Hurricane Preparedness | Summer Safety | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

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Make a plan that covers your needs, including the health and wellness for each household member, during events that require you to leave home suddenly or shelter in place for a long time.

Consider if you may need help from others. In an emergency, you may need more help than normal, and resources may be limited.
Consider if you would be in danger if there were no power. This may mean that you cannot cool or heat your home or keep medication refrigerated. There may not be power for your medical equipment or devices.
Consider what you would need if an emergency meant you had to evacuate or shelter in place for a long time, even days or weeks.

By planning early for your needs, you will be ready to respond, which can help you and your family avoid stress and fear.

Build an emergency kit that is specific to you and your family.

Keep in mind that evacuation and sheltering policies may be different this year because of COVID-19 and social distancing. Pay close attention to alerts for your area if a storm is coming to know how you can leave safely.

What documents do I need?

Among documents and items to consider keeping in a safe-deposit box and/or securely in a digital form:

Driver’s licenses and identification cards
Social Security cards
Proof of residence
Insurance policies and healthcare documents
Birth and marriage certificates
List of medications (name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor)
List of medical supplies you need such as glasses, diabetes test strips or syringes (strength, sizes)
List of medical equipment your family uses such as wheelchairs, blood pressure monitors or hearing aids (brand, measurements, name of business that provided it)

What supplies do I need?

Water – at least a three-day supply for each member of your family, including pets
Food – at least a three-day supply for each member of your family, including pets
Battery-powered radio
Flashlights
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications
Medical supplies and equipment with extra batteries (hearing aids, bandages, syringes, etc.)
Utility knife, shut-off wrench and pliers
Baby supplies
Pet supplies
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Protective clothing, rainwear
Extra cash

What do I do if I have insurance questions after the storm?

Visit this webpage or call the Customer Service number on your ID card (Blue Employees: Call the number on the back of your badge for employee information).
Share your temporary address with Blue Cross.
Use our Louisiana Medical Directory or other online tools.
Include your policy number or contract number with your premium payment.

What if I need non-emergency healthcare but I can't get to a doctor?

Remember that if you can’t get to your regular doctor’s office after a storm or if you’re away from home, you can have online doctor visits 24/7 with BlueCare, Blue Cross’ telehealth services. BlueCare is available in all 50 states.

BlueCare doctors are U.S. trained and board certified, and you can have BlueCare visits on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop or any device with internet and a camera. BlueCare doctors can treat minor illnesses like colds, fever, flu symptoms, mild stomach bugs, pink eye, rashes, bladder infections or allergies, and can give you a prescription for most conditions.

Go to www.BlueCareLA.com or get the BlueCare app for Android or iPhone.

How can I get in touch with local or state government agencies?

Visit these links for more information: