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Tips for lending a helping hand
By Times Staff
Published June 27, 2006
When a hurricane is looming off the coast, not all Tampa Bay residents are able to prepare as they should - and may need your help. Visiting Angels, an organization that provides in-home care, offers these tips to help older or disabled people in the event of an emergency. * Help create a network of relatives, neighbors, friends, professional caregivers and emergency responders. Discuss plans with each of these people to be sure they know you expect their help, including how and when each might need to back up another. Relatives on this list should inform employers in advance that they may have to leave quickly in emergency conditions to take care of a family member. * Develop a map of primary and backup local resources, such as emergency shelters, pharmacies and dialysis centers. Plan multiple travel routes to them in case roads are blocked. During an evacuation or chaotic event, families may be split up, so establish a meeting place. If a statewide evacuation is ordered, designate a recognizable landmark or a home in a safe destination as a rendezvous point. Be sure you have an updated photo of older relatives in the area. * Put together an emergency information pack that includes lists of medications, drug allergies, medical ailments, backup copies of prescriptions, contact information for family and doctors, medical power of attorney or living will, proof of insurance, Social Security documentation and identification. * Put together an evacuation pack. If an older family member or friend must leave his or her residence, be prepared to take care of this person's basic needs for 72 hours. Do not assume that shelters have supplies and equipment. This pack should include food and water, medications and supplies, blanket, pillow, air mattress, personal hygiene items and extra clothing. * Keep up-to-date supplies of prescription medications and have portable versions of medical equipment, from oxygen tanks to walkers. Have a travel cold pack if you use medication that needs to be kept cool. Consider backup power supplies for life-supporting equipment. * Work with a reliable caregiver and home care agency. Families who do not live near older or disabled relatives should arrange for a responsible professional or volunteer caregiver to check on them in an emergency. * Prepare the home for natural disasters. Remove obstacles around the house that may slow a hasty evacuation or may cause injury. There should be two easily accessible exits. Put away or remove outside items and potted plants that may become projectiles in high winds. * Have at least a three-day supply of food and bottled water on hand. Stock up on canned goods and nonperishable foods that do not have to be heated to be eaten. * Stay in contact and informed. Have a cell phone and forward your land line calls to the cell phone before you evacuate. If you have a laptop computer, keep a list of alternate dial-in numbers and access codes for your Internet service provider. A small radio or battery-operated TV and a flashlight - and extra batteries - are musts. * Be prepared for the return home. Damage from winds or flooding, loss of utility services and police activity may prevent you from moving back. Have a relocation plan until government services can be provided. * Familiarize yourself and family with local post-disaster resources and procedures before disaster strikes. Understand the role of the Red Cross, state and county disaster management and FEMA, how to contact them and what assistance is available. * Make arrangements for service animals and pets. You may not be able to take them to emergency shelters, so check with your vet or someone in a safe area about boarding the animals. On the Web:
--Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, www.visitingangels.com. --Federal Emergency Management Agency, www.fema.gov. --American Red Cross, www.redcross.org.
[Last modified June 27, 2006, 07:47:30]
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