Remember starting in July, Hurricanes become more frequent and more deadly. It is vital for your members to be prepared now.
As the state instructs, it is important that Case Managers prepare their members for hurricanes by conducting specific risk assessments, building individualized emergency plans, and securing critical resources. This will ensure clients have enough supplies, organize vital documents, and arrange transportation or medical assistance in advance.
Much of the work though, should be done by or in conjunction with the member and their family so remind them:
1. Build an Emergency Kit of Medications:
Help the member request early refills so they have a 2-week supply of all critical drugs.
Supplies: Verify they have a manual can opener, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
Water: Confirm they have a 3 to 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day).
2. Formulate an Evacuation Plan
Transportation: Assure local transport services for members who do not have a car.
Special Needs: Register high-risk or homebound individuals with the local county’s special needs registry (e.g., Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program).
Shelters: Identify pet-friendly and accessible shelters on the member's evacuation route.
3. Organize Important Documents
Digital Copies: Remind members to store copies of insurance policies, IDs, and medical records on a secure phone or USB drive.
Physical Copies: Place important paperwork in a waterproof container.Contacts: Write down emergency contact numbers, doctors, and family members in case phones go down.
4. Provide Education and Alerts Warning Signs: Teach members what hurricane watches and warnings mean so they act in time.
For Local Alerts: Ensure members know how to sign up for text or email alerts from local news and government apps.
5. Arrange for Power-Dependent Devices
Medical Equipment: Work with SurfMed to guarantee extra oxygen or backup Tanks of even batteries for members who use medical devices at home.
The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and may incorporate information from third-party sources. SurfMed does not provide medical advice, and the information presented should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.