Queensland is always susceptible to natural disasters, and with dryer, hotter conditions forecast for the year to come, we know too well what this could have in store for our sunburnt state. And whilst being ever-ready for bushfires and flooding is an essential factor of living in the Sunshine State, it is also vital for people with health conditions to be fully prepared in case of disaster.
People living with health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a neurological condition require extra preparation in case of a natural disaster, ensuring they have access to care, equipment, health records and the best equipment available.
So, in case of a natural disaster, it’s pivotal to be ready with all natural disaster contingency plans, but for people living with a chronic health condition, it’s also important to be ready in these ways:
- Have all health information ready to go
If you are displaced by a natural disaster, it is imperative to take a comprehensive, updated health record with you, as well as the best medical supplies Brisbane and Queensland have available. The easiest way to maintain a complete health record is to keep a digital record, ensuring all your records are available, consolidated and updated.
You will likely have resources available like an app that stores your records or your doctor’s patient portal. Furthermore, you should keep a hard copy of your records ready to take with you in the event of emergency evacuation. This information should include your contact details as well as a photo of your ID and healthcare card, as well as information for medical supply vendors pertaining to your needs.
2. Have your medication ready to go
You should have an emergency package that includes extra medication and hard copies of your prescriptions. Remember to include any other imperative healthcare goods pertaining to your condition (inhalers, lancets, syringes etc.).
It’s also a good idea to have other products that can help you analyse and assist in your health, like hand sanitiser, a blood pressure monitor, masks etc. in the event of staying in an evacuation shelter. If your medications require refrigeration, be sure to keep a couple of ice packs in your freezer so that you can keep the medication cold whilst transferring it to a refrigeration spot.
Finally, ensure that your medication has a few months remaining and replace it if it has expired.
3. Prepare for treatment interruptions
If you are undergoing treatment for something like cancer, including chemotherapy or radiation, you should talk with your health provider about what you can do in case of a natural disaster.
Your healthcare provider can give you the names of other providers or facilities should you have to leave your town or Queensland and continue your treatment.
They should also be able to put you in contact with experts who will be able to help you continue your treatment in the same or a similar way to your current program
5. Produce an emergency evacuation plan
Just like anyone living in disaster-susceptible regions should have an evacuation plan, the same goes (and is imperative) for people living with a chronic health condition. If you, a loved one or someone you live with is seriously ill or has a disability it is imperative that you will be able to evacuate them safely.
It is likely that your local emergency management provider keeps a list of people that would need special assistance in the event of a natural disaster, so be sure to contact them and have the person’s name added to the