Emergency Planning for Home Care Patients

This information is provided by UroStat Healthcare, Inc. to help you prepare for emergencies and natural disasters in your area. Many regions of the United States are susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and other severe weather events.

Every patient receiving care or services at home should have a plan in place before an emergency occurs. Our goal is to help you prepare so we can continue providing the best possible service during unexpected situations.

Know What to Expect

If you have recently moved to your area, take time to learn about the types of emergencies that may occur and when they are most likely to happen.

  • Learn which natural disasters are common in your area.
  • Understand when evacuation may be recommended or required.
  • Follow guidance from local emergency management agencies.
  • Monitor local news, weather stations, and emergency alerts.
  • Contact your local Red Cross for preparedness resources.

Know Where to Go

One of the most important things you should know is the location of the nearest emergency shelter. Emergency shelters are often opened during voluntary and mandatory evacuations and may be the safest place to go if remaining at home is not an option. You may also consider staying with a friend or family member who lives outside the affected area.

Know What to Take With You

If you evacuate to a shelter, there may be restrictions on what items can be brought inside. Some shelters may not have refrigeration available for medications.

Before an emergency occurs:

  • Contact shelters in your area to learn their policies.
  • Ask whether medications and medical supplies are permitted.
  • Notify shelter staff if you use medical equipment that requires electricity.
  • Bring all medications, supplies, and medical equipment with you whenever possible.

During emergency preparation efforts, UroStat Healthcare will attempt to provide at least one week’s worth of supplies whenever circumstances allow.

Reaching Us During an Emergency

If traditional phone service is unavailable during a disaster, we will make every effort to remain in contact with our patients. If advance warning is available, such as during a hurricane watch, we may provide a cellular phone number for emergency communication.

Cell phones often continue to function when traditional landlines do not.

If you cannot reach us directly:

  • Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to contact us on your behalf.
  • Use emergency communication centers if available in your area.
  • Contact your home nursing agency for assistance.

If the emergency occurs without warning, we may attempt to locate you through:

  • Home visits when safe and permitted
  • Your home nursing agency
  • Local emergency management officials
  • Local law enforcement agencies

An Ounce of Prevention

Preparing before an emergency occurs is the best way to prevent interruptions in care.

To help us assist you during an emergency, we may ask for:

  • Emergency contact information
  • Names and phone numbers of family members or caregivers
  • Your evacuation destination
  • Information about hospitals or treatment facilities your physician recommends

If you evacuate outside your local area, we may be able to coordinate services through another provider if we know your temporary location.

Helpful Emergency Preparedness Tips

  • Keep a cooler and ice packs available for medications that require temperature control.
  • Store medication instructions and important medical information together.
  • Pack at least one week’s worth of supplies in a waterproof container or bag.
  • Include antibacterial soap and paper towels in your emergency kit.
  • Consider keeping waterless hand sanitizer available.
  • If staying with family or friends, provide their address and phone number to UroStat Healthcare and your home nursing agency.
  • Contact UroStat Healthcare once you safely return home so we can assess your supply needs.

Additional Resources

For more information about emergency preparedness and disaster planning, contact:

  • Your local American Red Cross chapter
  • Your local Emergency Management Agency
  • Local law enforcement and public safety agencies

Important Reminder

If you are unable to contact UroStat Healthcare during an emergency and are in need of prescribed medication, medical equipment, or supplies, please seek care at the nearest emergency room or healthcare facility.

Your health and safety should always be your first priority.