8 Things You Must Do Before Disaster Strikes
1. Talk to Your Doctor. If you live in an area affected by the hurricane season, talk to your doctor about the course of action you should take if you need to evacuate your home. Your doctor may be able to advise you of local hurricane shelters that are able to adequately able to provide care to cancer patients.2. Keep a Brief Record of Your Medical History. Ask your doctor to record a brief medical history or do so yourself. Include information like current medications you take (including over the counter meds) and the dosage. Store it in a waterproof bag, such as plastic zip bag and keep it on hand with you.
3. Know How to Contact Your Doctor. Write down the name of your doctor(s), the office address, phone numbers, and if possible, who your doctor recommends when he is not available. Store this with your medical history.
4. Obtain Copies of Your Prescriptions. Your doctor may be able to give you copies of prescriptions that can be filled in emergent situations. In some cases, extra medication can be dispensed to the patient. If you are evacuated to a different city, a local hospital or retail pharmacy should be able to fill the prescription.
5. Get Documentation About Medical Equipment You Own and Lease. Having written verification can make it easier for emergency health care providers to verify your equipment. You can do this by making copies of the lease agreement, bill of sale, or prescription by the doctor. If your equipment has been lost and located, you will need this documentation to claim it. Also be sure to clearly label all your equipment with your contact information.
6. Know How to Contact Your Local American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society can be your ultimate resource for finding help. These numbers can be found in your telephone book or online. Keep these numbers with your medical records for quick reference.
7. Verify Your Insurance Coverage Beforehand. Call your insurance provider to find out what coverage you have in other areas and what doctors or hospitals you are available to use. This is especially helpful if you know what city you may evacuate to.
8. Keep All Medications in a Waterproof Container. Store medications in a large, gallon-sized freezer bag that can be sealed. Label the bag with your name, current address, and phone number. If you know the address or phone number to where you are evacuating to, add that information to the label. Place a copy of your medical history in the bag. Your medicine bag should be kept with other medical history documents at all times.
