Hurricane Plans Should Include Medical Needs

BATON ROUGE, La., June 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Preparation is the best protection during hurricane season, and that includes preparing for your medical needs.

"Hurricanes are a way of life here in Louisiana, and our medical needs don't go away just because a hurricane is coming," says Stewart Gordon, MD, Chief Medical Officer. "The best way to keep yourself and your family safe is to be as prepared as possible by having all your medications, medical devices and health information ready before you need them."

Louisiana Healthcare Connections offers the following tips and suggestions to help Louisiana residents be prepared for medical needs during hurricane season:

• Maintain at least a seven-day supply of any medications, as well as backup medical items such as hearing aids, glasses, syringes, or contact lenses.
• Keep copies of your medical records in a safe, secure place. These records should include medication lists, health insurance data, and contact information for your healthcare providers. Be sure to include information about any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, and instructions for any medical equipment you may need to bring with you. If you have to evacuate, take these materials with you.
• If you rely on a medical device that requires electricity, contact your local power company and emergency authorities, to make certain that you have a way to power your device during a power outage. Make sure that a neighbor or loved one is aware of your situation and knows what to do in the event of a power outage.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about what to do in an emergency situation if you have additional special health needs. Make sure your care instructions are written down, and take them with you if you need to evacuate.

Additional information about how to prepare your family for hurricane season can be found at www.GetAGamePlan.org.

About Louisiana Healthcare Connections

Established to deliver quality healthcare through local, regional and community-based partners, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is a Healthy Louisiana Plan headquartered in Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana Healthcare Connections exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. Because Louisiana Healthcare Connections believes healthy is a way of life, its members benefit from programs and services designed for personal well-being. For more information, visit www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com.

SOURCE Louisiana Healthcare Connections