MsC1210 Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 Hello All, I came across this article this morning and thought that the timing was perfect. With the first hurricane of the season having formed and the horrible storms of last year still fresh in everyones memory, better to be safe than sorry. Warm regards, Chris Tips for Cancer Patients: How to Prepare for Hurricane Season Preparing for Disaster When You Have Cancer If you live on the eastern coast of the Unites States, you know that June through November means hurricane season. While warnings and watches may be issued, the general public hurries to prepare for the worst. Cancer patients are no different, however they must take several extra precautions when preparing for hurricanes and other possible disasters. Before Disaster Strikes Talk to Your Doctor. If you live in an area affected by the hurricane season, talk to your doctor about the course of action if you need to evacuate. Your doctor may know of more appropriate places to evacuate if need be or organizations to get in contact with prior to evacuation for instructions. Keep a Brief Record of Your Medical History Ask your doctor to write down a brief medical history or do so yourself. Include information like current medications taken and dosage. Keep it in a waterproof bag like plastic zip bag and keep it on hand. Know and keep a record of your doctors and their phone numbers, addresses, and their alternate doctors. Write down the name of your doctor, the office address, phone numbers, and if possible, the doctor your doctor suggests when he is not available. Store this with your medical history. Get 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 have medical equipment leased to you, be sure to have written documentation that is belongs to you. Having written verification can make it easier for emergency healthcare providers to verify your equipment. This is also important in the case that you have lost your equipment and it has been located. You will need this verification to claim it. Write down the numbers of the American Cancer Society offices in your area and the area you are evacuating to. The American Cancer Society can be your ultimate resource for finding help. Keep this information with your medical records for reference. Verify insurance coverage in other areas beforehand. Call your insurance agency 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. Keep all medicines with you in a waterproof container. Keep all medications with you with your name and dosage clearly labeled. Label the bag they are store in with your name, address, and phone number as well. You will want to keep these with your medical history or include a copy of them with the meds. Updated: May 24, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted August 27, 2006 Share Posted August 27, 2006 Lessons learned From Katrina See above post. Thnks for sharing for all our friends down that a ways. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 Very good information to post. I am making copies of this today and passing it on to several cancer patients that live nearby. As of this morning, my area is right in the path of Ernesto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsC1210 Posted August 28, 2006 Author Share Posted August 28, 2006 Ann, I hope Ernesto just dries up and goes away! Sending prayers for you and those in your area for safety!! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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