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As Hurricane seasons
starts back up again The Dare County Department of Social Services, Dare
County Department of Public Health, and Emergency Management are
encouraging everyone to develop an evacuation plan. These
agencies are also working together to assist residents with special
medical needs in their efforts to evacuate.
In order to better serve
Dare
County
residents with special medical needs, data collection for the Special
Medical Needs Registry is currently underway.
This registry will allow social services staff to contact
residents with an identified special medical need prior to, during
and/or after an emergency to determine their needs and facilitate
assistance as necessary. This
registry is voluntary, and will be maintained by the Dare County Department of
Social Services.
The following are some
suggestions for persons with special medical needs in the event of a
mandatory evacuation:
-
Make
arrangements for your caregiver(s) to accompany you and be prepared
to care for you the same as if you were home.
-
Bring a
5-day supply of medications and a current list of these medications,
(strengths, dosages and frequency) in a zip-lock bag.
-
Bring all
medical equipment with your name and phone number and have ready to
transport. This includes oxygen tanks, feeding pumps, walkers,
wheelchairs, etc.
-
Bring a 5
day supply of medical supplies (i.e. Depends, food supplements,
wound dressings, etc) and other essentials.
-
Bring a
5-day supply of special foods and written instructions.
-
Place
copies of important papers, insurance cards, emergency names and
phone numbers in a zip-lock bag to take with you.
-
Bring
enough clothes and personal items to last 3-5 days.
-
Make
arrangements for the care of your pet(s). Provide a 5-day supply of
food and medicine. Arrange for someone to pick up your pet and care
for it while you are gone, unless you plan to evacuate with your
pet. Be aware that pets are not allowed in evacuation shelters.
-
Turn off
the main power supply to your home.
-
Turn off
the fuel supply to your home.
-
Turn off
the main water valve, flush toilets until dry, and open faucets in
tubs, showers, and sinks.
-
Tell your
neighbors that you are leaving and where you are going.
For more information, assistance with disaster planning, or to
obtain a Special Medical Needs Voluntary Registration form, please call
Dare County Department of Social Services (252) 475-5500,
Dare County Department of Public Health (252) 475-5019 or Emergency
Management at (252) 475-5655. |
