Facts & Health Tips
Preparing for Weather Emergencies
Thinking ahead and planning for weather emergencies can help
us minimize the inconvenience and potential for injury that
could result from certain types of emergencies. For instance,
a power outage is an inconvenience for most people, but for
someone who relies on an oxygen concentrator to breathe, it
can be a disaster. Here are some other conditions that may
need special “emergency” planning:
- 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.
If you are receiving homecare or hospice services, your nurse
or therapist will help you devise a personalized emergency
plan. THHS homecare agencies collaborate with the community
disaster authority (e.g.: Red Cross, Civil Defense, or Community
Disaster Preparedness System).
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 for any
other reason local officials request or require 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 you are known to your local emergency-management systems.
- 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.
References:
The American Red Cross - Published materials and checklist
Yourdon, Edward; (1999) The Complete Y2K Home Preparation
Guide. Prentice Hall PTR. New Jersey. |
