Emergency Action Plan

What is an emergency action plan and why does it matter?

Preparing an emergency action plan is an important step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of your family during emergencies. An emergency action plan outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an emergency, including evacuation procedures, communication protocols, and emergency contact information.

It is important to involve all members of your family in the planning process and to make sure that everyone is familiar with the plan. This will help ensure that everyone is prepared and knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Resources & Helpful Links
Lee Health is here to help you find resources and information to stay safe in emergent situations.

Here are some key components to include in your emergency action plan:

Evacuation plan: Identify safe evacuation routes from your home or workplace, and designate a meeting place outside of the affected area where you can all gather.
Emergency contact information: Create a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and emergency services. Make sure each member of your family has a copy of this list.
Emergency supplies: Gather emergency supplies such as food, water, prescription medication refills, and first-aid kits. Make sure everyone knows where these supplies are located.
Communication plan: Establish a communication plan that outlines how you will stay in touch with each other during an emergency, including backup methods such as text messaging or social media.
Practice drills: Regularly practice drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
Have an Out-of-Town Contact to keep in touch with family members who may be separated during an emergency. This person can serve as a point of contact for family members to check in and report their whereabouts.
Identify a shelter-in-place location inside your home and a sick room can be especially important during natural disasters and emergencies such as a hurricane.
Identify emergency meeting places outside your home to help ensure that family members can quickly reunite in the event of an emergency.
Be familiar with your employer's and your child's school or daycare's emergency plans.

Remember, emergencies can happen at any time, so it is important to stay informed and prepared. By taking the time to create an emergency action plan and practicing it with your family, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe and calm during a crisis.

Medical Supplies Needed for a Hurricane Kit

We know all too well the damage a hurricane can bring. “Being prepared for emergencies of really any nature is so important, particularly if you have additional medical needs,” said Lee Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser.

It’s critical that you have a one to two week extra supply of any medications that you may need. “Things like insulin and blood thinners are of particular importance that you have already supply of that. Blood pressure medications, any antibiotic or immuno-suppressant medications that you may have,” said Dr. Gonsenhauser.

Sometimes medicine needs to stay cold. “Having those medication’s in your refrigerator in a known spot ready to go that you can put them in a cooler or emergency kit, that’s what you want to do. Keep them refrigerated as long as you can,” said Dr. Gonsenhauser.

You should also have a printed out list of your medical record. “Having a back-up hard copy of all of the various diagnosis and emergency medical needs and medication’s that you may require are just a fantastic thing to have in your kit,” said Dr. Gonsenhauser.

Also, don’t forget things like epinephrine pens if you have allergies. Aspirin, feminine hygiene products, and having basic first aid supplies can go a long way. “Triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or a generic brand is great for miter cuts, scrapes, and can keep you from developing a superficial infection. Any sort of anti-septic solution like iodine for bigger potential wounds,” said Dr. Gonsenhauser.

You can find more resources on leehealth.org/emergency-preparedness.

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Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Lee Health - Caring People. Inspiring Care.

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