Here are some resources to get you prepared for any situation you might face
Alzheimer’s Association
National Association for Home Care and Hospice
American Cancer Society
American Diabetes Association
American Federation for Aging Research
American Health Care Association
American Heart Association
Everyday Health – Online Health Information
FamiliesUSA
Health Finder
For more information about cold weather safety and how you can prepare for emergencies call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/emergencymanagement
Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. During winter, home-heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are general and include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness. Severe poisonings may result in permanent injury or death.
Make sure your home has a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on every floor. Test them at least once a month and change the batteries twice a year when clocks are changed (“change your clock, change your battery”). Install CO detectors within 15 feet of each bedroom, so that it can be heard if you are sleeping.
For more information about cold weather safety and how you can prepare for emergencies call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/emergencymanagement.
Make a disaster plan with your household members to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Make a plan that best suits your needs and the needs of your household.
When developing your family’s disaster plan, you should assemble and make copies of vital contact information for each family member. Use Ready New York’s Emergency Reference Card to capture this information.
Evacuation should be addressed as part of everyone’s planning efforts. City officials will tell you when to evacuate through the media and direct warnings. Evacuation is used as a last resort when a serious threat to public safety exists. If you must evacuate, your first plan should always be to stay with friends or family.
In a planned evacuation, such as for a coastal storm, the City will advise residents of which areas are impacted and provide guidance on how the evacuation will proceed. In the case of coastal storms, designated routes have been identified throughout the city to effectively get people from low-lying hazard areas safely to higher ground. To find out whether you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder, NYC Emergency Management’s Web-based evacuation mapping tool.
In an unplanned evacuation, such as for a hazardous material spill, officials will advise affected residents to leave the immediate area until the danger can be removed. Always have your Go Bag prepared and easily accessible in case of any evacuation. You may not have time to assemble your belongings, and you may not be allowed back until the danger has passed.
If you are directed to evacuate, make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the affected area whenever possible. For evacuees who have no alternative shelter, the City will open shelters throughout the five boroughs. Disaster shelters may be set up in school, municipal buildings, and places of worship.
They provide basic food and water. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, medications, and your Go Bag to shelters.
See Tips for Pet Owners if you have pets. Alcoholic beverages, firearms, and illegal substances are NOT allowed in disaster shelters.
Shelter sites change based on the emergency so stay tuned to the local news, access NYC.gov, or contact 311 (212) 639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: (212) 504-4115 for the latest information.
In advance of the winter weather season, New York City Emergency Management reminds New Yorkers to protect themselves and help others who may be at risk during cold weather events. People most at risk for cold-related illness include:
New Yorkers should remember to be prepared:
During some emergencies, you may be asked to stay where you are, or “shelter in place.” This could be as simple as remaining at home while officials clear hazards from a nearby area, or it could require more active measures during emergencies involving contaminated air.
Identify a room with few doors or windows to shelter in place. Ideally the room should allow at least 10 square feet per person.
When officials advise you to shelter in place, act quickly and follow instructions. Your main objective should be to get to a safe indoor location. You will likely be in your “safe room” for no more than a few hours. Once inside:
Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry. Your Go Bag should be sturdy and easy to carry, like a backpack or a small suitcase on wheels. You’ll need to customize your Go Bag for your personal needs, but some of the important things you need in your Go Bag include:
If you have children, pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys.
If you’re older or have any special medical needs, consider including these items:
If you have a pet, you need to pack a Go Bag for them:
Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for up to seven days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight saving times.
Regardless of the season, it’s a good idea to prepare for an in-car emergency. Assemble an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, and consider adding the following items for winter conditions:
The ability to remain in their own homes is vital to most elderly people. It helps them retain their dignity and their sense of control in the face of physical limitations, which often strips them of that very sense of dignity and independence.
HHCI registered nurses coordinate all aspects of care.
© 2024 Hope Home Care, INC. All Rights Reserved.