Hurricane Season: A Health & Wellness Guide to Preparing for Storms

At BCHS, caring for our community means helping you stay safe and healthy through every season. And here in South Louisiana, hurricane season brings unique challenges for people living with chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, or behavioral health needs.

It’s important for everyone to get with your family and make a written plan for storms, not just for evacuation, but for your and your family’s health.

Here’s how you can prepare to protect your well-being this hurricane season:

1. Keep a Two-Week Supply of Medications

If you rely on daily medications, especially insulin, inhalers, blood pressure meds, or mental health prescriptions, make sure you have enough on hand in case pharmacies close or you must evacuate.

Bonus: Keep medications in a waterproof container or Ziploc bag in your go-kit.

2. Have a Written Health Summary

In an emergency, you may not be able to access your regular care team or medical records. Keep a written summary of:

• Your medical conditions
• Medication list
• Allergies
• Primary care provider’s contact information
• Insurance card or Medicaid ID

Our team at BCHS can help you create this summary if needed.

3. Don’t Forget Behavioral Health Needs

Disasters like hurricanes can trigger anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other behavioral health issues especially here in New Orleans where several major hurricanes have been so devastating for so many. Being proactive about your mental health is just as important as stocking water and batteries.

• Stay in close contact with your provider before and after a storm.
• Need extra support? Our behavioral health team is just a phone call away, and telehealth may be available even if you're displaced.

4. Medical Equipment? Make a Plan.

If you use oxygen, CPAP machines, or glucose monitors, consider how power outages or displacement might affect you. Talk to our staff about:

• Backup power sources
• Battery-operated alternatives
• Emergency contacts in case equipment fails

5. Know Where to Go for Care

There will always be a BCHS doctor on call 24/7 even during storms. Please do not hesitate to call us. If BCHS locations are temporarily closed due to inability to operate, we’ll provide updates through:

• Our website: bchsnola.org
• Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Phone line recordings/text messages if opted in (you can check this by calling us or asking at your next appointment)

Bookmark our site and follow us on social media now, so you’re always in the loop. Our goal is to remain open and on the ground caring for our community as much as possible.

Your Health Is Our Priority, Rain or Shine

Whether it's through routine checkups, chronic disease management, behavioral health support, or community events, BCHS is here to help you stay healthy and resilient all year long.

If you need help getting prepared or just want to schedule a check-in, call us today at 504-533-4999 or email scheduling@bchsnola.org.

Together, we can weather any storm.