Be Prepared

Given the earthquake and the looming hurricane Irene, it’s a good idea to go over basic preparedness procedures. This is an update from the January 2010 post, where I wrote about how to prepare for a disaster. This is particularly important when one or more people in a family are dealing with chronic conditions.

Below are some additional items that are not included in the previous post:

ICE your Cell Phone: Make sure you cell phone has an “in case of emergency” in the contacts list. Be sure to include several people.

Know How to Text: If you haven’t learned to text message on your cell phone, now’s the time to learn. Following the earthquake, it was easier to reach people by text messaging than by cell phone or landline.

Program Numbers on Speed Dial: Have emergency numbers, as well as neighbor or family member who can respond immediately, on speed dial

Have a “to go” bag in a handy place, where you can grab it if you need to leave suddenly. Keep the following up to date and in the bag:

• Print version of a Personal Health Notebook While it’s great keeping one on-line, if something happens and you can’t access the internet, a paper copy will supply needed information to emergency personnel. At the very least, have the following written down:
- Name, address, phone numbers and who to contact in the event of an emergency
- Allergies-include those to medications, food and environment
- Diagnoses that you are being treated for. Be sure to everything such as hypertension, type II diabetes, high cholesterol, gout etc.
- List of prescribed medications that you are taking. Include dosage amount and when you take them. For some conditions it is critical that you be given your medications at the same time daily. Some providers will provide notes for just this purpose.
- Contact information for medical provider and hospital where you receive care. If you use more than one provider and/or hospital, be sure to list all of them and what each one is used for.
- Basic information about yourself-height, weight; blood type; religious preference; advance directives
- Copy of health insurance
- Photos of self and family.

• Medications: Both prescribed and regularly used “over the counter” medications. If it’s possible, have a week’s supply. If that’s not possible, have at least two days worth. If your medication needs to be kept refrigerated, include a box of “instant cold” packs. Be sure to include bottled water for taking pills.

• Medical supplies: Anything you generally use should be included, such as needles for prescribed injections; catheters; bandages etc.

To learn more about preparing and planning for emergent situations, go to the FEMA website.