It’s human nature to tell ourselves that disasters strike other people — not us. But for a reality check on such thinking, just ask those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Since the tragic 2005 hurricane, the federal government has worked with hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and other health-care providers to help them be prepared for disasters. Today, many of these facilities have plans and backup systems that will enable them to respond to and survive a storm, flood, earthquake, prolonged power failure and other disasters. But do you have a personal plan of action? This is especially important if you or a loved one has a medical condition that requires daily care. Steps you should take to develop your own disaster survival plan…
Put it in writing. Write out a plan of what you will do in case of a disaster and use it for planning purposes and as a checklist to review in the event of an emergency. Note all the ways that you and anyone you might be caring for can get out of the house quickly or to a safe location (such as the basement).
Smart idea: Place emergency phone numbers (including those for public utilities, friends and relatives) in several rooms of your house in case you are trapped in one area.
Get a cell phone. Keep a fully charged cell phone in an easily accessible location in case your land-line phone doesn’t work or you need to leave your home.
Smart idea: If you don’t already have a cell phone, buy an inexpensive one but do not sign up for cell-phone service. All cell-phone users are able to call 911 without subscribing to a provider’s wireless service.
Keep the right equipment and supplies on hand. If you or a loved one uses an oxygen machine, make sure you have several large tanks of portable oxygen in the house in case of a power failure. Keep flashlights, a portable commode, extra blankets, bottled water and anything else you might need if you lose lights and heat or air conditioning.
Smart idea: Keep your daily medication in sealed plastic bags to prevent water damage. If your medication requires refrigeration, make sure you have a portable cooler in the house and keep ice packs in your freezer. Check in advance with your pharmacist on the best way to store refrigerated medication during an extended power outage.
Stay in touch. Make sure family and friends are aware of your medical status. If your medical condition limits your ability to evacuate your home, family or friends can alert authorities.
Smart idea: Contact your local police department today to alert them that you need to be checked on if a power failure or disaster hits your area. Ask for the officer who serves as the community liaison.
Act early. Don’t assume that you can weather a predicted blizzard or any other threatening event. Call a family member or friend to help you or a loved one evacuate at the first warning (if there is one).
Smart idea: If no family member or friend is available, call the police or fire department or your local Red Cross or county government and ask for help.
If a disaster strikes, you’ll be glad you followed these steps.
