Disaster Tips for People with Medical Needs
In a disaster, people with special medical needs have extra concerns. This information will help you and your family prepare for a disaster.
Medications ■ Always have at least a 14 day [30 days would be better] supply of all your medications. ■ Store your medications in one location in their original containers. Do this in a bag for easy grab and go! ■ Have a list of all of your medications: name of medication, dose, frequency, pharmacy and the name of the prescribing doctor.
Medical supplies ■ Have an extra 14 day [30 days would be better] supply of any medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags, or syringes.
Electrically powered medical equipment ■ For all medical equipment requiring electrical power — beds, breathing equipment, or infusion pumps — check with your medical supply company and get information regarding a back-up power source, such as a battery or generator.
Oxygen and breathing equipment ■ If you use oxygen, have an emergency supply (enough for at least a 14 day period). ■ Oxygen tanks should be securely braced so they do not fall over. Call your medical supply company regarding bracing instructions. ■ If you use breathing equipment, have a 14 day supply or more of tubing, solutions, medications, etc.
Intravenous (IV) and feeding tube equipment ■ Know if your infusion pump has battery back-up, and how long it would last in an emergency. ■ Ask your home care provider about manual infusion techniques in case of a power outage. ■ Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.
Emergency bag ■ In the event that you have to leave your home, have a bag packed at all times that contains: ● A medication list. ● Medical supplies for at least 14 days[30 days would be better]. ● Copies of vital medical papers such as insurance cards, power of attorney, current medical summary etc.
People who can help ■ An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning with family, friends and neighbors. Know who could walk to your home to assist you if other means of transportation are unavailable. ■ Discuss your disaster plans with your home health care provider. ■ Ask your local fire department if they keep a list of people with special medical needs; ask to be included if they do maintain a list. ■ Keep a list handy of people who can help and their phone numbers. Consider installing a key lock box like realtors use with a combination [or a combination door lock] at you door for emergency staff.
* When you travel, ensure hotels have services for your special needs! Ask for the special accommodations when you make reservations AND when you check in. IF you, your family or group is using a travel agent make sure they understand your needs — www.castlesandcruises.com is good to deal with.
PRINT this out and share it with your doctor……
Cross ref:
http://www.preparesurvivethrive.us/comms-2/ parts 1 and 3 are good too