Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane season is from June 1 to Nov. 30. It's better to prepare sooner than later. If you wait until there is a storm in the Gulf, you may not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. Now is the time to look ahead and start planning for the possibility of a large storm making landfall near you.
Electronic Medical Records
Any patient of Ochsner Health has an electronic medical record. All Ochsner medical records are stored electronically and are accessible at any Ochsner location. If you are an Ochsner patient, your records are safe. They are backed up electronically everyday and accessible by any Ochsner physician at any Ochsner health center or hospital location. You can also access your medical information through MyOchsner.
Virtual Visits
We make it easy to stay connected to quality care, wherever you are.
Access 24/7 care online with Ochsner Connected Anywhere virtual visits
See your providers online with MyOchsner virtual appointments for primary and specialty care.
Use MyOchsner to schedule online, message your provider, view your test results and more.
Need tips to prepare?
Prepare Your Home:
- Trim overhanging branches and shrubs
- Pre-cut 5/8-inch plywood for your windows if you do not have shutters
- Show appropriate family members how to turn off water, gas and electricity and discuss when it's appropriate to do so
- Eliminate fire hazards and secure objects that could cause injury in your home during a disaster
- If in a mobile home, check tie-downs
- Prepare a disaster supply kit
In the event of a disaster, please check back for important updates and phone numbers that will help you plan for your medical care in the event of an evacuation or disaster.
Before the storm:
- Follow local emergency management officials on social media
- Check to see if you have adequate flood insurance
- Create a disaster plan
- Prepare an evacuation plan
- Secure reliable transportation
- Arrange to stay with others in an area not at risk
- Make arrangements in advance for pets. They are not allowed in some shelters.
- Select a place to meet family if you are separated and cannot return home
- If you evacuate, let others when you left and where to reach you
Resources
Plan. Prepare. Stay informed with the federal government’s disaster prep website - Ready.gov
For additional resources, visit the following websites:
- Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness - Get a Game Plan
- Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
- Louisiana State Police
- Mississippi Hurricane Preparedness
Patient Guidance
Cancer patients: Our oncology team is here for you to make sure that you have the resources you need to get medical care wherever you are. The Oncology Patient Evacuation Guide helps you organize your information and plan your next steps in the event of an evacuation. Be sure you have adequate refills of all your important medications on hand (at least two weeks' worth if possible). If you cannot obtain the refills before an evacuation, make sure you investigate what pharmacies are near your evacuation destination and communicate that to your provider as soon as possible.
Patients who are oxygen- and/or medication-dependent: Whether you evacuate or not, please ensure you have adequate supplies of medications/oxygen to last up to seven days, in the event a storm causes a loss of services.
Dialysis-dependent patients: In the event of a storm, please reach out to your dialysis center and ask for a copy of your dialysis orders. This will assist you with getting dialyzed at a location away from where you usually get it done, either another local facility or if you evacuate outside the area.
Patients who use a ventilator or medical device: If you or a household member are dependent on electricity for medical devices to function properly, please ensure you have a supply of appropriate batteries and/or access to an alternative location with generator power.
PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line/chronic antibiotics patients: In preparation for potential storms, please speak to your doctor about additional supplies or medications if you have a PICC line in place and receive chronic antibiotic therapy.
Patients with a LVAD (left-ventricular assisted device): If you have a left ventricular assisted device, please take proper precautions to ensure your safety. If you intend to evacuate the area, speak with your doctor for a list of areas that have LVAD centers available. If you do not intend to evacuate and are in the New Orleans area, please try to shelter around Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans, as we are equipped to handle LVAD emergencies.
