Since hurricane Sandy, I’ve been trying to prepare for the next possible disaster. Everyone in my family has some kind of allergy, and I wasn’t prepared when Sandy hit. This article will help you with dealing with your child allergies during a disaster.
Step 1:
Plan for the disaster such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, snow and ice. When you plan ahead of time, you can ensure your child needs will be met during this emergency situation.
Step 2:
Start to build your disaster kit. As a parent, you know your child or your medical and food allergy. Some of the basic things to have in your kit will be water, any safe food that you or your child can eat, any medicines or medical records you may need.
If your family has medication needs, be sure to have enough on hand during the disaster. It’s important to have daily medication or emergency medication that your family might need. The American Red Cross suggests seven days of medication in your disaster kit. Make sure you label the date the first medication expires and check it frequently to update your kit. Your neighborhood pharmacist may be able to give you labels so check with them.
Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) suggests that you have enough non-perishable food for your family for a minimum of three days for each person – and depending on your area you might need more. Have food in containers that will be easy to grab and go in case of an emergency, like a bag or plastic bin with handles. It is a good idea to make sure you pack food that doesn’t need a microwave or stove because sometimes you might not have access to this after a disaster.
During a disaster, your water supply might be in jeopardy. So the American Red Cross suggest a gallon of water per person per day. As a family always have on hand a three day supply for evaluations and a two week supply for shelter situation or living.
Don’t forget to add the extra things you need in your kit such as disposable diapers, wipes, hand sanitizers, batteries, flashlights, written list of your emergency contacts, copy of your child’s emergency plan, changing clothes for each member of your family.
I hope this article helps you plan for those just in case situations.
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