Monday, July 23, 2007

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 maintain at least a three day supply of all your medications
  • Store your medications in one location in their original containers
  • Maintain a list of all your medications: name of medication, does, frequency, and the name of prescribing doctor
Medical Supplies
  • Keep an extra three-day 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, maintain an emergency supply (enough for atleast three 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, keep a three day supply or more 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 case of power outage
  • Attach written operating instructions to all equipment
Emergency Bag
  • In the event that you have to leave your home, keep a bag packed at all times that contacin
  1. A medications list
  2. Medical Supplies for at least three days
  3. Copies of vital medical papers such as insurance cards, power of attorney, etc, in a waterproof bag
People who can help
  • An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning with family, friends and neighbours. 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 needs; ask to be included if they do maintain a list
  • Keep a list of people who can help and their phone numbers

No comments: