As we met for our 2005 convention, images of Hurricane Katrina and her aftermath were fresh in our minds. This past year started out with similar images, from the tsunami in Asia. Soon thereafter, our own member Diane Hart, was temporarily buried alive in a mudslide.
Part of the horror and empathy we feel for disaster victims is our thought, "that could have been me." It could have been. At our convention, Diane spoke bravely and honestly about her experience. She said that even before her trauma, she used to think about what she would do in a variety of situations so that she would survive. Preparedness played a part in Diane's survival. The American Red Cross asks us to think about preparedness, which I am pleading with you to do.
Not long after September 11, 2001, my sister recommended that I refer to the Red Cross Web site to find out how to prepare for a disaster. She had formulated a Family Communications Plan and she wanted me to do the same. This involved gathering all of the pertinent phone numbers, cell numbers, and e-mail addresses for the whole family and deciding who would be the out-of-town contact person in case there was a disaster at home. I encourage you to consult the American Red Cross Web site: "Family Disaster Planning: Preparing for a Disaster" (http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_601_,00.html) and develop a communications plan. In the aftermath of Katrina, thousands of people could not contact family members. Having an out-of-town contact person whom they could contact would have helped family members to contact each other. The Red Cross also encourages people to e-mail or use text messages on their cell phones, because these messages can often get through when phone calls cannot. My daughter has a laminated card in her backpack with all of the emergency contact numbers. All of us should carry such a card.
Not only do I encourage each of our readers to refer to the American Red Cross Web site, I ask you to print it out. Keep a copy in your Disaster Kit (described below). Share copies with your families and your patients. As nurses, we are responsible to be leaders in keeping members of our community safe.
The Web site describes how to prepare a "Disaster Supplies Kit." Obtain a transportable container to store all of your emergency supplies. First, I got a large plastic bin (for storing artificial Christmas trees!!), but after I had loaded it with the required items, I couldn't move it!! A rolling bin or a covered rolling trash can will do the job. Make sure everyone in the family knows where the emergency bin is.
The Red Cross makes specific suggestions for a three-day supply of nonperishable foods to include. It is important that the foods are compact and lightweight, require little or no preparation, no refrigeration, and little or no water. The Red Cross suggests that we include some familiar and "comfort" food since they can help boost morale. A schedule for replacing the foods is included on the Web site.
There is an itemized list for a First Aid Kit. This part should be a cinch for us, but there were items on the list I might not have thought of. Don't forget to include a CPR breathing barrier face shield. It is also essential to include prescription and nonprescription drugs for all family members. Some of the items on the nonprescription list surprised me, such as activated charcoal and syrup of ipecac. In an emergency, the Red Cross will make announcements of which medications should be taken depending on the type of emergency that has occurred.
There is a list of tools and supplies to pack. Not being a handyman, this section was essential for me. Some of the items to include are pliers, compass, shut-off wrench, plastic sheeting, whistle, can-opener, cash or traveler's checks, change, tube tent, aluminum foil, flares, paper and pencil, etc. The sanitation supplies list includes a plastic bucket with tight lid, chlorine bleach, and other items. There are a variety of clothing and bedding supplies needed, as well as a list of important items for your pets.
It is recommended that one gallon of water per person per day be stored in your kit and at least a two-week supply of water for each family member stored in your home. I learned a lot about what to do when you don't have adequate water or when food supplies are low. There is information about what to do in the event of a chemical or radiation release.
The Web site includes important tips on which important documents you should keep in your kit, in waterproof packages.
At first, my immediate family thought I was an alarmist as I gathered up all of the items for the kits (sturdy shoes, extra eyeglasses, can openers, copies of Social Security cards, passports, driver's licenses, etc). I made a kit for my mother too. Everyone in the family knew where the kit was stored. It is important to update the kit every six months, as the Red Cross suggests. I have to update it more often at my house, since some of the things "disappear," such as the extra flashlights, batteries, and the battery-operated radio.
The Web site also includes how to prepare for disaster in the workplace, as well as how to prepare an emergency kit in case you are caught in an emergency while commuting. It is recommended that we all carry an emergency kit in our cars. Information on all of these subjects are on their Web site.
We have had to access the emergency kit twice since I made it, both times for power outages. It was handy to have everything together. Someday, it might be more than handy, it could be lifesaving.
Please, make your kit. Have it completed before the next issue of Plastic Surgical Nursing lands in your mailbox.
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