Are you prepared for an emergency? If you are an Alpha who is on augmentation therapy or oxygen therapy it is especially crucial to have a plan in the event that a natural disaster or an emergency takes place. Read on for tips on how to stay prepared for any emergency that may come your way.

Create an Emergency Plan with Your Household

Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in the event of various types of emergencies. Designate an area outside of your home where all members of your household can meet to regroup should you have to leave your residence at a moment’s notice and practice your home evacuation plan at least once a year. The American Red Cross suggests that you plan for several types of emergencies ahead of time, including:

  • Local emergencies like tornadoes, volcanoes, and tsunamis
  • Shelter-in-place emergencies like winter storms
  • Evacuation emergencies like hurricanes and fires

You can find advice from the Red Cross on how to prepare for specific types of emergencies and natural disasters here.

Keep Basic Emergency Supplies On-Hand

You should try to keep some basic survival supplies on hand at all times. You never know when the need will arise to shelter in place and staying stocked with life-saving supplies will give you some valuable peace of mind. Some items to consider include:

  • Bottled water (a gallon per day for each household member for 2 weeks)
  • Canned or sealed food that will not spoil (enough for your household for 2 weeks)
  • Enough medication and medical supplies to last for at least 2 weeks (including oxygen and infusion supplies)
  • A can opener
  • Pliers or a wrench
  • A flashlight, lantern, and/or candles
  • Matches
  • A basic emergency medical kit
  • Copies of important personal documents
  • Extra blankets and clothing
  • Extra batteries
  • A cell phone charger
  • A fire extinguisher

If you are on oxygen therapy, ensure that you always have enough on hand to cover you in the event of an emergency. Make sure to store extra oxygen canisters where they can be safely accessed and easily located by members of your household. If you are on augmentation therapy, make sure to keep at least 2 week’s worth of infusion supplies available. Making individual weekly infusion supplies packets can help you keep track of exactly what supplies you have on hand. Place all of the infusion supplies needed for a single infusion in a clear plastic bag and make one supply packet for each of your infusions until all or the majority of your supplies are packaged. This allows you to determine immediately how many weeks of supplies you have left and makes it easy for you to grab exactly what you need in the event of an emergency.

Every age-appropriate member of your household should know where to access your kit and how to use each of the supplies. You may find that you require alternative items based on where you live and the kinds of emergencies you are most likely to experience in your area. Update your kit at least once a year to make sure it always fits the needs of your current household.

Pack a Go-Bag

If you find that you have to leave your home at a moment’s notice, you’re probably not going to have time to pack an overnight bag — that’s why it’s important to have one ready to go! Fill a duffel bag or backpack with items you know you will need such as:

  • A change of clothes including socks and underwear
  • At least 3 days worth of food and water
  • Extra house and car keys
  • A blanket
  • A flashlight
  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Extra batteries
  • A poncho
  • A first-aid kit
  • Water purification tablets
  • Toiletries like soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and baby wipes
  • Local maps
  • A face mask
  • Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag or container
  • At least 3 days worth of your medications or required medical supplies (including oxygen and infusion supplies)
  • A medical information sheet that lists your medications and allergies for emergency responders

If you live with family or roommates make sure each person in the household puts together a go-bag of their own, and rehearse an evacuation plan with your group. When an emergency arises, it’s crucial that everyone understands what they should do to remain safe.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Make sure to create an emergency kit for your vehicle. This kit should include the basic supplies listed above as well as emergency roadside supplies like:

  • Jumper cables
  • Road flares
  • Ice scraper
  • A tire jack
  • A spare tire
  • A seatbelt cutter
  • A spring-loaded glass breaker
  • A map
  • Cat litter or sand for traction

Coordinate with Your Care Team

Make sure to let your doctors, infusion nurse, specialty pharmacy, and/or caretakers know about your emergency contingency plans. If you have a designated address where you know you will be able to take shelter in the event of an emergency let your care team know that is where they will be able to send any medication or medical equipment you may need.

If you are forced to flee your home due to an emergency situation, keep your Coordinator, infusion nurse, and/or specialty pharmacy representative informed of your emergency contact information, your temporary new location, and any need you have for changes to the delivery of your augmentation therapy or supplies. If your life is disrupted by an emergency situation, rely on us and keep us informed. We can almost never predict how we or those around us will react in an emergency situation, so it helps to be prepared as possible ahead of time.

Update Your List of Emergency Contacts

It is important to always keep an updated list of your emergency contacts on hand. Make sure to include the following persons and organizations on your list:

  • Your primary physician
  • Your local emergency rescue organization
  • Any specialists you are currently working with
  • Reliable family members or friends
  • Close neighbors
  • Your employer
  • Your specialty pharmacy
  • Your infusion nurse
  • Your oxygen supplier
  • Your Insurance company
  • Your children’s schools
  • Your children’s caretakers

Share this list with a trusted individual or individuals who will be able to reach out to anyone listed on your behalf if the need arises. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to find this list.

Prep Your Pets

If you have pets in the home, make sure you have an emergency plan for them as well. If your contingency plans are not pet-friendly ensure that you make arrangements for your pet at a friend or family member’s home or kennel. Your pet should also have a go-bag of their own that includes:

  • A size-appropriate crate or carrier for each pet
  • Enough food for several days packed in an airtight container
  • A water bowl and several days worth of water
  • Any medications your pet requires
  • Sanitary supplies like a litterbox, newspaper, or plastic waste disposal bags
  • Grooming supplies like shampoo and nail clippers
  • Treats and toys
  • A veterinary first aid kit
  • A collar with ID tags and a leash or harness
  • A picture of you and your pet together to help verify ownership and identify your pet should you become separated

Find out how to safeguard your medications in the event of an emergency in “Clinical Corner: Medication Management After a Natural Disaster“.

Sources:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies.html
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/common-natural-disasters-across-us.html
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan.html
https://www.ready.gov/plan
https://www.ready.gov/kit
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
https://www.ready.gov/pets

BFRG Resources:
Medical Information Sheet: https://subscriber.alphanet.org/s/article/11-3-3-appendix-c-3–medical-information-sheet