Prepare for a Quick Get-away With Your Most Prized Possession – Your Health.

When Hurricane Irene was predicted to hit the east coast, it created a flurry of activity. Residents were either bracing themselves for the impact or high tailing it out of there and away from its path. Those who chose to stay, stocked up on toilet paper, water, milk and bread while those who chose to leave, packed up their most precious personal belongings and left for drier ground. Fortunately, we had a warning and therefore, time to prepare. But what about the times when we are not warned; when something unforeseen happens and we only have mere moments to “gather and go”. Would we stop to gather our most important possessions and if so, what would they be? Would they be our photos, important papers, smart phones and computers? Or would they be the possessions beyond what we traditionally think of as “precious?”  Do we consider our health and the health of our loved ones as possessions to secure in times of disaster or even unpredictable travel away from home?

Many people find themselves without their life saving medications and critical health information during times when they need it the most – during a crisis. To prepare for an unplanned departure from your home during a crisis, consider the following tips:

1.     Keep all medications in a central location

If you’re like most people, you keep some medications in your kitchen, some in your bathroom and even some in your bedroom. Although it may be more convenient for you to scatter them, during a crisis you will not have time to run around from room to room, gathering them. It’s best to keep all of your medications – including your vitamins or supplements in one central location. If you need to leave in a hurry, keeping them together ensures you won’t forget any.

2.     Create and maintain a portable health record

Although an electronic health record is important when having a procedure or being admitted to the hospital, it doesn’t do you any good if there isn’t any power or if you find yourself farther away from your community without access to a computer. Keeping a copy of your latest health record can act as your voice if you are not able to communicate independently.

3.     Secure portable equipment

      Protective equipment, such as canes and walkers and treatment equipment, such as oxygen and insulin pumps can easily be left behind.  Make sure you have a place in your house where you keep this type of equipment and that everyone knows its location. Once you are away from your home, you or your loved one is more vulnerable to injuries such as falls and infection. Continuing safety precautions and treatments can ensure continued good health even during a crisis.

     

      Regardless of having time to prepare or not, following these simple tips can help you or your loved one protect the most precious possession – your health.

Be safe!

R.Thompson, MSN, RN