Why be Prepared?
Disaster planning is essential for everyone. This is especially true for the
more than 90 million Americans who currently live with chronic diseases. You
may be able to easily manage your condition now, but during a disaster, many
services you rely on may not be available. Your condition and a lack of these
services make you very vulnerable in a disaster. It has been found that lack of
access to routine health care is a leading cause of death after disasters.
Proper disaster planning can help to limit your vulnerability.
There are many things to consider when planning for a disaster. Where will you,
your family, your friends or personal care attendants be when an emergency or
disaster strikes? You, and those you care about, could be anywhere - at home,
work, school or in transit. How will you find each other? Will you know your
loved ones will be safe? Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and
without warning. They can force you to leave your neighborhood or confine you
to your home.
If utilities (water, gas, electricity or telephones) were not available, what
would you do? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. You are in the best
position to plan for your own safety. Why? Because you are best able to know
your abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster
situation. You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance with your family
and care attendants. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your
responsibility.
The information in the Patient Resource Manual is to help you plan and prepare
for disaster situations. A great deal of the information is general, in nature,
and can be useful to anyone planning for disaster preparedness. There is also
specific information to help you overcome the challenges that your chronic
disease presents when preparing for disasters. Remember that stress can
aggravate any chronic condition. Preparing now can help to reduce stress should
a disaster occur. |