2. As a nurse in the community… Many times I come across patient s who have been recently discharged from the hospital. Typically, their perception has changed on what is truly important to them after overcoming an acute illness or injury. After a patient has been taught everything to their education level about their ailments, community nurses move on to safety teaching. Safety teaching isn’t just about fall prevention and medication management. It’s also about emergency preparation and NOW is the best time to start!
3. Keep it Simple! A typical patient is either overwhelmed with their current follow up appointments and piles of paperwork related to their diagnosis. Stick with the following guidelines: Have a Plan Be Prepared Stay Informed
4. Have a Plan! Use the following quote from www.floridadisaster.org to begin discussing a plan with your patient: “In a major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away, and in some cases it may take 3 or more days for help to arrive. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times.”
5. Plan WITH the Patient Where are you going to stay? Always have a backup plan just in case the first shelter option is unavailable. Who is your local contact? Who is your out-of-state contact? Does your family know your plan? Does your doctor know your plan? Don’t forget your pets’ plan!
6. Be Prepared! A 72 Hour Emergency Bag is a single bag intended to be throw out of a bedroom window in case of a fire or some other immediate threat. The lighter the bag, the better a patient will be able to carry it on their own. Next to the bag should be a pair of sneakers that can be thrown on and worn with out socks to escape immediate danger and to safety. A separate bag or container can hold food and water supplies for 72 hours if needed.
7. 72 Hour Emergency Bag Checklist 3 Shirts (2 short-sleeve, 1 long) 3 Bottoms (2 shorts, 1 pants) 3 sets of under garments Shampoo Soap and washcloth Toothbrush and Toothpaste Deodorant Toilet Paper (remove cardboard roll and flatten into a ziploc bag) Brush or comb 2 Pens and paper Flashlight Disposable Poncho Extra set of keys (house, car, safe, etc…)
8. “Water-Resistant Container” Copies of Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc) Copies of Vaccination Papers Copy of Insurance Policies Cash Credit Card Pre-Paid Phone Cards Cell Phone and Charger Important Phone Numbers
9. Specifically for ACTIVE Patients 1 week of medications Include OTC meds 3 days of wound care supplies Include IV Therapy 1 week of diabetic monitoring supplies Include Hard Candy Band-aids and TAO Don’t forget gloves and hand sanitizer!
10. Stay Informed Important phone numbers (relatives, work, insurance, doctors, pharmacy, etc.) Listen to the radio Copy of Community Resources
11. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! 14 items to keep in your vehicle at all times! ½ tank of gas (minimum) Water (bottled, boxed, or bagged) Food (if canned supply a can opener) Battery booster cables Road maps (you never know when your GPS may fail or you may have to walk) First aid kit Tool kit (car tools, knife, etc.) Sturdy rope or chain Shovel Flashlight Warm blanket or sleeping bag Poncho Hand warmers Copies of Important documents (personal identification, insurance, emergency contacts, etc)
