TRICARE urges patients to be ready for disaster

  • Published
  • By Ms. Annemarie Felicio
  • TRICARE Management Activity
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  Summer is here, and so are the risks associated with the season. TRICARE wants to remind beneficiaries to prepare for the unexpected. A natural disaster, like a hurricane, is just one of the unpredictable weather patterns that can disrupt life at any time. The recent tornadoes, wildfires and floods that have swept across the nation in the past month emphasize the importance of uniformed service families being prepared for disaster.

Having a complete emergency kit is essential for emergency preparedness. Families are encouraged to keep emergency kits up-to-date, making sure they have basic items such as food, water, a battery operated weather radio, flashlights and first aid supplies so they can be ready for any disaster.

When preparing emergency kits, healthcare needs are often overlooked. Since medical assistance may not be immediately available after a disaster, TRICARE wants to stress some simple steps to make sure medical necessities are included in everyone's emergency preparedness kit. Store these items in a waterproof container, and keep them with you in the event you have to evacuate the area.

Below is a list of health-related items to include in kits for each family member:

· Copies of each family member's uniformed services ID card (or sponsor's name and Social Security number), Medicare card or other health insurance card, if applicable
· Copies of family members' names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.
· Copies of medical records for each family member
· A list of primary care managers, other doctors' names and phone numbers
· Emergency contact names and phone numbers
· Regional and pharmacy contractors and Medicare contacts which can be downloaded on one handy flyer at: http://www.tricare.mil/tricaresmart/product.aspx?id=425&s=disaster
· A list of known prescription medications and doses
· A list of each family member's allergies
· A properly stored 30-day supply of prescription medications
· Non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, laxatives, itch control creams, etc.
· Style, model and serial numbers for any medical devices
· Extra batteries for wheelchairs and hearing aids
· Any personal items such as eyeglasses and other special equipment