HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS...Are you ready?
Medical Considerations:
Medical preparedness is important for all of us, and critical for those with special health needs. Here are some things to consider:
1. Make a Medical Information List. Include the following:
¨ Medical providers-names, phone numbers and the reason to see them.
¨ Names of medication you take, dosage, prescribing doctor, and medical condition. Keep all medications in their original labeled bottles. Make arrangements for additional medications-minimum of a 14-day supply. Refill a few days before a storm. Have additional copies of your prescriptions (necessary if you are out of the area for a while and need medicine).
¨ List of medications that are in the refrigerator and person responsible for putting them in a refrigerated bag or cooler.
2. List of specific equipment you need, body support equipment and assistive equipment-glasses, hearing aids, augmentative communications devices, canes, and walkers. Make certain it is labeled and laminated instruction cards are attached. Have extra batteries and chargers.
3. List of allergies and sensitivities.
4. List of communication or cognitive difficulties you have.
5. Copies of health insurance cards.
6. Copies of pertinent medical reports.
7. List of emergency out of town contact and phone numbers.
Review and update your medical information and plans on a regular basis.
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Checklist for Caregivers
- Prepare a hurricane supply kit
- Enroll your loved on in an identification bracelet program
- Prepare activity supplies for your loved one with memory impairment
- Be aware of behavioral symptoms and appropriate intervention
- Get to know your neighbors
- Join a support group for caregivers
Protecting your Pets
Don’t let your pet become part of the disaster recovery effort.
- Keep up-to-date identification on your pets at all times. Have current color photos of your pets to be kept with your emergency supplies
- Because of greater threat of disease, it is important that your animal be up to date on their vaccinations.
- If you must evacuate, take your pets with you! Your pet’s best protection is to be with you!
- To insure a shelter for your animals, call ahead to hotels, boarding kennels, family or friends to make sure your pets will be accepted. Evacuation shelter will not accept pets of any kind. For pet friendly lodging visit www.petswelcome.com/welcome.html.
- Acquire an impact resistant pet carrier or cage for each animal.
Disaster supplies for your pets (for evacuation & home)
- Portable impact resistant carrier and leashes.
- Food/water bowls, can opener, spoon: Instructions and your pet’s feeding schedule and diet, medications and any special needs.
- At least a one-week supply of your pet’s food and water in plastic bottles.
- Pooper-scooper and small plastic bags: Litter/litter box.
- Dish soap and disinfectant, paper towels.
- First aid kit (Lee Cty Animal Service has Hurricane Kits for purchase while supplies last.)
- Make sure your pets are wearing proper identification. Have health records, including vaccination records.
If you must leave your pets behind. DO NOT leave pets in carriers, as they will not be able to get more food and water when needed. This should not be considered an option, but if you have no choice you should provide the following:
- A rooms without windows, that still provides ventilation. Do not confine dogs and cats in the same space.
- At least 3-days supply of food. Several gallons of water that will not be easily knocked over.
- Access to a high area that they can reach in case of flooding.
- Familiar bedding and toys (for comfort).
Place a notice on your front door advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a telephone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and number of your veterinarian.
This article is courtesy of “The Red Door”.
