Live in the West Region? There is now a referral approval waiver in place through June 30, 2025. Learn More About the Referral Approval Waiver.

Disaster Information

Before a Disaster

Plan a safe evacuation route and identify a safe shelter space. If you’re evacuating, take these items with you in waterproof containers:

  • Uniformed Services ID card
  • Medicare card
  • Other health insurance card (“Other health insurance” is health insurance you have in addition to TRICARE, such as Medicare or an employer-sponsored health insurance. TRICARE supplements don’t qualify as OHI.)
  • Driver’s license
  • Social Security card
  • Checkbook, credit card, cash
  • Prescription containers (preferred) or a list of medications with names, doses, and frequencies
  • Important phone numbers
  • Any important medical or military information and documents
  • Immunization records
  • First aid kit

Special Needs

If you have special needs, including chronic medical conditions, vision, hearing, or mobility impairment:

  • Talk to your doctors about emergency medical plans.
  • Know the location of more than one facility if you need dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment.
  • Wear medical alert tags or bracelets.
  • Arrange to get disaster warnings.
  • Arrange for help getting to a shelter.

Prepare to bring the following items with you:

  • Your doctor’s contact information
  • A list of your specific illnesses, allergies and medications, including dosages
  • At least one week’s supply of medication. Get any prescription refills that are due before you leave, and consider any medications that may need refrigeration
  • A list of your medical devices, including type and model number
  • Any needed medical devices or equipment. These include glucose monitors/diabetic supplies, breathing aids (nebulizers, oxygen tanks, tubing), spare eyeglasses and contacts, wheelchairs, batteries, and walkers.
  • Special foods or supplements
  • Food for service animals

More Information

Visit the Are You Ready Guide for lists and plans to prepare for a disaster.

Related Downloads

Activated in Support of a Disaster?

You may qualify for active duty healthcare benefits. Learn more about benefits when you’re activated.