ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — At the Scripts Pharmacy at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, many people were in and out getting prescriptions ahead of Hurricane Milton. 

What You Need To Know

  • Under Florida law, you can obtain a 30-day refill of your prescription medication — even if you have just refilled it

  • Many refrigerated prescriptions can stay at room temperature for a certain amount of time before hitting a point where they cannot be used. It is usually written on the bottle

  • Have a flashlight on hand when taking medication during a power outage. This will ensure you are taking the correct medication and help with taking the correct amount

  • If during the storm a prescription is damaged or lost, don't panic; it can be refilled once it is safe to go outside

When Florida is put under a state of emergency, like it is currently, people can get a 30-day refill of their prescriptions, even if they just refilled it. 

When the storm hits, one of the biggest things to think about is power loss, especially if you have refrigerated prescriptions. 

“A lot of refrigerated items can remain at room temperature and they would still be stable," said Mera Wassef, Manager, Scripts Pharmacy Orlando Health.

Most have it written on the label how long a medication can remain at room temperature. 

Wassef is the pharmacy manager and has helped many people over the years ahead of hurricanes. 

One of her biggest tips is as easy as snapping a picture of all your prescriptions and sharing it with someone you trust. 

“Inform also like your loved ones what you take, what you don't take, just in case something happens. So that way they also know ... I would create, like, a medication list," said Wassef. 

Also, if the power goes out, make sure to use a flashlight as you take prescriptions. Wassef said it will help with not taking the wrong medication or taking the wrong dose. 

If during the storm a prescription is damaged or lost, she said don't panic; it can be refilled once it is safe to go outside. 

“Go to your pharmacy, speak to your pharmacist, explain to them what the situation is," Wassef said. "And we're here to help. If we ever need verification of if you ever been on this medication, that is something that we can reach out to your physician."

Remember, a call to your pharmacy or doctor can also answer a lot of questions.