Hurricane Sandy

Abstract

Natural disasters and weather-related emergencies can strike at a moment's notice. Individuals with chronic health conditions and other special needs are especially vulnerable. Basic services such as water, electricity, gas, and telephone service may not be available. Home parenteral and enteral nutrition consumers are at a serious risk as they depend on clean water and power for nutrient delivery. Creating a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan is imperative for both the home parenteral and enteral consumer and home care provider to ensure that special needs are met. Home care providers can assist home parenteral and enteral consumers in disaster and emergency planning.

Disaster vulnerability of elderly and medically frail populations

“…In 2012, the East Coast suffered the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Sandy, paralyzing home-based medical care services because of transportation issues, fuel shortages and lack of electricity (Christopher & Goldstein, 2014;Plan NYC, 2013;Trento & Allen, 2014). In New York City, thousands of elderly and medically frail residents were trapped on the upper floors of high-rise buildings for days, often without functioning plumbing (Manuel, 2013).…”

“…Durant, 2011;Fernandez et al, 2002 2. Chronic illnesses Al- Rousan et al, 2014;Ardalan et al, 2010;Benson, 2007;Bethel et al, 2011;Crook & Vu, 2011;DeVos, 2011;Doran et al, 2016;Durant, 2011;Eisenman et al, 2009;Fernandez et al, 2002;Finch, Emrich, & Cutter, 2010;Fonseca et al, 2009;Foster et al, 2011;Gershon, Sherman, & Raveis, 2013;HelpAge International, 1999Henderson et al, 2010;Inui et al, 1998;Lamb et al, 2008;Miller & Arquilla, 2008;Mokdad et al, 2005;Pekovic et al, 2007;Powell et al, 2009;Thompson et al, 2014;Trento & Allen, 2014; 3. Mobility, cognitive and sensory deficits Mobility deficits: Mobility deficits impede an individual's ability to quickly evacuate or take cover in sudden-onset disasters.…”

“…Individuals who rely on others or devices are at risk due to disruptions in their routine care because of difficulty in accessing their home care and social services providers and disruptions to their basic utility services. Benson, 2007;DeVos, 2011;Dostal, 2015;Durant, 2011;Fernandez et al, 2002;Jan & Lurie, 2012;Lamb et al, 2008;Pekovic et al, 2007;Powell et al, 2009;Rooney & White, 2007;Thompson et al, 2014;Trento & Allen, 2014;Uscher-Pines et al, 2009;Zidek, West, Holmes, & Crytzer, 2014 Continued on next page:…”

“…Healthcare providers are trusted messengers who can routinely speak to medically frail patients and mentally ill patients about disaster preparedness (Al-Rousan et al, 2014;Ardalan et al, 2010;Bethel et al, 2011;Clay et al, 2014;Colten et al, 2008;Eisenman et al, 2014;Fernandez et al, 2002;Ko et al, 2014;. Patients dependent on electronic medical devices or peritoneal dialysis should be advised to register with the water and power companies for priority service (Miller & Arquilla, 2008;Trento & Allen, 2014). Patients living with end-stage renal disease should be advised to arrange for their dialysis treatments before predicted disasters (Render-Cohen & Render-Dinerstein, 2005).…”

“…Patients living with end-stage renal disease should be advised to arrange for their dialysis treatments before predicted disasters (Render-Cohen & Render-Dinerstein, 2005). Elderly and medically frail patients should keep their medical history and medication list on their person at all times (Lamb et al, 2008;Miller & Arquilla, 2008;Trento & Allen, 2014). Reminders to check on elderly neighbors should be included in all public service announcements concerning disaster (Colten et al, 2008).…”