EMERGENCIES AND THE MEDICALY INVOLVED

People with medical issues are the hardest hit when storms, earthquakes, or other disaster strikes. Here are some preparation suggestions for the medically involved:

  • Wear a Medical ID band to identify your special needs to EMS.
  • Always have enough medication and supplies on hand for a few days.
  • Keep your equipment and cell phone fully charged.
  • Store some emergency non-electrical supplies like drip bags, manual suction, etc in case there is a blackout.
  • Purchase or borrow a generator if you think you may need one.
  • Keep an abridged medical record handy in a waterproof bag and give a copy to your emergency contact. For a minor, include a note appointing your emergency contact to make decisions in event that you cannot be reached. Keep this in your Go-Kit.
  • Program the numbers of Hatzolah and Chaveirim into all of your phones.
  • Keep a list with the individual phone numbers of your nurses or aides if applicable. The agency may not always answer the phone.
  • If you live alone, have someone check up on you once or twice daily—more often in a blackout or other emergency situation.
  • If a storm or natural disaster is predicted for your area, make contingency plans. If a blackout is expected, arrange in advance for a generator. If you may need to evacuate, do so before the storm. It is both difficult and dangerous to move a medically involved person during emergency situations!
  • Remember that a child becomes a legal adult when they turn 18 years old.  The parent cannot legally make medical decisions for them unless they have made guardianship. If you are the legal guardian, keep a copy of the guardianship papers in the Go-Kit.
  • All adults should sign a Halachic Medical Directive which appoints your chosen relative or friend to make medical decisions with your Rav’s guidance if you are unable to. This is a legal document which, in many states, will prevent your care from being decided upon by the hospital’s policy makers. Make sure to give a copy to your appointee and keep a copy in your Go-Kit.