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ARMED FORCES NEWS TRICARE OFFICIALS URGE HURRICANE PREPARATIONS |
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Tricare officials are urging beneficiaries to prepare now before a hurricane causes evacuations or limits access to health care. Preparing for a disaster ahead of time may alleviate some stress families may face during the storm, and ease the burden on their loved ones. Americans must be prepared to care for themselves and their families during and immediately following a disaster for at least three days until other resources are available, according to FEMA administrator R. David Paulison. A family plan should outline how members can contact each other, how to reunite and what to do in different situations caused by a disaster. Officials advise keeping basic items like water, food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights and first-aid items in an emergency kit; and packing health-related items in a waterproof emergency kit to include: Copies of each family member's uniformed services ID card (or sponsor's name and Social Security number, family members' names, addresses and phone numbers). Copies of each family member's Medicare card or other health insurance card. Copies of medical records for each family member. List of each family member's primary care manager, along with other doctors’ names and phone numbers for each. Emergency contact names and phone numbers. List of other important phone numbers, including the regional contractor, Medicare, and Express Scripts (the Tricare Pharmacy contractor). List of each family member's allergies and prescription medications, including doses. A securely stored 30-day supply of all prescription medications for each family member. For those who require Insulin, include storage to keep it cool. Nonprescription drugs, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxatives, bug spray, and itch control. List of medical devices' style/model and serial numbers, such as pacemakers. Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment. Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries. For more information, visit Tricare’s Disaster Relief Web page. |
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