Hurricane Season 2020
Healthcare Ready is ENGAGED for the 2020 hurricane season. This means that we are in rigorous communication with private and public sector partners to monitor hurricanes, tropical storms and recovery efforts in affected areas. We’re also standing ready to assist.
This page contains updates to provide situational awareness around events as they unfold as well as free resources and state-specific information to assist healthcare facilities, communities, and individuals prepare for and respond to hurricanes.
Support for the Healthcare Sector and Communities
Healthcare Ready’s assistance includes:
State Resources
- Declarations:
- a State of Emergency was declared on September 14
- A FEMA Disaster Declaration was declared on September 14 for all Alabama counties
- Prescription and Medical Assistance:
- By regulations from the 2016 Code of Alabama, if unable to contact a prescriber, a pharmacist may dispense a one-time, 72-hour supply of a non-controlled prescription.
- Declarations:
- A State of Emergency was declared by Governor DeSantis on September 14
- A FEMA Disaster Declaration was approved on September 14 for northwestern FL counties
- Prescription and Medical Assistance:
- Florida law mandates that residents of counties under a State of Emergency, hurricane warning, or that have activated their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) or emergency management plan can receive a 30-day refill of their prescription medication.
- Business Operations Information: Register for the LA Business Emergency Operations Center (LABEOC).
- Road and ground transportation: For current road conditions and closures, visit Louisiana DOT
- Declarations:
- A State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Sally was declared on September 12
- Disaster declaration EM-3538-LA was issued for Louisiana by FEMA on August 23, and covered an incident period that began August 22, including Hurricane Marco and Hurricane Laura. The Declaration was amended on August 25 to also cover emergency protective actions from officials.
- A State of Emergency for Louisiana was declared by Governor Edwards on September 21.
- Governor Edwards declared a State of Emergency for Hurricane Delta on October 6.
- The Emergency Disaster Declaration received federal approval on October 8.
- Prescription and Medical Assistance:
- When the Governor issues, or renews, a “State of Emergency”, a pharmacist may dispense a one-time emergency prescription of up to a 30-day supply of a prescribed medication.
- Declarations:
- A State of Emergency was declared by Governor Parson on September 13
- A FEMA Disaster Declaration was declared on September 14 for southern counties
- Governor Reeves declared a State of Emergency for Hurricane Delta on October 7.
- Prescription and Medical Assistance:
- By regulations from the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, if unable to contact a prescriber, a pharmacist may dispense a one-time, 72-hour supply of a non-controlled prescription.
- Texas Hurricane Center: Use this page to track updates from the Office of the Texas Governor.
- Road and ground transportation: For current road conditions and closures, visit Drive Texas.
- Declarations:
- Disaster declaration EM-3540-TX was issued by FEMA on August 24 for Hurricane Laura, and covers an incident period that began August 23.The Declaration was amended on August 25 to also cover emergency protective actions from officials
- a State of Emergency was declared on September 13
Healthcare Sector Resources
Patient Resources
Health Condition/Disease-Specific Resources
- End Stage Renal Disease
- Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition – Hurricane Laura
- KCER Hotline: (866) 901-3773
- Email: KCERInfo@hsag.com
- Kidney patients can visit the National Kidney Foundation
- Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) Coalition – Hurricane Laura
- Diabetes
- Those with chronic lung conditions can visit the American Lung Association
Additional Resources
- HHS emPower Map – Health & Human Services
- Pharmacy/Pharmacist Disaster Prep – a plan for pharmacist managers to follow in case of a natural disaster
- Hurricane Resources – ASPR/TRACIE
- Disaster Management Research Center: Floods – HHS
- Disaster Management Research Center: Disaster Recovery – HHS
- Hurricanes: Health and Safety – FDA
- Hurricanes and Other Tropical Storms – CDC
- Mold Exposure After A Disaster
- Safety Information for Healthcare Professionals Hurricane Preparedness Resources
About Healthcare Ready:
Healthcare Ready is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported by both public and private sector partners that works to ensure patient access to healthcare, including medicines, during times of disaster.
If you would like to request assistance from Healthcare Ready email us at Alerts@HealthcareReady.org or call (866-247-2694).
Support Healthcare Ready
Healthcare Ready is a non-profit organization that operates on the generous donations of our partners and members. If you would like to support us, please donate here.
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