Must-know tips to protect yourself and your family during hurricanes

It’s hurricane season in North Carolina again. That means we’re all getting ready to follow the storm tracks, empty the grocery store shelves, and take steps to keep ourselves and our families safe. Don’t wait for a hurricane to arrive before getting ready.

Make sure you compile the needed materials to keep you and your loved ones safe. That includes medications, so make sure to refill and pick up your prescriptions quickly when they’re ready.

The American Red Cross recommends you should put together a survival kit that includes, at a minimum, the following:

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• A multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical info, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map of the area

This year, you’ll want to add face masks and hand sanitizer to the list.

Many Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) members have access to a 24/7 nurse line called Health Line Blue. Ask your employer or call the number on your card to find out if your plan includes this service. If so, you can contact a nurse at any time to:

• Ask questions until you can see your doctor
• Ask questions about your medications
• Get information to make better health care decisions

Health Line Blue nurses are available at 877-477-2424.

Remember, if you are facing an issue that threatens your life or health, call 911.

For those who are impacted by a storm and cannot get out for non-emergency medical care, you may be able to get care through telehealth. Many Blue Cross NC members have access to this resource through Teladoc and MDLive.

If you are a Blue Cross NC member, you can log in to Blue Connect to find out if telehealth is part of your health plan benefits.

• Don’t have an account? Register for a Blue Connect account here. Keep your Blue Cross NC membership card handy.
• Don’t know your login credentials? Don’t worry. Click “forgot password?” or “forgot user ID?” in the member login box. Or click the links above.

You can also call your benefits administrator or call the number on the back of your card.

For additional information on how to prepare for a hurricane visit the American Red Cross Hurricane Safety page and always remember to visit the closest hospital in the event of a medical emergency.