Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can happen at any time so it’s especially important for those of us with POTS and other chronic illnesses to be prepared; we may not be able to depend on the Red Cross and other shelters to help us with our special needs. Having a grab-and-go bag packed away with essentials - especially if you live in a high risk area - is always a smart idea.
Depending upon where you live the type of natural disaster that is more likely will vary. Just when considering the US, West Coast America will more likely be thinking about earth quakes or wildfires, some areas are more prone to Hurricanes or Tornadoes, and Northerners may think more about snowstorms and power outages in the winter due to snow and ice. You may want to tailor your disaster pack to the type of natural disaster you are more likely to encounter, and where you live.
Options For Your Natural Disaster Grab-And-Go Bag:
1.) Food that doesn’t spoil and complies with any dietary restrictions you have. Shelters may not have gluten free, egg free, or dairy free food available at all times, so if you have dietary restrictions, consider including food that is safe for you to consume. This way, you know that no matter what you are covered.
2.) Extra medications. It’s always important to make sure you have a week or two worth of medications if you can. Work with your providers if you need to in order to make this possible. Mark in your calendar to recheck your stock every so often so that you don’t let these medications expire, and switch out the medications before they do.
3.) Comfort items. Do you have POTS and know you are going to need an extra pair of dry compression pants? Extra salt packs? Extra salt tabs? Cooling towels if you live in a hot climate and the power will be out for a while, or extra blankets and hand and foot warmers if you live in a cold climate and will be without power? We recommend tailoring the comfort items to meet your own individual needs.
4.) Extra water. Portable water is always important to have, especially when you have POTS. It may also be helpful to consider what you might need in the event that clean water isn’t available, as they have small decontamination devices you can use to clean water. One example is the LifeStraw.
5.) Extra copies of your medical documents. It may be important to keep an extra copy of your medical passport, if you have one, or any of the other emergency medical documents discussed in our other emergency documents section.
6.) Special photos of family and friends. It may be helpful to have anything that will bring you a smile when life is more stressful. You can use a USB drive with special photos or videos you don’t want to lose that contains extra copies.
7.) Important documents. Examples might include: a copy of your ID, copy of Insurance Card, copy of a will, or a copy of a medical power of attorney.
8.) Consider a secure storage container. Getting one that is convenient and secure, especially for your smaller personal items. One example is a grab-and-go firebox, but it is important for you to find one that is within your price range.
9.) The CDC has recommended a website with suggestions you can use and personalize for a disaster kit. To access the list, visit the website by clicking here.
Contributions made by: Mallory Stanislawczyk, CRNP, Pediatric Advisor