Your Trinity Home Health Services nurse or therapist can help you devise a personalized emergency plan. THHS home care agencies collaborate with the community disaster authority (e.g.: Red Cross, Civil Defense, or Community Disaster Preparedness System).
Emergency planning may be necessary for people in certain situations:
- Persons who have physical impairments requiring assistance of another person to walk, are in wheelchairs or use walkers or canes to get around.
- Persons who need continuous oxygen or breathing assistance through a machine.
- Persons who are dependent on medication to stay in good health (cardiac conditions, diabetes).
- Some areas of the country are more prone to weather emergencies than others. If you live in a low-level flood plain, you should review your emergency plan when there is a forecast for heavy rain. Likewise, if you live in an isolated rural area and might be snowbound, extra medications and food are a necessity.
Here are some common techniques for managing during emergencies:
- Be prepared for "typical" area emergencies (such as winter storms and potential power outages).
- Stock a few days extra supplies for all persons and pets that live in the home. Include:
- non-perishable food
- food that does not require cooking
- stored water
- ample supply of prescription and non-prescription medications
- supply of "over-the-counter" medications such as aspirin or anti-bacterial wound cream
- Keep your automobile gas tank above half full.
- If the power fails, plan to use alternative cooking devices in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Don't use open flames or charcoal grills indoors.
- Have extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves to keep warm. DO NOT plan to use gas-fueled appliances, like an oven, as a source of heat. Do not use any heating devices that are not designed for use within a residential structure.
- Have plenty of flashlights and batteries on hand.
- Check smoke alarms to make sure they have battery back-ups. Replace batteries yearly.
- Be prepared to relocate to a shelter for warmth (or air conditioning in the event of a heat-related emergency) and protection during a prolonged power outage or if local officials request that you leave your home. Listen to a battery-operated radio to find out where shelters will be located.
- Do not connect a portable generator to your home's electrical system. Instead, connect what you want to power directly to the generator. Keep the generator in a well-ventilated area either outside the home or in the garage with the door open. Don't put the generator inside the home.
- Contact the local chapter of the American Red Cross or your local emergency preparedness system for more information.
- If you are dependent on equipment for life-support, make sure your local emergency-management systems are aware of your need.
- Arrange with neighbors and family to check on you.
- In heat-related emergencies, be aware that children and elderly persons can dehydrate rapidly.
Keep plenty of fluids available, and get to air-conditioned or cool areas as soon as possible.
Get a battery-operated fan and extra batteries.
- Have a supply of non-electronic games, books, cards and other amusements available.
Sources:
The American Red Cross
Edward Yourdon. The Complete Y2K Home Preparation Guide.
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