If a sudden emergency should strike are you prepared with diabetes disaster preparedness skills? Modern media have made our world seem small. News about events around the world reaches us in minutes. We learn of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, industrial accidents and terrorist attacks immediately. TV teaches us that any disaster brings chaos to people and their environments. As a person with diabetes, your daily routine involves schedules and planning. An emergency can seriously affect your health.
It may be difficult to cope with a disaster when it occurs. You and your family should plan and prepare with diabetes disaster preparedness beforehand even if the event is loss of electricity for a few hours. The first 72 hours following a disaster are the most critical for families. This is the time when you are most likely to be alone. For this reason, it is essential for you and your family to have a disaster plan and kit which should provide for all your family’s basic needs during these first hours.
This very thorough 9 page document on diabetes disaster preparedness gives you clear directions on what you can and should do if you are diabetic to be prepared for any emergency. It includes checklists, illustrations and good information about insulin storage and care.
Topics Covered
- Patient information
- Be prepared list
- Helpful hints about insulin, pens, syringes
- Things to remember
- Hot weather tips
- Food items to be stored
- Food considerations during a disaster
- Sick day rules during a disaster
