How to Prepare and Plan for an Emergency

How to Prepare and Plan for an Emergency

Step 1: Create a plan by asking yourself important questions:

  1. What types of emergencies/disasters are most likely to happen in my area? Floods, Earthquakes, Wildfires, etc. 
  2. How does my community stay connected during an emergency? When a disaster strikes, it is helpful to stay connected either by cell phone or radio, find out more about these alerts at www.ready.gov/alerts 
  3. Where will my family meet up during an emergency? Run through practice scenarios and pick safe places to meet during an evacuation. Ready.gov encourages you and your family to decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where you all can go for protection or to reunite. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town. https://www.ready.gov/kids/family-emergency-planning/make-a-plan 
  4. What is my shelter plan? Will you stay at home, shelter in place, or find a mass care shelter?  Download the FEMA App http://fema.gov/mobile-app for a list of open shelters DURING an evacuation or listen to a radio and follow local instructions.
  5. What is my evacuation route? Avoid severe weather and route conditions by leaving when your local officials instruct your community to. Prepare for alternative routes and transportation by studying your area and keep in mind that your evacuation route may be on foot depending on the type of disaster.
  6. What is my family/household communication plan? Ready.Gov has a great template to get started: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/family-emergency-communication-planning-document.pdf

Step 2: Make a “To Go” Bag with essentials

During an evacuation, you may not have enough time to take everything with you in your home. Setting a to go bag aside before an emergency can help alleviate stress and give you more time to focus on your emergency plan. According to HFA, they say to make sure your name and contact information are prominently displayed on your bag in case you lose or misplace it. Here’s what HFA suggests to have in your bag:

  • Important documents: Travel Letter from HTC, copy of insurance card,, Emergency Contact Form, download a template here: https://bit.ly/emfamtemplate
  • Medical I.D. Bracelet or important medical history information that includes:
    • Your specific type of bleeding disorder and any other important diagnoses
    • Possible inhibitor status
    • Basic treatment guidelines
    • What you take to treat bleeds and the dosages you use
    • If you’re on prophylaxis, the type of factor and dosage
    • Any drug or food allergies you may have
    • Any additional information about the health care you need
    • Important contact names and information regarding your HTC
  • Kids items: books, small toys, comfort item, bubbles (distracts and promotes deep breathing)
  • Your Factor and other refrigerated medication: Place in a bag and if possible a cooler or insulated container for your medication if it needs to be stored cold, place medication and ice, just before you leave.
  • Electronics: Cell phone, Radio, batteries and chargers 
  • Infusion kit: Keep a bag already stocked with everything you need for an emergency infusion that includes:
    • tourniquet
    • Syringes
    • butterfly needles
    • gloves
    • saline
    • heparin*
    • alcohol swabs/wipes
    • EMLA cream
    • Gauze,
    • adhesive bandages
    • adhesive tape
    • port needles* (* if your child has a port)
    • Sharps Container
  • First Aid Kit Place a bag with the following items::
    • Face coverings/masks in a separate bag
    • Disinfectant Wipes
    • safety pins
    • tweezers
    • scissors
    • thermometer (preferably digital)
    • skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
    • cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
    • Pain Relief: acetaminophen/Tylenol
    • cough medicine
    • antihistamine cream or tablets
    • distilled water for cleaning wounds
    • Other prescription or OTC medications

Step 3: Don:t forget!

  • Install smoke detectors on every floor and get to ground level to evacuate your home during a fire. GET OUT. STAY OUT. CALL 911. 
  • Identify safe spots in the home in case of an earthquake. DROP. COVER. HOLD ON. 
  • If your area is prone to flooding, remember TURN AROUND. DON’T DROWN. 
  • Update my emergency plans to include COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
  • HF Healthcare offers 24/7 live contact with a real person who is familiar with you and your health history in case you are affected by an emergency or disaster. Call us at 866.981.1171

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