In the News:  Natural Disasters Abound

In the past, one natural disaster season appeared to follow another, but this summer every provider’s disaster management plan is being tested, and patient and family education relative to natural disasters is a key element of this plan.  The organization’s disaster and emergency management plan must focus on the primary natural disasters affecting the organization’s care and service delivery area and usually follows a seasonal pattern, such as teaching about snow emergencies during winter months in the North and about hurricanes during hurricane season in the South.  However in looking at the national weather map, determining essential topics of education is no longer a simple process.  In July there have been numerous weather-related events throughout the country, including hurricane watches, intense heat, wildfires, drought, tornadoes, torrential rains and flooding.  In August, more of the same is predicted.  Preparing patients, staff and families for these events is a monumental task and must be reinforced throughout the course of care.

In focusing on hurricane patient education, education must take a three-prong approach and include what to do [1] to prepare, i.e. before or during a watch or warning, [2] during an actual hurricane and [3] after the hurricane.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] recommends some basic elements for each of these key areas of education.

1. Preparation Education:

Before an Alert

Community Resources:

• Evacuation Routes
• Warning Signals
• Community Shelter Locations
• Pre alert community support for special needs

Home Preparation:

• Home
  • Turning off electric and gas lines
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Windows
• Supply Levels
  • Water [3-5 day supply- 5 gallons]
  • Food [non-perishable, canned, dried]
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Battery operated transistor radio
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • Medications, prescription and over the counter
  • Baby food and supplies, if needed
  • Pet food and supplies, if needed
  • Antibacterial hand cleaner
  • Cleaning cloths [such as baby wipes]
  • Personal hygiene supplies [soap, toothpaste]
  • Bedding supplies, or sleeping bags
  • Automobile emergency kit [if appropriate]
• Document Consolidation
  • Insurance policies
  • Wills
  • Licenses
  • Passports
  • Pet immunizations

During an Alert:

• Last Minute Check and Preparation
  • Make sure vehicle’s gas tank is full or contact transport arrangements already made
  • Fill water containers, tub and sinks
  • Check supply levels
  • Tune into radio or television updates
  • Listen for sirens
  • Secure outside items, or bring inside, if possible
  • Cover glass doors and windows
  • Bring outside animals, pets into a safe area
  • Cool down refrigerators and freezers to the coolest setting

2. During a Hurricane

• Evacuating
  • Follow the directions
  • Take only essential items and documents
  • Pets cannot be taken to shelters
  • Turn off gas, electric and water
  • Disconnect appliances
  • Listen to radio or television for and follow the designated evacuation route
  • Go to designated location
• Remaining in Place
  • Stay indoors [bathroom, interior room, basement]
  • Stay away from window and glass door areas
  • Cover up with blankets, plywood, sleeping bags
  • Continue to listen to the radio or television
  • Remain indoors until authorities announce that it is okay to go outside
  • Plan where you will seek shelter if your home is damaged

3. After the Hurricane

• Waiting and Returning
  • Remain at the safe location until authorities permit returning to your home
  • Remain calm
  • Do not enter buildings where gas is smelled, electric lines are down
  • Avoid floodwater
  • Wash hands frequently
  • Eat and drink only safe food and water
  • Have home utilities checked and serviced
  • Use disinfectant solution for cleaning
  • Do not take in stray animals
  • Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] has assimilated a wealth of hurricane related educational materials for organizations to access and use in planning and implementing hurricane education programs.  These materials are available in a multitude of languages, including Chinese, French, German, Haitian, Portuguese, Spanish and Vietnamese.  To access these materials, go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/educationalmaterials.asp.

General disaster education materials are also available.  These can be linked to from

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/

It is important to remember to individualize published materials to meet the specific needs of the organization’s patients and families and in addition to providing the education, to assess and evaluate the level of understanding, with reinforcement of the information throughout the patient’s care.