It is important to develop an emergency plan before disaster strikes. It is especially important for people with medical concerns to have a plan in place in order to ensure that the same level of care is maintained in the event of a disaster.
BioPlus has developed a checklist to help you and your family be
prepared. Review these tips that can help you during an emergency, such as a major storm or other catastrophic event that could affect your medication deliveries:
Listen for Important Updates
Tune in to local radio and TV stations for emergency broadcast services and follow their instructions. Sign up for local alerts and keep a battery-operated radio on hand. This way, you can stay updated on the latest news and instructions from authorities.
Don't Let Power Outages Disrupt Your Health
Reach out to the power company if you have home health equipment that plugs in. Ask to be added to the priority list for power or a generator so your equipment will continue to work during a power outage.
Stay Connected
Phone services can behave differently during power outages or emergencies. Whether you have a traditional landline phone, wireless, or VoIP service, it’s good to know what you have. If you're not sure, just give your provider a quick call to check.
- Always keep a paper list of your important contacts and their phone numbers handy, no matter which phone service you use.
- In emergencies, try using text messages instead of voice calls. Texts and emails usually work better when the network is busy.
- If there's an emergency, you can use any cell phone, even one that's not activated, to call 911.
Keep a Cooler Handy
Always have a cooler with ice ready. If the power goes out and your fridge gets warm, put your medications in the cooler to keep them safe.
Stock Up on Nonperishable Foods
Make sure you have plenty of canned goods and other nonperishable foods. These items don’t need refrigeration and can last a long time.
Know Your Shut-Off Valves
Locate where your water and gas shut-off valves are. Knowing this can help you quickly turn them off if needed to stay safe.
Check Your Property’s Elevation
Be aware of the elevation of your home. This helps you understand if you're in a flood-prone area.
Secure Your Important Papers
Keep all your important homeowner papers in a safe place. It’s also a good idea to know exactly where they are in case you need them quickly.
Keep Extra Supplies
Make sure you have extra batteries, flashlights, and a first aid kit. It’s always good to have these essentials on hand.
Stay Ahead of Therapy Interruptions
Call the pharmacy number listed on your prescription label if you need to leave your home during a disaster and let us know where to deliver your medication so your therapy can continue,
uninterrupted.
Being prepared can make a huge difference. Stay safe and take care!
Here are some more resources around the web where you can learn more:
FEMA Disasters and Emergencies Guides
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