Disaster Planning for Nurses and the Elderly
These days, it is hard to know when a disaster can strike. They usually happen without warning, leaving us jolted and unprepared. For elderly people, reacting to disasters can be difficult especially when they don't know what to do when catastrophes strike. Some of them have special needs or are physically handicapped.
Older people are particularly vulnerable when disasters happen, so it is very important for hospices, hospitals and nurses to be prepared for such incidents. Nurses and everyone in the healthcare field should be participating in disaster planning. They must be proactive in airing out their suggestions and recommendations on how to efficiently and quickly help the elderly. Home health nurses should also know the basic steps on how to help elders prepare for calamities.
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Here are some tips on disaster preparedness:
1. Create a map of important resources and shelters.
When disasters happen, everyone should have an idea of where the emergency shelters are. Usually public school gyms or parks are used as shelters. It is important to know the locations of these shelters. To remember them easily, every household should have a map that shows the important landmarks and shelters.
2. Have an emergency network.
Having an emergency network allows friends, family, neighbors and healthcare professionals check up on each other. This significantly helps in saving lives.
3. Always keep a stock of emergency supplies.
Aside from a First Aid Kit, every home should have a disaster supplies kit. The kit should be enough to meet the needs of the members of the home for at least three days. It is also a great idea to put all the supplies in just one container, such as a backpack. The backpack is a wonderful idea because it is portable.
The backpack should include the following:
- Water (good for 3 to 5 days)
- First Aid Kit
- Prescription medications (especially those in the family who have an illness that needs regular medication)
- Flashlights (in case of blackouts and power outages)
- Extra set of car keys
- Extra cash
- Change of clothing
- Map
- Toiletries
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4. Know how to turn utilities off.
Fires usually happen during disasters. To prevent this, make sure that you know the location of your main electric fuse box, natural gas and water service. Remember to turn them off or check on them and make sure there aren't any problems.
5. Purchase a fire extinguisher.
Nurses, as well as the members of the family at home should have their own fire extinguisher and should know how to use it.
