Hurricane season, June 1 to November 30, requires extra planning if your child has special health needs. For instance, many types of medical equipment, medical supplies and prescription medicines may be hard to buy for several days after a storm strikes land.
Preparing for emergencies ahead of time will help ensure your family has the potentially life-saving supplies needed to weather a tropical storm or hurricane.
Texas Children’s Home Health division recommends that caregivers of special needs children do the following:
Plan now for where you will go if you must evacuate your home during a hurricane. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recommends that you travel 20 to 50 miles inland away from the storm. Choose a relative’s home, hotel or motel that has back-up power and is accessible to major roads or freeways. A local chapter of the American Red Cross may be able to help identify other locations.
Before you decide on a location, talk to your family members or the motel manager to explain your child’s special need for electricity during an emergency. Be sure there’s a back-up generator available.
Once a location is chosen, plan the route you will drive to get there. Also pick alternate routes in case flooding or wind damage blocks your first-choice route. Place a copy of these directions and/or maps in each vehicle.
Next, develop an emergency communication plan. In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school or summer camp), have a plan for getting back together.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the central contact. After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and telephone number of the contact person.
Since each family’s needs are different – especially for children undergoing medical treatment – make a checklist of the items you will need to pack if evacuation becomes necessary. Post the list in a place that’s easy to see, and gather items not used on a daily basis in one place.
FEMA recommends that a basic disaster supply kit includes:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food and water
- Non-electric can opener and utensils
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
Place one kit in each vehicle your family might use in an evacuation.
In addition to these basic supplies, families with a special needs child should take these extra steps:
Medication–Refill your child’s prescription medications before the storm reaches land. Pharmacies may be closed immediately following the storm, so be sure to have at least a five-day supply.
Medic-Alert – Be sure to carry a Medic-Alert bracelet or an alternate way to provide special medical information.
Medical equipment and supplies – Ensure medical equipment is in good working order at all times, and stock at least three days worth of medical supplies (even when there is not a threat of a storm).
Batteries for medical equipment – Ensure batteries for medical equipment remain fully charged. If you have questions about your equipment’s power or back-up systems, call Texas Children’s Home Health Services at 832-824-2400 or 1-800-364-7654.
Vehicles – Keep a full tank of gas in all vehicles whenever there is a threat of severe weather.
Special telephone numbers – Keep a list of phone numbers for your child’s medical equipment or supply company, Texas Children’s Home Health Services (832-824-2400 or 1-800-364-7654), and each of the medical personnel your child sees.
In case of severe weather, contact your child’s clinic to confirm whether the clinic is open before leaving home for the visit.
See also:
Hurricane preparation 101, for precautions to take before, during and after severe weather.
Learn how to build your own first aid kit.
Visit FEMA’s Web site for games and information especially developed for young children and middle schoolers at www.fema.gov/kids.
