As we all know, hurricanes can cause extensive damage and health concerns. It is imperative that our clients and their families/caregivers have their Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) in place and that they update their plan annually. Client/family education and advanced preparation of the emergency evacuation plan is crucial to help insure that our clients are as comfortable as possible during a very difficult and stressful time. While implementing or revising their EPP, consideration must be given to how our clients will receive care once they evacuate and arrive at their destination.

Clients and families need to be educated on what to bring with them when they evacuate. One area of planning that is essential for client evacuation is medication. It would be prudent for them to consider bringing a 30 day supply of medications as opposed to a two week supply especially considering the difficulty they may encounter obtaining refills after major disasters such as Hurricanes or other natural disasters. The caregiver or care manager should touch base with their pharmacy to find out how to obtain meds while out of their home area. Also, plans should be made to take any medical equipment (oxygen tanks, wheelchairs …) as well.

Regardless of medical or physical condition, everyone should pre-plan for evacuation, should the need arise. The best and safest evacuation choices include staying with relatives or friends out of the area, checking into a hotel/motel, or pre-admission into a medical facility if medically necessary. If you have medical issues, the place you can best be supported during a hurricane should be a joint decision among your physician, caregiver, family, and yourself. To assist in making a decision concerning your care, the following information is provided:

If your physician has decided that during an emergency you need to be cared for in a skilled nursing facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, he or she must arrange pre- admittance with a specific facility prior to the evacuation. You must have a copy of the pre-admission letter from your doctor stating that you are to be taken to a specific hospital or nursing home and arrangements have been made with the facility for admittance. This letter must accompany you when you are evacuated. Medicare will only pay for hospitalization claims that are deemed medically necessary, therefore arrangements must be made in advance. If any costs arise from your admittance, you are responsible for them.

Public Shelters – Because some people do not have the option to independently evacuate out of the area, the American Red Cross operates public shelters. Public shelters are shelters of last resort, located outside of the disaster area and used for protecting residents who live in vulnerable areas and structures. These facilities are not hospitals, nursing homes, or hotels. Shelters are frequently local schools. Public shelters available under emergency conditions will accept anyone who is self-sufficient and needs no outside professional assistance in performing activities of daily living (ADL).