Customer Monthly Newsletter

HURRICANE SEASON 2011

 

 

A Hurricane Watch has been issued ………   Do You Know What To Do ???

All-Med encourages our patients to be prepared for the potential threat from a Hurricane or Tropical Storm this season.  Patients and Caregivers should go over emergency plans now, not when a storm is approaching.

Things to consider:

• I use oxygen – Should I get an Emergency Back-Up Oxygen Cylinder?
• I live in an evacuation zone or mobile home.  I need to evacuate, where dol I go?
• I have special medical needs, do I need to register with Special Needs Registry?
• Should I “Shelter In-Place” ? (You will need food, water, medicine to last at least 3 days)

Emergency Back-Up Oxygen: Patients need to be self sufficient with an emergency back-up oxygen system to last at least 48 hours after a storm has passed.   Prior to a storm, patients may call us during regular business hours to place an order for emergency oxygen.  All-Med also initiates an automatic call out to all oxygen patients in May and again in July to offer delivery of Emergency Back-Up Oxygen (H Tank)

Evacuation: If you live in a mobile home or evacuation zone and have been given orders to evacuate, please do so immediately.  When evacuating, remember to take all your necessary medical equipment e.g. oxygen, nebulizer machine, medications and supplies with you.  You should then contact us at 800-369-1416 to let us know where you are evacuating to so we may resume providing you service after the storm.

Public Shelters:
Public shelters should be used only as a last resort if you havenowhere else to go.  It is better to stay with family, friends, or in commercial lodging out of the evacuation area.  Public shelters have little privacy and bedding, food and water are limited.  Public shelters will not accept individuals who require continued medical assistance, use of electrical medical equipment and pets.

Special Needs Shelters: Special Needs is a program that provides shelters for individuals with certain special medical needs and / or assistance with evacuation transportation.  Pre-registration for the Special Needs is open and ongoing throughout the year.  All-Med will gladly assist you in registering by calling us at 800-369-1416.  These shelters should be used as a place of last refuge. They do not provide the same level of care that you’re accustomed to at home. 

Deliveries:  During a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch, All-Med will continue making deliveries. Once a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Warning is issued, All-Med will only make essential deliveries until wind speeds have reached 35 mph.  Once winds are at 35 mph, all deliveries will be discontinued and our Technicians will be called off the roads.  All-Med will only resume deliveries once Watches and Warnings have been discontinued by the National Hurricane Center and it is safe to be out on the roads.  Please keep in mind that it maybe difficult getting to you after a storm due to downed trees, power lines and impassable roads

For additional Emergency Planning, please go to

www.all-medservices.com/emergency-preparedness.html
OR
www.floridadisaster.org

 

 

Monthly Feature:  Oxygen and Fire Safety

 

Home Fires – The Big Picture

Home fires, and the injuries and deaths that result, are not rare and isolated events.  Home fires happen in communities around the country, every day.  They can be deadly, and are very costly.  They can change the lives of families forever.  However, home fires, injury from fires and fire deaths can be prevented.

“ Having a working smoke alarm and fire extinguisher is the first step to fire prevention “

 

Oxygen Safety

1. DO NOT Smoke – Oxygen and Smoking is Dangerous
2. No one should smoke in the home
3. Do not use candles, matches or gas powered lanterns
4. Keep oxygen system and oxygen tubing 10 feet away from any heat source
5. Keep flammable material away from any oxygen source
6. Have a “NO SMOKING” sign in view at all times
7. Have a least one working “smoke detector” and test it monthly
8. Have a fully charged “fire extinguisher” and check it monthly
9. Oxygen should be used and stored in a well ventilated area
10. DO NOT store oxygen cylinders under a bed, in a closet or behind curtains
11. Greasy / Oily hands should be washed before handling oxygen
12. DO NOT use Petroleum Jelly; Oil Based Skin Lotions; Hair Spray;

Nail Polish; Nail Polish Remover and Aerosol Sprays

1. Never place oxygen tubing under clothing, bedding, carpets or rugs
2. Oxygen Cylinders should be in stands or carts.  Small cylinders may be

placed on their side in a well ventilated area

1. Do not store or transport oxygen cylinders in the trunk of a vehicle
2.    If you go out to a restaurant, family or friends home be aware of smokers

      around you, candles burning or any other flammable source

1.    Using oxygen increases the risk of fires and fires will burn hotter and faster
2.    Have at least two ways out of your home and everyone should be familiar with the routes
3.    Practice your emergency escape plan at least twice a year

 

Common Causes of Household Fires

1. Smoking
2. Cooking           
3. Portable Heaters        
4. Candles       
5. Holiday Decorations
6. Overloaded Circuits      

 

Learn Not To Burn

“Health, Wellness and Prevention Information”