Visory Health Caregiver Series: Disaster and Emergency Preparedness for the Caregiver

Are you ready for any potential weather or disaster situation? As a caregiver, do you know what you need to do to keep you and your loved one safe? The CDC and other government experts in disaster and emergency preparedness have several suggestions to keep you safe and ready for any potential emergency.

In this blog, we will review some of the most important disaster and emergency preparedness planning steps to promote you and your loved one’s health, strength, and resilience in an emergency or disaster situation.

Step One: Have An Emergency Plan For Caregiving During A Disaster or Crisis

The most effective way to deal with caregiving during any emergency situation is preparation through planning before the situation arises. Questions to answer during your emergency planning include:

What disasters impact my environment most?
Examples of possible disasters include severe storms, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, power failures, and/or hurricanes.
How do I get my emergency alerts or information? Local news, weather radio, and/or social media feed? Knowing where to get real time information is critical to staying informed.
Do you have a list of special needs, medications, and healthcare providers for your loved one? Outlining exactly what is needed on a daily basis will help you plan for how to maintain optimal health during any emergency.
Where can you shelter in place in your home if needed?
Do you have an escape route from your home?
In the event you are directed to leave your home, what is your caregiver evacuation plan? How will you get there?
What are ways to manage stress as you tend to the needs of your loved one? Stress and anxiety can be contagious. As a caregiver, try and remain calm to help your loved one through challenging emergencies.

Step Two: Develop an Emergency Caregiving Supply List

Do you have the supplies needed to sustain you and your loved one for at least three days or longer as necessary? What if there is an extended power outage or no water supply?

According to the caregiver preparedness checklist, the following are some of the items that should be Included in your supply list:

Food and Water Supplies:

A non-perishable food supply for a minimum of three days.
For canned foods, have a manual can opener. Electricity may not be available.
Water needs: estimate to have at least one gallon of water per person on hand for the first 3 days. This water is used for both drinking and sanitation. According to the CDC, it is optimal to store a 2-week supply if possible. Making water safe during an emergency outlines guidelines for water safety.
Plastic eating utensils: forks, knives, spoons, bowls, and plates.
Bags of ice in the freezer.
Matches and charcoal or gas for the grill.

Step Three: List of Equipment Needed For Caregiving During an Emergency

Be prepared to be without electricity during an emergency. Identify alternative emergency lighting, safe heating or cooling, and back-up power sources for personal devices and equipment.

Flashlight with extra batteries.
Battery powered weather radio.
Charges for phone; include extra charging cords.
Utility knife; small tool kit.
Cash on hand in case ATMs or pay-at-the-pump gasoline pumps are not working.
First Aid Kit to include first aid reference, non-latex gloves, thermometer, tweezers and scissors, and antibiotic ointment.
If you have a car, ensure you have a full tank of gas and it’s in good working order.
Generator specific requirements: consider purchasing a generator as able.

Step Four: Personal Items and Special Needs For Caregiving During A Crisis

Sleeping bag, warm blanket, and emergency (space) blankets to keep warm in cold temperatures.
Change of clothes
Personal hygiene items.
Have a 30-day supply of medications and updated copies of prescriptions. Note medications that need refrigeration or other special handling.
List of special equipment and their location: i.e. dentures, hearing aids and batteries, glasses, contact lenses and disinfecting solution, asthma inhaler, blood sugar monitoring, wheelchairs, breathing machines and oxygen, feeding tube needs, other.
Detailed list of daily needs for your loved one to include medication times, activities that need equipment, caring, and comfort materials.

Plan Ahead to Ensure Your Loved One Is Safe During an Emergency

Natural disasters and unforeseen emergencies may occur without warning and can have long-term impact on services, supplies, and access to healthcare. As a caregiver, you can proactively plan for an unforeseen crisis to ensure both you and your loved one have essential supplies and a means to mitigate risk to survive and thrive during an emergency or crisis.

At Visory Health, we understand the need for planning and preparation for your loved one. Caregivers and our Visory Community can access the Visory Health discount card through our app to obtain the best prices on prescription medications for immediate use and to include in your disaster preparedness emergency supplies.

At Visory Health, we see you and we hear you!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Visory Health!