Wildfire Evacuation with Diabetes: What to Grab First

When Every Minute Counts: Diabetes and Wildfire Evacuation

Wildfires can force evacuation with little to no warning. For the 37 million Americans living with diabetes, those frantic minutes of packing carry life-or-death stakes. Insulin that goes unrefrigerated, a meter left behind, or missed doses during chaos can trigger dangerous complications within hours. Having a practiced plan — not just a mental one — is essential.

Your Immediate Grab List: Diabetes Supplies First

Before you touch anything else, locate your diabetes emergency bag. If you haven't built one yet, treat this article as your wake-up call. Here's what must leave the house with you:

• Insulin and syringes or your insulin pen — grab at least a 30-day supply if accessible
• Blood glucose meter, lancets, and extra test strips
• Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) supplies — sensors, transmitter, and receiver
• Insulin pump supplies — infusion sets, reservoirs, and backup batteries
• Fast-acting glucose — glucose tablets, juice boxes, or gel packs for hypoglycemia
• Glucagon emergency kit or nasal glucagon
• A written list of your medications, doses, and prescribing doctor
• Cooler with ice packs to protect temperature-sensitive insulin

Protecting Insulin from Wildfire Heat

Wildfire evacuation zones are often dangerously hot. Insulin degrades rapidly above 77°F (25°C) and is destroyed by direct heat. Always store insulin in an insulated bag with a cool pack — never in a car's glove compartment or trunk during an emergency. MDS Diabetes (mdsdiabetes.com) carries cooling cases and insulated travel pouches specifically designed for exactly these situations, making them a smart addition to any pre-packed emergency kit.

Documents and Medical Information to Bring

In evacuation shelters, you may need to access emergency medical care from providers who don't know you. Pack a waterproof folder or take photos on your phone containing:

• Your diabetes diagnosis type and current A1C if known
• All prescription information including pharmacy contact
• Insurance cards and a list of emergency contacts
• Your endocrinologist's phone number

Pre-Packed: The 72-Hour Diabetes Go-Bag

The single most effective thing you can do right now is build a ready-to-grab diabetes go-bag. Store it near your front door or in an easy-to-reach closet. Replenish supplies every six months — check expiration dates on strips, insulin, and glucagon kits. Many resources, including product guides at mdsdiabetes.com, can help you identify which supplies to prioritize based on your specific treatment plan.

At the Evacuation Shelter

Shelter environments present new challenges — limited food choices, stress-induced blood sugar spikes, and inconsistent meal timing. Plan for this:

• Notify shelter staff immediately that you have diabetes and require refrigeration for insulin
• Test your blood sugar more frequently — stress hormones elevate glucose even without eating
• Keep fast-acting carbohydrates accessible at all times
• Stay hydrated — dehydration worsens hyperglycemia

Don't Wait for Smoke on the Horizon

Wildfire season is year-round in many regions. The time to prepare your diabetes evacuation plan is today, not when evacuation orders are issued. Review your supply levels monthly, know your evacuation routes, and ensure a family member or neighbor knows where your diabetes supplies are kept. Your health cannot be improvised in a crisis — but with the right preparation, it absolutely can be protected.