Bugging Out with your Loved One

Do you sometimes wonder how you would evacuate or flee with your special-needs loved one in an emergency? For instance, how will you move your loved one in a wheelchair or scooter, toting an oxygen tank, hospital bed, commode, or other medical devices, quickly?  That can be a daunting question, and even more daunting to actually do it.

With climate change and concerns of the unexpected, comes a fear of preparedness. Every state has natural disaster threats where evacuation may be eminent.  Flooding, fire, hurricane, earthquakes and tornados are far more prevalent these days. So, what will you do if you have to get your loved one out quickly?

One of your first steps should be to evaluate the absolute necessities you will need to travel with you. Medications, chargers for power chairs, oxygen and the like, should be at the top of the list. Adult diapers, pullups, bedding, pillows, hospital bed, commode are also important depending on where you end up.

To make bugging out (evacuation) easier, clear a space in your closet and keep everything there that needs to go with you in a hurry, For instance, keep all of your overflow medications, chargers, oxygen, etc., in that area. For items you use regularly and cannot store, always put them back in the same place so you won't be scrambling to find them at the last minute. You may even want to keep a packed suitcase in the same closet if that will make you feel better. If you've made a Care Binder (October 20, 2014, "Respite Workers", this Blog), put a page in the Bugging Out section that tells exactly where everything you need to bring will be located. Mark it in red if necessary so a caregiver other than you will be able to locate the information quickly.

Here is a list to help you start preparing. Each individual's needs are different, so tweak the list to accommodate you and your loved one.

1. Identify what natural disasters occur most often in your area. Determine whether you will know ahead of time about an evacuation and plan accordingly.

2. Choose a friend or relative you can stay with if something should happen and talk to them ahead of time. If that's not possible, ask your township where the emergency locations are to house evacuees.

3. Know the set up for the home or hostel where you will be going; does it have stairs, is there a hospital bed available, what is the shower/toilet situation? Is there room for a power or wheelchair to move around easily? What are the accommodations for disabilities?

4. What are the transportation options to get you out safely and timely?

5. Do you know the emergency procedure for where you live, where to go, what route to take? If you live in a senior community, are you familiar with their emergency plan?

6. Do you know where the shut-off valves are to your home or apartment. Do you know what tools are needed and do you have them on hand?

7. Make a list of everything you and your loved one needs on a daily basis. Go through the list and separate items by importance. Keep the list on a wall or in your binder (October 20, 2014 "Respite Workers"; this Blog), 

8. If necessary, add a wagon or small trailer to your scooter or wheelchair. You'll need to assess weights and feasibility, but it may be a viable option.

Here are some supplies you might need in an evacuation:

Regular medications (and backups)
Oxygen tanks and charger
Power chair or scooter, and charger
Cell phone and charger
Hand crank radio or small radio and batteries
Bed pillows, neck pillow
3 to 6 day food supply (requires no cooking)
3 to 6 days water supply
Flashlight with batteries
First aid kit (fully supplied)
Manual can opener
Waterproof matches
Cash
Emergency medical form naming contacts
Personal hygiene items

Extra batteries for everything
Glasses (and backup pair)
Extra clothes, jackets, underwear, socks
Adult diapers, pullups  
Blankets
Plastic bags
Wet wipes 

I hope this is helpful. I know many of us don't like to think about natural disaster or war coming to us, but it's a different world now and we need to be prepared. This is not an exhaustive list, nor are all items absolute. Take what works for you and leave the rest, but be as prepared as you can be. 

Don't get caught with your Depends down!

*You can find all kinds of evacuation strategies online. There is even a way to change your wheelchair into a bug out vehicle. But that's an entirely different blog post! Haha