Among the lessons learned from the 2005 hurricane season are how to deal with displaced workers, especially those that are injured. All states could take a cue from Texas Governor Rick Perry, who issued a bulletin in anticipation of impending disasters.

The bulletin was very proactive in nature. It advised companies and others to have an alternative plan for reporting injuries in the event of displacement due to natural disasters. The target audience included workers' compensation insurance companies for both hurricane victims as well as evacuees from all along the Gulf Coast.

Some specifics mentioned are for companies to:

• provide methods for reporting a change of address for displaced employees
• provide displaced workers with immediate medical attention when injured
• quickly distribute benefit checks
• allow extensions of deadlines for filing claims

This advice could certainly apply to more areas than workers' compensation. Everyone can learn to be more proactive. Find out your companies position and procedures on medical care when disasters occur and cause your own potential displacement. Keep information of this nature for each person in your family or household handy.

Lastly, all states need issue or reissue similar advisories so this kind of information is fresh for the 2006 hurricane season.