By the time June rolls around, Louisianans go on high alert for the inevitable…hurricane season.
It’s no secret that Louisiana is highly vulnerable to these disasters and the havoc they wreak.
This fact drives numerous people to take hurricane prep very seriously. And that should be the case for everyone – doubly for Medicaid waiver participants living with disabilities and debilitating conditions.
But how exactly do you ensure your safety and continuing care? We’ve got a clear answer for you in this article. Read on as we cover how you can get ready for hurricane season.
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Louisianans with Disabilities
The checklist below helps Louisianans with disabilities get ready for hurricane season. It covers what to pack, how to plan an evacuation, and how to keep waiver care going during a storm.
1. Put These Items on Your Emergency Supply List
One of the biggest obstacles to an individual’s well-being during a hurricane is not having the supplies to survive while hunkering down and waiting out the storm. This becomes even more of an issue if you’re on medications or a modified diet, or if you use specialized medical supplies. To avoid catastrophe and ensure you’ve got everything you need, be sure to pack all of the following supplies:
- Basic supplies like bottled water, shelf-stable food items, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
- Medical necessities such as medications (at least a week’s supply), medical ID, extra glasses, hearing aids, mobility aids, backup batteries/chargers as needed.
- Waiver-related documents like your Plan of Care, your doctor’s contact information, Medicaid ID card, etc.
- Items that make you comfortable, like personal hygiene products, adaptive equipment, and sensory-friendly items if needed.
- Technology such as portable chargers, a backup communication device (if available).
2. Nail Down Your Evacuation Plans
For especially dangerous storms, you may be instructed to evacuate, and you’ll want to be ready for that. Prepare by completing the following:
- Learning your parish’s evacuation routes and shelters that are disability-accessible. If you’re unsure where the nearest shelter is, call your local OHSEP office.
- Arrange transportation as far in advance as possible. Call your waiver provider or local emergency office for the quickest service.
- Keep a go-bag packed and ready with essential items so you can get out quickly.
3. Ensure Your Louisiana Medicaid Waiver Care Will Continue
Since you’ll need your Medicaid waiver services regardless of the weather, it pays to do some prep in this area as well. Here are a few things you can do:
- Tell your waiver provider and support coordinator where you’ve evacuated to (if applicable).
- Ask providers in advance how your services will be delivered if you find yourself displaced.
- Look into telehealth or remote check-ins if in-person visits are interrupted.
- Know what services Medicaid covers during emergencies (replacement of lost equipment or medications, for example).
4. Talk to Your Support Coordinator Before the Hurricane Touches Down
Your support coordinator is your best ally in making sure your waiver services continue through a storm. By talking with them in advance, you can confirm backup plans for care, replacement of supplies, and safe relocation if needed.
We hope you found all the Louisiana hurricane preparedness information you were looking for. And we trust that you feel better prepared to protect both your health and your independence this hurricane season.
