People With Special Medical Needs

How to Prepare For a Disaster

In preparing for a disaster such as an earthquake, storm, or power outage, people with special medical needs have extra concerns. Try to picture yourself as you might be during such a disaster and during the three days immediately following it. What might be some of your special medical needs? This brochure has been designed as a helpful tool for you and your family as you prepare for a possible disaster.

Medications

Always have at least a three-day supply of all of your medications.
Store your medications in one location in their original containers.
Have a list of all of your medications: name of medication, dose, frequency, and the name of the doctor prescribing it.

Medical Supplies

If you use medical supplies such as bandages, ostomy bags, or syringes, have an extra three day supply available

Intravenous (IV) & Feeding Tube Equipment

Know if your infusion pump has battery back-up, and how long it would last in an emergency.
Ask your home care provider about manual infusion techniques in case of a power outage.
Have written operating instructions attached to all equipment.

Oxygen and Breathing Equipment

If you use oxygen, have an emergency supply (for three days or more).
Oxygen tanks should be securely braced so they do not fall over. Check with your medical supply company, regarding bracing instructions.
If you use breathing equipment, have a three-day supply or more of tubing, solutions, medications, etc.

Electrically Powered Medical Equipment

For all medical equipment requiring electrical power such as beds, breathing equipment, or infusion pumps, check with our medical supply company and get information regarding a back-up power source, such as a battery or generator.
Check with your local utility company to determine that back-up equipment is properly installed.

Emergency Bag

Have a bag packed at all times in the event you need to leave your home.

A medication list
Medical supplies for three days.
Copies of vital medical papers such as insurance cards, Advanced Directive, Power of Attorney, etc.
When you leave your home, be sure to take refrigerated medications and solutions.

People Who Can Help

An important part of being prepared for a disaster is planning with family, friends, and neighbors. Know who could walk to your home to assist you if other means of transportation are unavailable.
Discuss your disaster plans with your home healthcare provider.
Ask your local fire department if they keep a list of people with special medical needs.
If you depend on electrical power for your medical equipment, notify your local power company. Some companies are able to provide priority service to people with special medical needs
Keep a list of people who can help (Their name and phone number):

Family or friends
Neighbors
Hospital
Medical suppliers
Doctor/homecare provider
Pharmacy

This brochure was developed and produced by a group of healthcare professionals who obtained a grant from the American Red Cross Northern California Disaster Preparedness Network. The group works in San Jose, California, for Columbia San Jose Medical Center, Columbia Homecare & Hospice, Columbia Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Planetree Health Library.

The American Red Cross Disaster Education Program helps people avoid, prepare for, and cope with disasters that may occur.

To obtain hard copies of this brochure, call the Planetree Health Library at (408) 993-7156 or write to 98 N.17th Street, San Jose, California 95112.