Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members.
Over the past year and a half, we’ve all spent quality time in the comfort of our own homes. While your home may be a safe place to quarantine during a pandemic, it’s still possible for the unexpected to happen. And if it does, are you prepared? By planning for emergencies, you and your family are better able to handle any situation appropriately, significantly reducing the risk of harm. Here are some ways you can prepare:
- Keep an emergency contact list. Make sure your babysitters, children, spouse and other household members have access to a list of important names, phone numbers and addresses in the event of an emergency. You might also want to include phone numbers for doctors, veterinarians, poison control and other emergency contacts.
- Have backup childcare. If something comes up or your babysitter cancels, you’ll want to have a list of backup sitters and childcare centers that can watch your child if needed. Ask friends and trusted neighbors if you can include them on this list.
- Train older children. Think about potential problems that could arise while you aren’t home. If you have appropriately aged children, teach them how to use important appliances, care for family pets and know when to call you for help.
- Stock essential supplies. It’s always good to stock up on healthy snacks and easy-to-prepare meals for your kids. In case of an emergency, keep cash and medical supplies such as bandages, a thermometer, pain relievers and antibacterial ointment safely in a drawer or cabinet.
- If disaster strikes, know where to reach out for help.
To get connected to a mental health professional, call the behavioral health number on the back of your health insurance card. New Directions can help you access providers, family resources, child/elder care options in your area, personal/professional development tools and more.
Source: Life Advantages 2021; New Directions Behavioral Health