ALL ABOUT ME First Responders See Back Cover My Name: What I Need You to Know What is the best way to communicate with me? What objects MUST leave with me? (Service animal, medications, mobility walker?) Who do you need to call? In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact: Allergies: Medical Conditions: Medications: Other: Homebound Health and Disaster Planning Health, Safety and Help During Disasters and Emergencies Adams County Library System April 2015 Funded By A Grant From NN/LM MAR
Homebound Health and Disaster Planning Health, Safety and Help during Disasters & Emergencies What is this for? Homebound individuals, their families, care givers and support network. The homebound individual may have physical, emotional, developmental, or other limitations that restrict their ability to react, relocate or transport themselves independently. What is this about? Planning for the homebound s health, safety and help during disasters and emergencies, including: What changes during a disaster? What s the plan? Prepare and by ready. What about the day after? Recovery and resilience. What more can I learn? We Already Plan Our Days. What Changes in a Disaster? Daily life for the homebound person may be highly regimented. Home visits by medical, physical, and spiritual care givers or other support services may be part of the routine. What is a disaster and how does it disrupt that routine? Disasters and emergencies in south central Pennsylvania may be caused by natural or man-made situations, including the following: Flooding Severe Storm (rain, ice or snow) Power outages or disruption Tornado Hurricane Chemical spill During an emergency, follow the instructions of your community or county police, fire, emergency services, health or government agency. 1 2
What s the Plan? During a disaster or local emergency, the homebound individual is further isolated from needed services. Use a disaster plan to prepare and know the steps for gathering needed supplies and having safe shelter. Key Steps to Get Ready Follow these steps to get ready before a disaster strikes. 1. Get a Kit - Prepare an emergency kit with basic supplies, necessary medical and health items, and your emergency documents. 2. Make a Plan - Know what you need to do during the emergency, including a communications plan and how to contact emergency services. Be sure everyone knows the steps of the disaster plan. 3. Be Informed - Start now! Know who you can contact, where you can get the latest information on weather, emergency or disaster announcements, who your local emergency management officials are, and how to reach them. Prepare to Stay or To Go The choice to stay or go is based on the disaster and the local decisions made by your community and emergency services agency. Prepare for both, starting with shelter in place and only evacuate if directed to do so. Stay or Shelter in Place Stay inside at your current location. Be prepared with: A room ready as a shelter, close to a bathroom and running water. Shelter kit of emergency supplies for at least 3 days for each individual (food, water, tools, first aid kit, blankets, pillows, etc.) Current information - have a radio, telephone, and fresh batteries. Listen for instructions from local officials. Signs to show your location room so emergency services or evacuation teams can quickly find you when they arrive. If you have to leave immediately, put a visible notice as to where you are going and with whom. 3 4
Evacuation If local conditions require, individuals may need to be moved to a different location (such conditions include: flooding, fire, chemical or other hazards.) Be prepared with: Instructions from your local officials - listen for announcements, clearly write down instructions, and keep those in a safe place, such as in a plastic bag where you can easily reach it. An evacuation kit of emergency supplies for at least 3 days for each individual (food, water, tools, first aid kit, blankets, pillows, etc.) Signs to show your location so emergency services or evacuation teams can quickly find you when they arrive. If you have to leave immediately, put a visible notice as to where you are going and with whom. What about the day after? Recovery and Resilience Reestablishing a routine after a disaster is not always easy. Recovery is both physical and emotional. The physical tasks of recovery can be comforting and reassuring as an individual gets a room or home back in order. The emotional effects may take longer and require more personal resilience. Planning ahead will help with that recovery. First, check the conditions around you and in your area. These increase your safety and awareness of how recovery is proceeding. Confirm your area is safe. Stay aware and current on conditions and announcements. Listen to updates from your local community sources - government, fire, police, and emergency agencies. Get in touch with your family, friends, and support services to let them know of your condition. Check for any gas, electric, heating and cooling outages, leaks or other problems in your area. Report those to your local utility companies immediately. 5 6
Next, check your personal property and area for damages, as you are able. Take a look inside through the windows, and write down damages you can see. Do not enter a residence until it is confirmed to be safe. Document external damages. Do not approach or attempt to move any debris, trees, large objects, power lines, utilities, or equipment. Then contact the municipality or agency to report damages: Local community agency to report damages and hazards outside. Insurance company to report damages to your personal property. Take photographs and make careful notes to document damages to your property and possessions. Contact your local municipality or government agency to find out what disaster relief help and resources are available to your area. More supply lists and tips are available from: The American Red Cross. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/seniors Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors Federal Emergency Management Association. http://www.ready.gov/publications Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for Older Americans Emergency Supply List brochure Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for People with Disabilities brochure Your Emergency Kit Keep an emergency kit in your home in a bag or suitcase that is easy for you to carry or wheel around. small bottle of water non-perishable food that meets your dietary needs manual can opener whistle flashlight and extra batteries battery-powered radio notebook, pen and marker cell phone charger cash (small bills and change) important papers in a waterproof bag list of medications and names of doctors 3-day supply of medications (if able) personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, etc. first aid kit plastic trash bags and duct tape personal care items: eye glasses, hearing aid, etc. seasonal clothing one pair of sneakers and two pairs of socks pet care supplies (collar, leash, etc.) books or toys other items to consider: Acknowledgments to Philadelphia Department of Public Health & The Regional Vulnerable Populations Outreach Project. 7 8
My Recovery Resources How do you start recovering from a disaster? Use this page to organize your contacts and phone numbers for insurance, utilities and local government. Utility Companies - Name, Phone Number Electric/Light Gas Water Phone Town/Municipal and County Phone Numbers: Insurance Company - Name, Phone Numbers: Home (or renters) Car Other insurance (flood, etc.) Important Phone Numbers Police, Fire, Ambulance Dial: 9-1-1 Adams County Office For Aging, Inc. (717) 334-9296 or 800-548-3240 318 West Middle Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325 Adams County Department of Emergency Services (717) 334-8603 230 Greenamyer Lane, Gettysburg, PA 17325 United Way of Adams County, Inc. (717) 334-5809 123 Buford Ave., PO Box 3545, Gettysburg, PA 17325 State of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Disaster Assistance (717) 651-2116 2605 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Insurance Policy Number(s) and Policy Holder Name(s) Home (or renters) Car Other (flood, etc.) Poison Control Center Domestic Violence Hotline Suicide Prevention Hotline Health Baby Hotline PA Road Conditions (800) 222-1222 (800) 799-7233 (800) 273-8255 (800) 986-2229 (800) 331-3414 9 10