Protecting Your Health

In addition to having a household emergency plan, communications plan and routine emergency supplies, there are certain things you should do to protect your family’s health during a natural disaster, manmade threat or health epidemic.

Compile Your Family’s Health Information
Information about the health of each family member will be very important during a disaster or other emergency.

• Include a “Family Emergency Health Information Sheet” in your emergency plan. An easy to fill out form is available at www.pandemicflu.gov/planguide/familyhealthinfo.html. This form contains the information you may need to receive proper medical care during an emergency.

Be prepared to take care of sick family members at home

During an emergency, hospitals and other health care facilities may be very busy taking care of those who are extremely ill or seriously injured. It may be necessary to provide care at home for those who have minor symptoms or medical problems.

• Have a two week supply of all prescription medications available at all times

• Have a supply of non-prescription drugs and other health supplies, like pain relievers, fever-reducers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes (like Pedialyte and certain sports drinks), a thermometer, and vitamins or other supplements used by your family

• Make plans to take care of sick family members in a room where they will have limited contact with others

• Wash your hands with soap and water after caring for those who are ill

• Have cleaning supplies and disinfectants available to wipe down surfaces like counters, door knobs, railings and areas in the kitchen and bathroom

• If you have pets, have a two week supply of any needed medications and supplies to take care of their needs during an emergency

Take steps to prevent the spread of germs

There are simple things that everyone can do to keep from spreading germs to others or to picking up germs from someone else.

• Everyone should wash their hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.

• Everyone should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in a waste receptacle. If a tissue is not available, use the sleeve of your clothing to cover your cough or sneeze.

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose

• When someone is sick, they should stay home from work, school or other gatherings to keep from spreading germs to others

Stay informed

Having current information during an emergency can be important to protecting your family’s health.

• Listen to the radio, watch television, read the newspaper or access information on the Internet

• If the disaster occurs in Orange County, check local government websites like the County of Orange website at www.ocgov.com or the Orange County Health Care Agency at www.ochealthinfo.com.

• Look to sources of reliable health information, like the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

• Look for self care information that may be posted to health-related websites in the event of a health emergency

Remember the health needs of other family members, friends and neighbors

In the event of a disaster, public health and safety personnel will be focused on the most urgent needs. It will be important for those who are able to reach out to others and offer needed assistance.

• Consider the health needs of family members outside your household, as well as friends, and how you can assist them during an emergency

• If you are aware of neighbors with special health needs, contact them to check on their well-being