Joann Davis, CEO of Hospice & Palliative CareCenter on Triad Today!

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No one likes to dwell on the possibility of disaster. But we all need to prepare for one. Help your loved ones gear up for safety. Whether you live across town or across the nation, the action items are the same.

Identify contacts. Who should Mom or Dad call in case of disaster?

- Because local phone service may be down, choose an out-of-town contact.
- Also identify the address and phone number of a potential gathering place. This might be a friend’s house, or a church, school, or store within walking distance.
- Ask family members to leave a note if they are evacuating. Have it include date, time, and plan.
- Program “in case of emergency” (ICE) information into cell phones.
- Teach family members to text message. Text messaging is often possible even when phone service is disrupted.

Supply the house. Keep a box on hand with at least a three-day supply of necessities.

• The basics include one gallon of water per person per day, food, clothing, bedding, personal hygiene items, batteries, etc.
• Include prescription medications and a first-aid kit.
• Regularly replace medications so they don’t expire.
• Keep copies of health insurance cards and an up-to-date list of prescriptions, doctors, and any special needs.

Address special needs, such as oxygen or a wheelchair.

• Create a network of neighbors. Give at least one person a key to the house. Show everyone where to find the emergency box.
• Show them how to operate any special equipment. Put written instructions in the emergency box.
• Have your loved one wear an identifying bracelet if he or she has a disability or significant medical condition.

Register your family member with the city or county to receive special assistance in a disaster.

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If your family member needs medical oxygen, the crucial ingredient for successful vacation travel is planning ahead.

First, decide how you will be traveling. By air, train, or cruise ship? By bus or car? This information will help determine how much oxygen your loved one must carry.

Advance planning

• Consult with the doctor for medical clearance to travel. Obtain a brief medical history to carry along. Include a list of current medications and an oxygen prescription.
• Create a list of contact information of health care providers.
• Check the health insurance plan for guidelines regarding out-of-area medical emergencies. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers has a planning tool for international travel that can help you identify health issues for your specific destination. They also list resources for traveling with lung (pulmonary) conditions.

Oxygen supply

• Have a respiratory therapist calculate how much oxygen will be needed. Allow for an extra supply in case departure or arrival times are delayed.
• Contact the airline, train, cruise ship, or bus company to make arrangements for oxygen. The requirements are different for each mode of travel.
• When flying, prepare for getting through the security checkpoint with oxygen.
• When traveling by car with oxygen, secure the tank in an upright position. Ensure that no one smokes. Crack the window to prevent oxygen build up.

Vacation days, have your loved one

• Wear emergency medical identification. Keep medications on hand at all times. Pack them in carry-on luggage and day-trip gear. Include a current prescription list and contact information for all health providers.
• Stay hydrated. Airplane air is especially dry. Drink lots of water and skip the caffeine or alcohol.
• Avoid sitting for long stretches of time. Try to move around every hour or so.
• Keep up to date about air pollution and weather at their destinations. Be alert to conditions that may make breathing more difficult.

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For more, Visit us online at: http://hospicecarecenter.org!

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