Be Ready for Hurricane Season
Make health care part of your emergency planning
If you are in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm, you may need to evacuate quickly. You can plan ahead by gathering the items you may need in the case of emergency, including your medical records.
What do you need to do to be prepared?
Form a communication plan with your family
An emergency can strike at any time. Make sure everyone in your family has a way of contacting each other. If possible, identify an emergency contact person who is outside of your area so that everyone has a backup, central point of communication.
Keep health records handy
With My HealtheVet, you can print out a copy of a recent Blue Button file and keep it in a safe place. When a disaster hits, you could be stranded without access to a pharmacy. Be sure to refill your prescriptions if you are low on supply. You can also use My HealtheVet to send a secure message to your health care team if you have any questions about your care. (But remember that messages are not for emergencies — always call 911 if you need immediate care.)
Learn more about medical records on My HealtheVet
Learn more about managing medications on My HealtheVet
Learn more about messages on My HealtheVet
Know your resources
Each community has an evacuation plan, and many also offer emergency shelters. Learn the best exit routes if you need to leave your home or community. Also, find out where local emergency shelters are located.
Assemble an emergency kit
Here are a few suggestions:
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Water and non-perishable food items
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Small amount of cash — ATMs and credit card machines may be inoperable
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Weather radio
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First-aid kit and family prescriptions
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Flashlights, lanterns, and batteries
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Blankets
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At least one change of clothes
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Hygiene and sanitation products
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Copies (front and back) of your identification and credit cards
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Full tank of gasoline
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Cards, toys, and other small recreational items, especially if you have children
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And of course, a supply of personal, reusable face masks for every member of the family.
Don't forget to plan for your pets
Make sure Fluffy has her carrier and enough food and water, too. Ideally, the supplies in the emergency kit should last at least three days and should be restocked or replaced at least once per year.
Stay informed
The National Hurricane Center and local news stations issue constant weather updates. You can also sign up to receive alerts on your phone. Follow the instructions from local authorities. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures. If evacuations are ordered, leave immediately!
Get weather updates from the National Hurricane Center
Get information about current disaster responses on FEMA's website
Protect your home and belongings
Safeguarding windows are a priority. If broken, strong winds may enter your house and pry open the roof. It's best to cover windows with either shutters or plywood. Tie down or bring inside any loose items on your lawn. Storms spring up quickly, so there's no such thing as taking too many preventative measures.
Get more information on preparing for severe weather on Ready.gov
Manage your health care with the new My HealtheVet Experience
The new My HealtheVet experience on VA.gov allows you to manage your health care needs in the same place that you manage your other VA benefits and services. You can manage appointments, refill prescriptions, find your medical records, and more. You can also send a secure message to your health care team, all in one place.
Manage your health care with My HealtheVet on VA.gov
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