehicle? Are you going to remember to grab your bag?

What do you do about the fact the prescription meds need to be in their marked containers?

Desert Captain wrote:

For many most daily meds can be skipped for a few days to a week or more without serious consequences but some are nearly life changing if not life threatening almost immediately when discontinued even for brief periods.


:C

Yeah. That's why I think a small container that you can attach to your keys or put in your purse for those "absolutely must have" meds is best. They are always with you no matter what. So even if you forget your go bag, you have those meds.

What if you go out for a day with a buddy in his vehicle? Are you going to remember to grab your bag?

OP here with a couple more thoughts...

Yes having one GoBag is probably a lot simpler as long gas you ALWAYS remember pack it. Perhaps storing it near the door, in the garage next to your vehicles etc. will make it work best. As far as meds it will be simple to rotate meds from the bag back into daily use a few times a year much like changing batteries in your smoke alarms with the time changes {whatever}.

For many most daily meds can be skipped for a few days to a week or more without serious consequences but some are nearly life changing if not life threatening almost immediately when discontinued even for brief periods.

The simple comfort of having a change of clothes while not critical can certainly help to turn a bad day around. Toiletries can usually be replaced but having a few of the basics on hand just gives fewer things/comforts to have to stop and seek out.

:C

my "GO BAG" is ready to go at a moments notice..... Although it is full with different types of survival stuff.... Maybe I should toss in a pill or 2 >>??? If there is room !

I am very sorry to hear about your kidney stone. They suck! I spent a month with mine - named him George. The pain would come and go with no warning - making it difficult to plan anything - even a grocery trip.

The issue I see is with medications. Insurance only allows you so much at a time. So if you put 3-4 days worth in each vehicle, you don't have enough to get you through the month.

And, as your medications change, you have to remember to change out all the various "go bags".

Instead, I recommend getting a small container to carry your must have meds and keep it in your pocket or purse with your keys and wallet. Then regardless of where you are or how you got there, you have the meds. Carry 4 days worth - that is most always enough time to get your insurance/doctor/pharmacy to get you a refill.

With the container, you can easily change out with new RXs, etc. And you are only putting 4 days aside rather than 4 days for 2-5 vehicles.

Also, remember that most Rx insurances don't cover stolen meds, so if your vehicle is stolen, etc, you will have to pay for those meds out of pocket and wait for reimbursement from your car or home insurance. As some meds are really expensive, it can cost you.

Most Rx insurances have a "vacation request" allowing you to refill before time once or twice a year because you won't be able to fill while you're away. When my home was burglarized, they stole ALL my medications. I was able to use my yearly allowance of vacation requests to get enough meds to put me back on track with their automatic timing of refills. You can also use this to fill your Rxs if you are stuck somewhere without your pills. You only pay your usual copay. But you are limited as to how many times you can do a vacation request per year.

Avoid the big cities and fire prone areas, border areas plus hurricane zones and tornado alley and death valley and you will be fine. I may have left out something. Good advice from the OP. All is good.


A few years ago I read an article in a travel or retirement magazine that the area west of Tucson and just south of the Interstate is safest place in USA from natural disasters except of course for the high desert heat and scarce water

I keep everything handy for quick trip or getaway including spare items for at least two trucks. Medicine is always top of my trip list.

Good advice. We always keep two "72 hour backpacks" ready at home and important papers in an easy to grab location, but your situation I am not prepared for...but I will be now. Thanks for the advice.

Good tip, it is a good idea to have one at home as well Incase you have to leave in a hurry.