We
don't want to wait until a natural disaster is at our doorstep to think
about getting ourselves prepared. Here in Florida hurricanes are a
worry, but almost every part of the country has its own natural
disaster threats.
As caregivers we have special concerns and
responsibilities, especially when we are caring for those with special
needs. I currently have a diabetic client.
There are many articles and checklists available online these days. Here is a link to a helpful example of a checklist for diabetics.
In our case, aside from having a secure residence not vulnerable to
flooding, we have to assume that we could be without power for a week
or longer, and that we might not have access to medicine, food, or
other supplies.
We need have an ample supply of medications,
including the insulin, and be aware of the visual signs for the
particular type (either clear or cloudy, not sticking to sides of
bottle, etc.). For food, we need a variety of appropriate, sugar-free
foods with long expiration dates, that don't require cooking. Crackers,
canned tuna and such, peanut butter, canned fruits in very light or no
syrup, and of course plenty of water.
When checking supplies on
hand it's easy to forget about expiration dates, so this is a good time
to make sure that we aren't relying on last year's stockpile.
Of
course, there are the usuals, including flashlights, extra batteries
and all. Better to think about getting food and other supplies ahead of
time rather than waiting for that first storm advisory.
Gertrude