06/02/2018
June 1 is the official start of the 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season and Humana provided a list of ways that local residents can stay safe and healthy:
Prepare your emergency kit with flashlights, food, first aid supplies, medicines and more. Include copies of your health insurance cards, identification cards, doctors and pharmacy contact information, and medication details. Diabetics should include blood glucose testing supplies including lancets, test strips and at least two glucose meters with extra batteries and a cooler with multiple re-freezable packs. (Photo of a sample storm emergency kit attached.)
Take advantage of 30- to 90-day mail order pharmacy services from your health benefits provider to ensure you don’t run out of medicine if businesses are closed or you are away from home. For example, Humana offers RightSourceRx, which delivers up to a three-month supply of your medication by mail.
To avoid forgetting critical medical equipment during emergency evacuations, make a list of what you would need to take with you, such as a cane, walker, glasses, insulin, and hearing aids and batteries.
If you or a loved one needs medical equipment that requires power to operate – such as oxygen, nebulizers or sleep apnea masks – be sure to secure a generator or alternate power source early in the season to avoid scrambling for this equipment right before the storm.
Pre-register for a Special Needs Shelter. Special Needs Shelters are temporary emergency facilities capable of providing care to residents whose medical condition exceeds the capabilities of the Red Cross Shelter but is not severe enough to require hospitalization. Be sure to pre-register by contacting your parish emergency management office now so you can secure a spot in the shelter during an emergency.
Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance, whether it’s for a physical injury, if you are experiencing depression or need additional resources. Seeking support early on will only help, as untreated conditions will eventually worsen and be more difficult in the long run.
