In preparing for a disaster, such as an earthquake, tornado, or power
outage, people with special medical needs have extra concerns. This information
will help anyone with medical needs and their families prepare for a disaster.
Medications:
·
Always have at least a three-day supply of all your
medications.
·
Store your medications in one location in their original
containers.
·
Have a list of all your medications: name of medication,
dose, frequency, and the name of the prescribing doctor.
Medical
Supplies:
· Have an extra three-day supply of medical supplies you use, such as bandages, ostomy bags, or syringes.
Electrical powered medical equipment:
·
Check with your medical supply company and get information
regarding a back-up power source such as a battery or generator for electrical
power beds, breathing equipment or infusion pumps.
Oxygen
and breathing equipment:
·
If you
use oxygen, have an emergency supply (enough to last at least three-days).
·
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 minimum three-day supply of tubing, solutions,
medications, etc.
Intravenous
(IV) and feeding tube equipment:
·
Know if
your infusion pump has battery backup, and how long it would last in an
emergency.
·
Ask your
home care provider about manual infusion techniques in the case of a power
outage.
·
Have
written operating instructions attached to all equipment.
Emergency
bag:
In the event you have to leave your
home, have a bag packed at all times. The bag should include:
·
A
medication list.
·
Medical
supplies and medications for at least three days.
·
Copies of
vital medical papers such as insurance cards, power of attorney, 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
and what services are provided to those on the list. If they have a list, ask to
be included on the list.
·
Keep
contact information for those people who can be of help to you.