Wildfires and Your Health Care
Make health care part of your emergency planning
If a wildfire is near, it's important to collect your medications list and other medical records. As fires continue across California, several communities have had to evacuate. Gather the items you may need in the case of emergency, including medical records. My HealtheVet has tools to help access your health 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
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. Stay ahead of schedule and have an extra supply of your prescriptions. Use My HealtheVet's Secure Messaging to contact your health care team about your care. (But remember that Secure Messaging is not for emergencies — always call 911 if you need urgent care.)
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:
Water and non-perishable food items
Small amount of cash — ATMs and credit card machines may be inoperable
Weather radio
First-aid kit and family prescriptions
Flashlights, lanterns, and batteries
Blankets
At least one change of clothes
Hygiene and sanitation products
Copies (front and back) of your identification and credit cards
Full tank of gasoline
Cards, toys, and other small recreational items, especially if you have children
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
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!
For more information on the current emergency visit the following resources:
DHS and FEMA
(English) https://www.fema.gov/california-wildfires
(Spanish) https://www.fema.gov/es/california-wildfires
U.S. Government
(English) https://www.usa.gov/california-wildfires
(Spanish) https://www.usa.gov/es/california-incendios-forestales
