Tropical Weather Resources
Sep 5, 2008 8:57 pm US/Eastern
Special Needs Patients Plan Ahead For Ike
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Samara Cancel's son Nathan has some special needs. With a hurricane bearing down on South Florida, she's doing some extra planning.
"You just have to be prepared," Samara says, "make a list of all the things that he's going to need and that you're going to need for him."
For example, if you or a family member has any chronic conditions, Doctor Madeline Camejo from Memorial Regional Hospital suggests you have at least a two week supply of medication. Most insurance companies have special hurricane policies to cover the cost of extra drugs.
Prevention is one of the most important steps to avoiding costly hospital bills after a big storm. "Even antidepressants, heart medications, your blood thinners. Those are really important, because if you stop taking them, you might end up having to come back to the hospital," says Doctor Camejo. And don't forget, some medications need refrigeration.
Some patients require oxygen or ventilated assistance to breath. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties have special needs shelters, but you have to register with the county.
But those with special needs don't necessarily have to be at special shelters. "We do have staff that will do curbside triage," explains Nurse Tonya Shaw, "Because they may be able to go to a general shelter."
If the patient is too sick, they'll be sent to a hospital. Shaw says pregnant women also need to think ahead. "If they're near their due date, what they really need to do is have a conversation with their physician and create a plan." The Memorial Healthcare System and other South Florida hospitals have special wards to accommodate women close to their due date.
Doctor Daniel Armstrong, from the University of Miami, says now is a perfect time to find out who needs help in your community. "They have to prepare for their child with special needs, anticipating. The rest of us need to think about our neighbors."
People like Samara and Nathan could be counting on it. "The number one is get informed. Second, be prepared," says Samara.
On top of all that, everybody should have a basic first aid kit in the house as a hurricane approaches, including antiseptic and burn sprays. You'll want to make sure there's plenty of bandages and antibiotic ointment, as well.
Click here for more information on building an excellent hurricane First Aid Kit, more information on special needs shelters and a checklist of what to do and avoid before, during and after a hurricane.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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