Stay Healthy in a Crisis

This week, Tropical Storm Fay has been a reminder to us all that we are in the heart of hurricane season. But, even as it lingers in the Gulf many Americans do not believe that a disaster can really happen to them. Unfortunately, too often, people learn the hard way that they could have done more to prepare.

From the wildfires in the West, to the floods across the Midwest, to tornadoes that tear through the center of the country, Americans often find themselves thrust into an emergency. September is National Preparedness Month, a time when we highlight the simple steps we can take now to prepare for the unexpected.

As many Americans can attest, such planning can make recovering from a disaster a bit easier. Still, many don't spend enough time getting ready.

This kind of planning is particularly important when it comes to staying healthy in a crisis. As the Chief Medical Officer for the Department of Homeland Security, part of my job is to provide guidance about how our employees can protect themselves in an emergency.

Our advice goes out to everyone, from TSA security officers to the federal agents who protect our borders, even to our Secretary. Each of my coworkers must feel confident that they are prepared and that their families are weathering a crisis, so they can focus on performing their core duties. This same kind of preparedness goes on in many of the homes of first responders, law enforcement and government officials at all levels.

In a crisis, doctors, nurses, paramedics and other first responders rush to help their neighbors. A community's resilience – the nation's resilience -- depends largely on the individual preparedness of all of our vital workers and many others. Utility crews who get the power back on, truck drivers who keep food and other supplies moving, and the heroic people who look after their neighbors who have special needs all mitigate suffering and speed the recovery – if their own family is safe.

As we are told during our safety briefing before every airline flight, we must take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. I encourage you to go to http://www.ready.gov/ for information on getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan and being informed about the different types of disasters and their appropriate responses. But don't forget the medical issues that are individual to every family and every family member. In addition to water, food, etc., these are my "medical must haves:"

1. An extra supply of prescription drugs; don't forget the over the counter medications that you may need such as analgesics, antacids, anti-diarrheal, etc.


2. A good medical record for each family member that includes medications they take, allergies to medications, past surgeries and other key medical information a doctor might need to treat them in an emergency.


3. Key contact names and phone numbers on a laminated card that includes relatives, friends, personal physician and emergency work and school contacts.


4. For those with special medical needs, extra oxygen and batteries for equipment might be needed to survive away from home for a few days. An extra wheelchair, walker or cane might be needed to evacuate. Simple repair equipment, such as a bicycle repair kit, help keep a wheelchair rolling.


5. A basic first aid kit.

A more detailed checklist for people with disabilities and other special needs is available.

As an emergency physician, I have seen firsthand how important being prepared is and how the American spirit is strongest when we come together to weather an unforeseen challenge. We're proud to help prepare the nation to react with strength and compassion.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to your comments.

Dr. Jon Krohmer,
Assistant Secretary (acting), Office of Health Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer