Preparing for a hurricane and other extreme weather emergencies

AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana has created programs with specially trained staff to help you before a weather event. We will work with the state to help you during emergencies. And we will be there to assist you after a storm.

Read our weather emergency FAQs.

Stay safe during a weather emergency: Make a plan, make a kit, stay informed.

Make a plan

  • Start thinking about where you and your family will go during a weather emergency.
  • Consider staying with out-of-state friends or family members
  • Make sure your travel plans keep you out of the hurricane or extreme weather area
  • Travel with cash, not credit cards
  • Talk to your doctor ahead of time if you have any special medical needs
  • If you have pets, you should think about where they will go; emergency shelters don’t usually take animals
  • Read the Louisiana Department of Health’s Generator Safety Tips
  • During extreme winter weather, to find a list of warming centers in your area, visit getagameplan.org.

Make a kit

Gather and store the following supplies in case you can't get out of your home:

  • Water. Store one gallon of water per family member, per day, for at least three days.
  • Food. Gather food that you don’t have to cook, like canned vegetables and fruit.  Don’t forget to pack a can opener, as well as items with protein, such as beans and peanut butter.
  • Clothes for three days, and bedding for you and your family.
  • Medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of prescription medicines and pack a two-week supply.
  • Important papers. Keep all your important papers in one place, so they are easy to grab in case you need to leave. Be sure to have your insurance cards with you.
  • Flashlight. Don’t forget the batteries.
  • Radio. You’ll need to stay informed of the latest weather and evacuation news.
  • Personal care items. Remember to pack items like your toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper.
  • First aid supplies. This should include items such as pain relievers, antiseptics, and bandages.
  • Quiet activities. Books, cards and quiet toys will help occupy your time.

Stay informed

  • Tune in to the news when extreme weather or a hurricane is developing nearby. Listen to evacuation orders. Don’t wait until the last minute to leave.
  • To get in touch with AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana in a weather emergency, use the Member Services line. It will still be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-888-756-0004 (TTY 1-866-428-7588). You can also check our website for updated information.
  • If you have problems obtaining medications prior to evacuating for a storm, please call Pharmacy Member Services at 1-866-452-1040 (TTY 711). AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana works directly with our network pharmacies to make sure you can refill prescriptions before you evacuate.

Heating Safety Tips

  • Make sure that you have a working smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. 
  • Have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it. 
  • Make sure your heating system has been properly serviced and is clean, functioning correctly, and properly ventilated to the exterior. If you use a fireplace or chimney, have them inspected and cleaned as well. 
  • Do not use gas or electric ovens or stoves for heating. Gas ovens may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric ovens are not designed for space heating. 
  • Do not burn outdoor barbecue materials indoors, even in a fireplace. 
  • Plug space heaters directly into the wall socket, not into extension cords. Do not use the heater if the cords are frayed or splitting.  
  • Place space heaters three to five feet away from bedding or other flammable materials. 
  • Never allow children to play with or around the heater.   
  • Unplug the heater when not in use.  
  • Never leave the heater unattended. 
 

These other websites can help before or during a weather emergency: