Baton Rouge – When evacuating for a hurricane it is very important to make personal health and safety the top priority. Health officials recommend that individuals pack as though planning for a five-day camping trip.
“In addition to clothing and personal items, individuals should also pack plenty of non-perishable food items like canned goods and bottled water,” said Jimmy Guidry, Department of Health and Hospitals, State Health Officer. “Foods that are prone to spoilage can prove to be dangerous to one’s health,” he added.
He also reminds the public that hospital emergency rooms across the state are already strained due to Hurricane Katrina and should only be accessed in the event of a true health emergency. “Evacuating residents with health concerns should contact their private physicians or call nurse hotlines before evacuating, if at all possible,” he said.
If illness or injury occur, it is of the utmost importance that residents try to access walk-in health clinics and urgent care centers before attempting to go to the emergency room.
For more health and safety information, visit www.dhhemergencynews.com.