Many of you along the East Coast of the U.S. are preparing for -- or already in the midst of -- Hurricane Irene.
Given the circumstances, it seems like a good time to ask: What should myeloma patients and caregivers do to be prepared for these kinds of natural disasters? If a disaster is imminent, are there any specific suggestions that should be kept in mind?
I'd like to throw these questions out mainly to encourage people to share advice they've received, suggestions based on actual experience, and any questions they may have.
This topic is very important to many people right now given what is happening with the hurricane. So, if you have any thoughts you feel might be helpful, please take the time to share them with everyone.
Thank you!
Forums
6 posts
• Page 1 of 1
Re: Preparing for Natural Disasters
This may sound trivial, but I would think that, in the case of a natural disaster that comes with some warning, myeloma patients in particular should make absolutely certain to follow all official recommendations related to evacuation, storage of extra water and food, boiling of water, and the like.
Re: Preparing for Natural Disasters
Hi Boris! Great topic.
Sadly, I am all too aware of hurricanes! Katrina went over our town. President Bush even made an appearance, afterwards. I'm proud to say that while chaos was erupting in New Orleans, the State of Mississippi really had its' act together. We had National Guard troops flying over our isolated home to check on us. County prisoners were dispensing clothing, MREs, toothpaste, water, etc. in town. Our community and State certainly worked well together.
I would suggest that you run out NOW and fill your gas tanks. You can't imagine the poor souls who ran out of gas while trying to evacuate. Traffic will stall for literally hours at a time.
If you have a generator, make certain that it's in good working order.
Stock up on bottled water and food that doesn't need refrigeration.
We lost our power for 19 days.... we had marathon bbq with things that were thawing out in our freezer... stock up on propane or charcoal!
Might think about instant coffee.
I wish the best for all of you. If I think of anything else, I'll post.
Sadly, I am all too aware of hurricanes! Katrina went over our town. President Bush even made an appearance, afterwards. I'm proud to say that while chaos was erupting in New Orleans, the State of Mississippi really had its' act together. We had National Guard troops flying over our isolated home to check on us. County prisoners were dispensing clothing, MREs, toothpaste, water, etc. in town. Our community and State certainly worked well together.
I would suggest that you run out NOW and fill your gas tanks. You can't imagine the poor souls who ran out of gas while trying to evacuate. Traffic will stall for literally hours at a time.
If you have a generator, make certain that it's in good working order.
Stock up on bottled water and food that doesn't need refrigeration.
We lost our power for 19 days.... we had marathon bbq with things that were thawing out in our freezer... stock up on propane or charcoal!
Might think about instant coffee.
I wish the best for all of you. If I think of anything else, I'll post.
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Nanette - Name: Nanette "Deaux"
- Who do you know with myeloma?: My dear husband, Dominic
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Spring of 2008
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Preparing for Natural Disasters
I do not have specific add to what has already been said. In Florida we have had our issues with hurricanes- Be prepared, use common sense, and abide the warnings. If you are asked to evacuate take a minute to think about the things that you will need and plan for a number of days away- medications (particulary anti-microbials if actively being treated or neutropenic), have a distination that is safe, means of communcation, water, food, and other essentials.
I hope that as Irene's intensity continues to decreases from a category 2 storm to 1 that her impact will be less severe. Please stay safe and our wishes go to those that have been and will be affected by the storm.
I hope that as Irene's intensity continues to decreases from a category 2 storm to 1 that her impact will be less severe. Please stay safe and our wishes go to those that have been and will be affected by the storm.
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Dr. Ken Shain - Name: Ken Shain, M.D., Ph.D.
Beacon Medical Advisor
Re: Preparing for Natural Disasters
I think medications and medical supplies are a key thing people should think about. The prescription medications are something everybody probably thinks about, but I think it's also important not to forget about over the counter meds and any medical supplies that you use on a regular basis.
One piece of advice I once heard that I thought was good was that, if you know it's likely you may lose power due to a storm or some other disturbance, lower the temperature setting in your refrigerator and freezer as low as they will go. That way, if the power goes, things will hold longer -- and, hopefully, long enough.
I think that all that has happened lately -- earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. -- makes it clear how important it is to "be prepared." Always have a few extra days of medications on hand. Have drinking water, batteries, candles, matches, and all that sort of stuff ready. There are enough things that can happen out of the blue that it really makes sense to have things on hand that you'll need if you suddenly don't have power, transportation isn't easy, and the like.
Good luck to all of you in Irene's path! I hope the storm passes without causing too much disruption in your lives.
One piece of advice I once heard that I thought was good was that, if you know it's likely you may lose power due to a storm or some other disturbance, lower the temperature setting in your refrigerator and freezer as low as they will go. That way, if the power goes, things will hold longer -- and, hopefully, long enough.
I think that all that has happened lately -- earthquakes, hurricanes, etc. -- makes it clear how important it is to "be prepared." Always have a few extra days of medications on hand. Have drinking water, batteries, candles, matches, and all that sort of stuff ready. There are enough things that can happen out of the blue that it really makes sense to have things on hand that you'll need if you suddenly don't have power, transportation isn't easy, and the like.
Good luck to all of you in Irene's path! I hope the storm passes without causing too much disruption in your lives.
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TerryH
Re: Preparing for Natural Disasters
Hi, Boris and all!
This past weekend, my family and I traveled from our tornado-prone home in southwest Missouri to southern New Hampshire for my nephew's wedding. Apparently Hurricane Irene found New England as enticing as we did, as it decided to make a much heralded, uninvited appearance on the day of the nuptials.
While spared the extreme ravages of the storm, we were treated to several inches of rain and 60+mph wind gusts. Growing up in Virginia, and having experienced many tornadoes and hurricanes, I respect the potential ferocity of the weather. As echoed in this post's other responses, we try to use common sense, inclement weather or not.
When traveling, I always take measures to ensure that I am equipped to continue my multiple myeloma treatments in case I am waylaid by something like, let's see - a hurricane! Or transportation strike, blizzard, illness or whatever.
I make sure to bring more days of medication (including over the counter meds) than I think I will need (with up-to-date prescriptions) in case I'm stranded. I also bring an abbreviated copy of my medical records and my doctor's contact information.
I am in the maintenance portion of my treatment (weekly Velcade, Dex & Revlimid) so I also contact the local infusion center to find out if I can receive my scheduled Velcade infusion there, should it become necessary. I've never had anyone turn me down.
When flying, I carry on my meds and never check them, as my luggage has taken some exotic trips without me in the past. We try to schedule longer airport layovers so that I don't have to run my fractured vertebrae addled body from one end of O' Hare or DFW to the other. I also try to book aisle seats so that I can get up, walk and stretch to thwart those pesky DVTs.
I take great pains to know the layout of my hotels in case of an emergency - I was in a hotel fire in Boston many years ago. I make sure that I have my myeloma information tucked away in my wallet when I'm out-and-about, that I have my insurance info with me, snacks and water to help get my meds down, and freshly charged batteries for the cell phones.
When driving in an unfamiliar area, I listen to the local weather reports, I don't shy away from asking locals for advice, I keep the car fueled and I never venture down flooded or precariously icy roads. Again, just common sense.
I try to plan and prepare for the 'what-ifs' that might come my way. Sean.
This past weekend, my family and I traveled from our tornado-prone home in southwest Missouri to southern New Hampshire for my nephew's wedding. Apparently Hurricane Irene found New England as enticing as we did, as it decided to make a much heralded, uninvited appearance on the day of the nuptials.
While spared the extreme ravages of the storm, we were treated to several inches of rain and 60+mph wind gusts. Growing up in Virginia, and having experienced many tornadoes and hurricanes, I respect the potential ferocity of the weather. As echoed in this post's other responses, we try to use common sense, inclement weather or not.
When traveling, I always take measures to ensure that I am equipped to continue my multiple myeloma treatments in case I am waylaid by something like, let's see - a hurricane! Or transportation strike, blizzard, illness or whatever.
I make sure to bring more days of medication (including over the counter meds) than I think I will need (with up-to-date prescriptions) in case I'm stranded. I also bring an abbreviated copy of my medical records and my doctor's contact information.
I am in the maintenance portion of my treatment (weekly Velcade, Dex & Revlimid) so I also contact the local infusion center to find out if I can receive my scheduled Velcade infusion there, should it become necessary. I've never had anyone turn me down.
When flying, I carry on my meds and never check them, as my luggage has taken some exotic trips without me in the past. We try to schedule longer airport layovers so that I don't have to run my fractured vertebrae addled body from one end of O' Hare or DFW to the other. I also try to book aisle seats so that I can get up, walk and stretch to thwart those pesky DVTs.
I take great pains to know the layout of my hotels in case of an emergency - I was in a hotel fire in Boston many years ago. I make sure that I have my myeloma information tucked away in my wallet when I'm out-and-about, that I have my insurance info with me, snacks and water to help get my meds down, and freshly charged batteries for the cell phones.
When driving in an unfamiliar area, I listen to the local weather reports, I don't shy away from asking locals for advice, I keep the car fueled and I never venture down flooded or precariously icy roads. Again, just common sense.
I try to plan and prepare for the 'what-ifs' that might come my way. Sean.
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Sean M.
6 posts
• Page 1 of 1