|
|
|
Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
|
|
|
October 20, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Using The Calm Before the Storm
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
We can never fully prepare
for unknown events and their unanticipated twists and turns, but we can
take several actions that may lessen our burden and suffering should a
horrific event occur in our area. We need to use the calm before the
storm to prepare.
Hurricane season will be followed by the winter storm season. In
addition, we live in a time where we are always on the “look-out” for
terrorist strikes and more recently the advent of a pandemic flu. While
we must never give in to fear and retreat and stay in our homes, the
wise will take actions that can prepare you for untoward events, caused
by stormy weather, widespread illness or terrorist actions. You've heard
them before, but perhaps this will be the year that you will decide to
take action . The following is a partial list of some suggestions.
• If there is a medication that you must take daily, be sure that you
always have several days worth on hand. Follow this action for all
essential items that your family needs including diapers, formula and
pet food.
Prepare for power outages. Don't be the person who says, “I should have
bought those batteries.” Stock up when stores have sales. Keep on hand
candles, matches, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and extra
batteries. (Make sure you have the right size batteries for your
equipment.)
Stock several days worth of non-perishable foods that don't require
cooking. You can buy milk in a box that can be stored in a pantry for
long periods of time.
Make a “storm box” (with batteries, food, candles, matches, etc.) and
store it away from general household use.
Make an all weather emergency kit for your car. Include a small snow
shovel, flashlight, flares, sand, or kitty litter, blanket, jumper
cables, and a first aid kit. Some non-perishable food and bottled water
would also be wise.
Keep your car in good working condition. Bald tires aren't going to help
you much in the snow. Be sure your gas tank has enough fuel. A properly
working heating and defrosting system is very important. Keep an ice
scraper in the car.
Listen to forecast reports so you can be prepared. If you are advised to
stay at home, please do so. If you are told to evacuate, do so.
Establish a family emergency plan, with contact names, phone numbers and
meeting places.
If you know an elderly or homebound person, make it your responsibility
to help them prepare for bad weather. During a storm, try to make
contact with them if you can.
Begin to prepare now. You have nothing to lose by preparing, but
everything to gain! There are several websites that you can visit for
more information. They include: www.cdc.gov;
www.fema.gov;
www.redcross.org; and
www.ready.gov. If you do not have
access to the internet, district residents can call QVHD for a free
packet on emergency preparedness, 248-4528 or request on at
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
|
