Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Tips from Transitions Hospice Care

May 27, 2024

Plan ahead!

Tips to help prepare our patients & their families, our staff & their families, our neighbors, & community... know your risks, make a plan, & take action.

When preparing for an emergency or disaster, here are some things to think of...

PREPARING FOR SEVERE WEATHER, FLOODING, & POWER OUTAGES

  • When thunder roars, go indoors and pay attention to weather alerts
  • Become familiar with your evacuation plan and if told to do so, do so immediately!
  • If on oxygen, make sure back up tanks are full and working
  • Fill your car up with fuel
  • Charge cell phone
  • Stock up on nonperishable foods and bottled water for up to 3 days
  • Make sure all prescription medications are up to date and filled
  • Have plenty of back up batteries of each size and keep jump boxes charged
  • Use flashlights instead of candles when power outages occur as candles can result with an unwanted fire
  • Seek shelter if necessary- storm shelter or small interior room with no windows
  • Prepare your home and purchase flood insurance if needed- standard insurance policies do not cover flood damage
  • If flooding occurs:

          - Flooded roadways- turn around, do not drown

          - Seek higher ground

         - Avoid wading in water- elevated risk of dangerous contamination and

            debris

          - Downed or underground power lines can electrically charge the water

EXTREME HEAT

  • If possible, just stay inside
  • Wear light colored and loose fitted clothing
  • Stay hydrated
  • Know & watch for the signs of heat- related illnesses

            - Hot skin

            - Dizziness

           - Confusion

            - Rapid, strong pulse

            - * If having all the symptoms listed above, call 911 or get to a hospital

               immediately - the person is suffering from heat stroke

            - Cool the person by removing outer clothing and moving to a cooler

               environment

            - Try ice packs or a fan if available

            - Watch for breathing problems while waiting for EMS or while enroute to

               the hospital

PANDEMICS

  • Know how the virus’ spread
  • Wash hands or use hand sanitizer that contains 60% or more alcohol
  • Avoid close contact with sick people- social distancing of 6 ft. or more
  • Wear a face covering when experiencing symptoms or will be around symptomatic people
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

CYBER ATTACK

  • Keep your software and operating systems up to date
  • Use strong passwords
  • Watch for suspicious activity
  • Avoid entering personal/bank information unless trusted

 

ACTIVE SHOOTER

  • Run, hide, and/or fight!
  • Always pay attention to your surroundings
  • Follow Law Enforcement’s instructions

For more related content, check out our article on Safety.  Contact us today to learn more about Hospice Care.

Resources: FEMA