Hurricanes: What You Need to Know

We all know that hurricanes can be a part of life for those of us living in southeast Louisiana, and the season lasts from June 1 to November 30. Your healthcare remains our top priority, especially during hurricane season.

It is a good idea to have a plan in place in case of an emergency. In an ideal situation, you have evacuation routes planned, gas in the car, bottled water and nonperishable foods. Those of us who have lived here for several years know that we cannot plan for everything, but we can be prepared to deal with some of what Mother Nature sends our way.

Peoples Health continues to work for our members during hurricanes, evacuations and other severe weather conditions, and we have put together some general tips that may help you prepare. Our special services go into effect when a tropical storm watch is issued and stay in effect until after the emergency has passed.

Decided what your plan will be in the event of an emergency. Share that information with family, friends and trusted neighbors.

Emergency and Urgent Care

If you are in need of emergency care (when you reasonably believe your health is in serious danger) while you are evacuated, go immediately to the nearest emergency department. Should you need urgent care (you need medical help immediately but your health is not in serious danger), seek medical attention.

Prescription Drugs

When a tropical storm watch is issued for your area, work with your doctor and pharmacy to ensure you have at least a two-week supply of your maintenance medications (medications you take on a daily basis, except controlled substances). There are two ways you can do this to avoid rushing. Take advantage of the refill option allowing you to refill about a week before your supply runs out. Also, you can use our mail-order benefit to fill a 90-day supply of maintenance medications.

Peoples Health will allow you to refill your maintenance medications early — that is, before you’ve finished the prescription. We will also accept prescriptions written by physicians outside of our service area to ensure you have access to medication in case of an evacuation. In addition, your Peoples Health plan ID card is accepted at most national chain pharmacies across the country.

Dialysis

You should be able to continue to receive dialysis treatment at any dialysis center. If you have an evacuation plan in place and know where you will be going, it’s a good idea to get a listing of dialysis centers in that area, along with their hours of operation and phone numbers.

Here is a list of things you may want to take in case of an evacuation:

• Medications: a two-week supply of all medications prescribed by your doctor(s), including diabetes insulin and testing supplies
• Written orders regarding your medical care and medical records, including a list of medications and special dietary needs
• Important papers, including a valid ID with current address and your health plan ID card
• Special dietary foods (non-perishable)
• First-aid kit
• Personal hygiene items
• Extra eyeglasses or contacts
• Extra clothing
• Reading material, games and puzzles
• Flashlight and batteries
• One gallon of water per person, per day — two quarts for drinking and two for food preparation and sanitation

First-Aid Kits

It is a good idea to have a first-aid kit in your home and one for each car. Below is a basic list of items you should keep on hand. Add your own prescriptions and personal items to your list.

First Aid Kit

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pairs)
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Sewing needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non Prescription Drugs

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Laxative
• Cough medicine
• Anti-fungal cream
• Rubbing alcohol
• Eye drops
• Antibacterial hand gel