Get Ready for the Upcoming Storm!
Dear Caregivers,
We know many of you are facing the additional pressures of dealing with our back-to-back storms. When stress mounts, and your mind feels overloaded, it can help to have clear guidelines to choose your next steps.
Given the forecast, today we offer the "Milton" edition of our Hurricane Preparedness for Family Caregivers newsletter.
Here is some guidance on how to get ready for a big storm:
Medical Needs and Treatments
Make sure you ensure that your loved one’s medical needs are met and treatment is not disrupted:
Be sure you have ample supply of any medical equipment and supplies needed for you or your loved one, such as oxygen, nebulizer supplies, colostomy or incontinence supplies, and dressings.
Make sure you have your own medical “first aid” kit, as well as no-wash hand sanitizer/cleanser.
Make plans for any special care you might need for your loved one’s medication (for example, if their insulin needs to be kept in a cool container).
Carry information regarding your loved one’s medical conditions and current treatments with you.
If your loved one has specific dietary restrictions or preferences, do what you can to have a supply of key foods or drinks available.
Evacuation and Transportation
Learn about your community’s emergency plans and plan your escape route. If you can safely stay out of the path of the storm by staying with family or friends, do so. Know the location of the nearest evacuation shelter that can accommodate your needs in terms of medical health, safety, and any pets you or your loved one may have.
In case you have to evacuate your home quickly, be prepared by keeping the following tips in mind:
Identify exactly what medical and comfort supplies you will need, and figure out how you will move the supplies to your evacuation location.
Consider getting air cushions that will fit the beds at the facility, or purchase an air mattress with a frame.
You may be sitting down for extended periods of time, so consider bringing a chair pad that will minimize pressure to your skin and provide additional comfort. Be sure to pack adequate sheets, blankets and small pillows.
Obtain and bring safety items such as flashlights, a battery operated radio and clock, cell phones, and sturdy comfortable footwear to prevent falls.
Bring personal hygiene items and comfortable clothing to last for at least three days. Also bring water and towels for bathing.
Bring insurance policy information such as your insurance for your home and automobile; prepare a list of emergency contacts such as family members, friends, and doctors; and legal documents such as deeds, Durable Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Care Surrogate, and “Yellow Do Not Resuscitate” orders.
Share your plans with a relative or friend outside the area. Call them after the disaster and let them know that you are all right and where you will stay if your home is damaged. You may want this person to be designated for other family members to contact that may be in the area as well.
Notify the power company if you are dependent on electricity for medical equipment (such as oxygen concentration) to be sure power is available on your return to your home.
Your Disaster Checklist
It is critical to have a plan for times like these. Here’s a checklist to follow:
Assemble a disaster supplies kit.
Arrange for someone to check on you.
Plan and practice the best escape routes from your home.
Plan for transportation if you need to evacuate to a shelter.
Find the safe places to shelter in your home for different kinds of emergencies.
Have a plan to be able to send a signal that you need help.
Place a list of post-emergency phone numbers near your phone.
Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Be sure they will be able to reach you.
Here is a downloadable digital guide from Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs: Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“There’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst.”
— Stephen King
