When
hurricanes are in the forecast, many demonstrate panic and fear the
worst about the coming storm. The uncertainty of what a storm could
cause may provoke anxiety. When we hear news of universities and
cities initiating mandatory evacuation orders, the fear becomes a
reality. It is very difficult to remain calm when our environment
seems to be in control of our lives. Even if you are not affected by
a mandatory evacuation, you still are faced with possible loss of
electricity, decisions that have to be made to assure you have enough
food and water to last the duration. Watching the weather forecasts
on the TV or online helps some people feel calmer; for others it
provokes greater anxiety. Know which one you are and adjust your
behavior accordingly.
To
alleviate some of the worry:
Be
prepared.
Being
prepared will make you feel better about the uncertainty; allows you
to feel
confident
that you did all that is necessary to weather the storm. Being
prepared means stocking up on a reasonable (3-5 days per person)
amount of food and water (5 gallons per person), having batteries
for flashlights and matches for candles. Being certain you have the
necessary prescription medications and a first aid kit; blankets and
personal care items (hand cleaning wipes, as well as cleaning wipes).
Have easy access to your fire extinguisher and if possible, have a
battery operated radio. Turn freezers and refrigerators to coldest
settings. This will help keep the food cold longer if you do lose
power. Fill your bathtub with water so you will have water to flush
toilets. But don’t go overboard. Hurricanes generally clear the
area within a day, and major damage from roadways is cleared usually
a day or two later.
Have
a Family Plan
Many
families live close by one another; others may be geographically
separated. . Phone systems may not be able to function, and the
Internet may be unavailable, so you need to plan ahead with extended
family and friends. Be sure older parents or college student know
how and when to hear from you and when they will contact you. The
Internet may be more accessible than other means, so a posting to
one’s wall or t witter could let others know you made it through
safe.
Accept
the Inevitable
It
is easy to feel out of control when faced with nature’s fury.
Nature is stronger than man, and all we can do is button down and
hope for the best. Keep windows shut, move and store items from your
yard or porch. Remember that an item left outside can become a
flying object in high winds.
Strong winds can send projectiles through windows and cause injury.
If your windows aren't boarded up, stay away from them. Stay
indoors and make sure your pets are indoors too! Don’t go out
during the storm.
Know
when you need to evacuate
Identify
where you would go, if evacuation is mandatory. Be sure your
vehicle has a full gas tank. If the area loses power, ATMs won't
work, banks and gas stations will be closed. Be sure to have cash
on hand to get you through a few days. Know what the
safe
evacuation route is; a route where low-lying areas likely to flood
can be avoided.
If you choose to remain behind, you put yourself and your family at
risk. You also endanger any first responder who has to rescue you if
the situation gets dangerous.
Lastly,
don't forget about your neighbors, young and old, who may need
assistance preparing for the storm, or help with preparing for
evacuation.
As always, Patient Centered Care personnel are available to answer questions or concerns.
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