Breathing Easy in a Crisis: Disaster Preparedness for Pulmonary Fibrosis Pa

As we head into the warmer months, we often see an increase in extreme weather events. Hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, and other emergencies can be challenging for anyone to prepare for, but when you are living with pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease, it is extra important to be prepared.

To help you stay safe and ready, we have gathered some helpful tips for patients and families to prepare for potential emergency situations.

1. Be informed. Staying informed is critical to navigating your way through emergency situations. First, be aware of the types of emergencies your area is most prone to – whether it’s flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and/or wildfires. Next, know your emergency resources. Become familiar with the emergency management teams within your town, county, and state. Then, sign up for emergency alerts through your local teams to stay informed in real time.
2. Make a plan. Create a plan for you and your family in the event of an emergency. Prepare for emergencies that will require you to shelter in place, as well as those that may require evacuation. If sheltering in place, plan for electricity loss. If evacuating to a shelter, check if they can accommodate medical needs — especially supplemental oxygen. If relocating to another home, decide in advance. Also, create a communication plan: designate an out-of-area contact in case phone lines are busy; texting is often more reliable.
3. Be prepared. Consider the things you will need in an emergency. Do you use supplemental oxygen that requires electricity? If so, create a plan to stay safe during outages. Contact your electric company to be added to priority restoration lists, consider purchasing a generator, and identify an alternate location with power. Prepare a “go bag” that includes your medications, a medication list, medical records, and important phone numbers.