Being prepared with an organized personal health record (PHR) can offer you and your family greater security and peace of mind during the hurricane season and many benefits in an emergency or as a medical resource at any time.

A PHR is any organized system you maintain for documenting you and your family members’ personal information, health conditions, medicines, health care providers, medical procedures, medical test results and special needs.  This can require some work but there are free forms and guidelines available and other products for purchase that can make it easier.

The two basic types of personal health records:

1. Paper documents and files that are best maintained in waterproof and transportable containers; and,
2. Electronic personal health records (ePHR)
   

Six reasons to prefer an ePHR:

1. Anywhere Access - Authorized individuals can access an ePHR any place at any time if you choose an internet ePHR;
2. Access Control - You control access to part or all of your ePHR information;
3. One Place Location - An ePHR means your health information is located in one place for easy availability;
4. Continuous Record Regardless of Change - An ePHR can follow you over a lifetime regardless of changes in physicians, residences, insurance plans, etc.; and
5. Electronic Information Exchange - An ePHR may enable you to electronically transfer information between other health information systems and professionals as authorized.
6. Portability – ePHR health information can be downloaded onto a CD or flash drive to take with you in the event of evacuation during a disaster.