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Emergency Resource Guide

Mother hugging daughter 

Are you prepared for disasters?

Make sure that your loved ones are healthy, safe and secure at all times.

Disaster planning is easier than you might think when you follow these three simple steps:

  1. Build a Kit
  2. Make a Plan
  3. Be Informed

 

1. Build a Kit

Items to include in your kit:

  • Cell phone charger
  • Cash
  • Flashlight
  • Radio (hand-crank or battery-powered with extra batteries)
  • Water
  • First-aid kit
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Canned goods
  • Dried foods (such as granola or dried fruit snacks)
  • Medications
  • Check medical supplies, including food, formula, tubings, catheters, trach cannula, mickey buttons, insulin needles, etc. If supplies are low, order more now.
  • If you have a medical alert tag or bracelet, wear it
  • Electronic and hard copy of important documents:
    • Small identification (ID) card or bracelet with key information
    • Member ID card
    • Child’s plan of care including diagnosis, treatment, diet, medications and doses and schedules for medications and/or the use of medical devices
  • Service plan
  • Ventilator settings if needed
  • Medical history
  • List of medications
  • Emergency contacts
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Guardianship papers
  • Special foods or formulas
  • Extra diapers
  • Extra batteries for devices (such as hearing aids or other communication devices)
  • Face mask/covering, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves

 

2. Make a Plan

Communicate your plan with your family

  • Where will you go?
  • How will you contact each other?
  • If you have children, what should they do if you become separated?
  • Write down your plan and make sure all family members have a copy.

Transportation

  • Identify your preferred shelter location and how you will get there. A great resource is the Ready.gov website. 
  • Let childcare and school staff know who can pick up your child if you can’t.

 

3. Be Informed & Get Involved

  • If you use electricity-dependent medical equipment, you must plan for what to do if power is lost.
  • Create a network of relatives, friends or co-workers to help you. Make sure family members know where you keep your list of “in case of emergency” contacts.
  • Talk with your family about the various types of weather-related watches and warnings.
  • Visit the Florida Special Needs Registry to register for a shelter or hospital.
  • Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to your phone to receive text alerts when there is a weather alert in your area.
  • Show your family where your home’s smoke detectors are and what they sound like when you test them. Remember to change smoke alarm batteries once a year.
  • People who need a ventilator should always have a resuscitation bag (Ambu bag).
  • When power is restored, make sure to check the settings on all your devices and equipment.
  • Register with your utility company for priority reconnection service, if available.

Children’s Response to Disasters

  • Talk to your child about what things might happen, such as the lights and phones not working.
  • Listen to your child about their concerns, fears and feelings, and tell them that it is OK to be scared — remind them that you and your family will be there for them.
  • Identify your local Special Needs Shelter. 

To learn more, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’ disaster preparedness web page.

 

Resources

Download the Sunshine Health Mobile App

Access your member ID card, find a provider and hospitals on the go! Available on Apple’s App Store or Google Play.

Sunshine Health Secure Member Portal

Access your plan of care and service plan including your emergency plan on the Secure Member Portal.

24 Hour Nurse Advice Line

Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-796-0530 (TTY 1-800-955-8770).

Sunshine Health Member Services

Our staff are available to help answer all of your questions — call us at 1-866-796-0530 (TTY 1-800-955-8770) Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Community Resource Database

Sunshine Health’s Community Resource Database can connect you with local, community-based services like transportation, food and childcare.

24-Hour Behavioral Health Crisis Line

If you are having a behavioral health crisis, call us for help at 1-866-796-0530 (TTY 1-800-955-8770).