Customer Monthly Newsletter
HURRICANE SEASON 2010
May, 2010 Read Newsletter[−] |
HURRICANE SEASON 2010
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Watch
Storm conditions are POSSIBLE within 48 Hours
Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warnings
Storm conditions are EXPECTED within 36 hours
A Hurricane Warning is in effect……… Do You Know What To Do ???
During Hurricane Season, All-Med encourages our patients to take time to plan ahead for the potential threat from a Hurricane or Tropical Storm.
Patients and Caregivers should go over their storm plans now, not when a storm is approaching as it maybe too late… .
Things to consider:
- I use oxygen – Should I get an Emergency Back-Up Oxygen Tank ?
- I live in an evacuation zone or mobile home. I need to evacuate, where will I go ?
- Should I “Shelter In-Place” ? – (You will need Food, water, medicine to last at least (3) days)
- Do I need to register with Special Needs Registry ? – (All-Med can help you register, call us)
Emergency Back-Up Oxygen:
Prior to the start of Hurricane Season, All-Med will initiate its Pre-Hurricane Delivery of Emergency Back-Up Oxygen to patients. We initiate this plan due to the high possibility of you losing power during a storm. Patients need to be self sufficient with emergency back-up oxygen for at least 48 hours after a storm has passed. You may call All-Med at any time to order your Emergency Back-Up Oxygen.
Evacuation:
If you live in an evacuation area or reside in a mobile home and have been given orders to evacuate, you should do so immediately. Remember to take all your necessary medical equipment, medications and emergency supplies with you. Contact All-Med and let us know where you will be evacuating to so we may service you after the storm has passed.
Deliveries:
Hurricanes or Tropical Storms: If the county you live in is placed under a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch, All-Med will continue making deliveries. However, once Hurricane or Tropical Warnings have been issued and winds have reached a constant 35mph, All-Med’s Delivery Technicians and Respiratory Therapists will be called off the roads. Once the “All-Clear” has been given by the National Hurricane Center and Emergency Management Officials, All-Med will resume services. Please remember that it may be difficult getting to your area due to downed trees, power lines, impassable roads and curfews.
Phone System:
If All-Med’s telephone system goes down, we will utilize our call forwarding service, answering service and cell phones to continue receiving calls and servicing patients.
Community Resource Information:
www.nhc.noaa.gov National Hurricane Center
www.floridadisaster.org Florida Emergency Management
www.fema.gov Federal Emergency Management
If you have a question on storm preparations, please call us at: 800-369-1416
Be Prepared, Be Alert, Be Ready
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CUSTOMER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER May, 2010 Read Newsletter[−] |
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Seventy-five percent of these falls occur in the older adult population. One third of the older adults who fall, sustain a hip fracture and are hospitalized. Falls not only affect the quality of life of the individual but also influence the caregiver and family. Health care costs for falls and rehabilitation average 70 billion dollars a year! Even if the fall does not result in hospitalization, fear of falling becomes a major factor. Fear leads to inactivity and loss of confidence. This, in turn produces a cycle of fear, loss of self-confidence, and inactivity, thereby decreasing the quality of life and increasing the risk of falls.
The following information is by no means either a comprehensive or a "sure-fire" plan to prevent falls, but it is one possible method to help increase awareness regarding falls and fall prevention.
Here are some Fall Prevention Guidelines to follow in your home to reduce your risk of injury due to falls.
- Check environmental issues for safety (don’t over wax floors, remover clutter, re-configure lighting, fix broken chairs).
- Be alert to urgency and have a clear pathway to toilet; use non-slip mats in your bath tub or shower.
- Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways. Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
- Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing; Store clothing, dishes, food and other household necessities within easy reach.
- Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food.
- Be careful not to trip on oxygen tubing.
Activity
Activity is one key to reduce the risk of falls. With activity there is a good degree of self-confidence. If an individual has not been active, then he or she should check with a physician for possible limitations. Activity needs to be enjoyable to the individual, such as gardening, walking, water aerobics, Tai Chi. Just getting out of the house may be of great benefit. There are even sets of exercises for the frail, home-bound person or for anyone interested in a low-impact activity program.
Use of assistive devices
A properly fitted cane, walker, or assistive device should be in good condition. Individuals may carelessly use a variety of objects to substitute for a cane; for example, use an umbrella that is not stable or does not have a rubber tip. Although viewed as a stigma of old age, a cane may prevent a fall. It should be noted that a learning curve does occur with the use of a cane because it is another object that needs to be manipulated. Some individuals need time to adjust to an assistive device before it becomes second nature. As your Medical Equipment Provider, All-Med Services stands ready to assist you in any additional education you may need using your walker, cane or crutches safely. Here are some on-line resources for you: