Disaster Prep for COPD

Everyone should have a plan for natural disasters and power outages, but it’s especially important for people with COPD. Being prepared will help you stay safe and healthy, no matter what happens.

This guide and your Wellinks care team can help you put together a disaster preparedness plan.

In This Article

• Get in Touch with Local Authorities
• Assemble Emergency Contact Information
• Make an Emergency Kit
• Have Backup Supplies
• Staying Well in a Disaster
• Practice Makes Perfect
• What You Can Do Today

Get in Touch with Local Authorities

Your local emergency services can support you and connect you to the help you need in a disaster:

• If you use any equipment that relies on electricity—like an oxygen concentrator, nebulizer, ventilator, or CPAP/BiPAP—ask the fire department and your gas, electric, and phone companies if you can be designated as a “priority service listing.” Some companies can help you get re-connected more quickly in the event of a power outage.
• Sign up to receive alerts on your phone about stormfronts and other issues from the National Weather Service or your local power company.
• Research emergency shelters in your area that can support your needs in case you need to leave your home. For example, if you use oxygen or rely on a walking aid, make sure the shelter can accommodate you.

Assemble Emergency Contact Information

Write down all the phone numbers and email addresses you may need in the event of a disaster. This includes your healthcare provider(s), friends, family, neighbors and any other people or services you rely on. It’s good to have a hard copy of this information in case your cell phone loses power, so you can use another phone.

You can also change the settings on your cell phone so someone can call your emergency contact numbers for you if you are incapacitated. If you have an Android phone, you can learn how to change these settings here. If you have an iPhone, click here.

Make an Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency, you will need to take all your medication with you. Assemble an emergency kit that includes your:

• Prescription medication
• Over-the-counter medication
• Extra rescue inhalers
• A mask in case you need to filter out poor air quality
• A list of your medications and dosages
• Your COPD Action Plan

If you haven’t filled out a COPD Action Plan, your Wellinks care team can help. Check your kit regularly to make sure your medicine isn’t expired and refresh it as needed.

Also, consider the weather in your area and adapt your kit accordingly. If you live in an area more prone to weather events that require evacuation, you may want to add walking aids and portable oxygen to your kit. If you are more often directed to shelter in place, you may want a lighter kit that you can easily take into a secure area of your home.

Have Backup Supplies

In the event your power goes out, it’s important to have backup supplies and equipment that do not rely on electricity.

• Oxygen: If you use oxygen equipment that relies on electricity, make sure you also have backup, alternative sources. Ask your durable medical equipment (DME) company what portable oxygen devices they offer, which can be helpful if you need to evacuate your home.
• Generator: You may also consider getting a backup generator. If you have a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance.
• Heating and cooling: Battery powered fans (and extra batteries!) and warm or reflective blankets are important to have on hand in case you lose air conditioning or heating.

Sometimes you may not be able to stay in your home during a natural disaster. To prepare for evacuation, it’s a good idea to research shelters near you that have what you need, like air conditioning, heating, and accommodation for your oxygen equipment. Make a plan for how you will get there, and work with friends, family, neighbors or anyone else who may need to help you with transportation.

Staying Well in a Disaster

Natural disasters can be very stressful events, especially if you are required to evacuate. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate breathing difficulties and make you feel unwell. There are some simple steps you can take to stay calm and healthy.

• Exercise: Even simple exercises, like shoulder lifts or marching in place, can promote the production of feel-good chemicals that can reduce feelings of anxiety.
• Breathing exercises: You can practice pursed lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing any time, anywhere. Both techniques help you breathe more easily and make you feel calmer.
• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness exercises can help you quiet anxious thoughts and make you feel centered.

Practice Makes Perfect

Doing mock drills can help you feel calmer and more prepared in the event of a disaster. Come up with a plan for where you will go, who you will call, and write it down. Then practice it with your family, friends, and/or neighbors. Let them know what kind of support you will need.

What You Can Do Today

As a first step toward disaster preparedness, fill out the emergency contacts sheets here. This should include numbers of friends and family, healthcare providers, and any other people or services you may rely on in an emergency.

Ask your power company and gas and water providers if they have a priority service list that you can be added to in the event of a power outage. Some companies will use these lists to prioritize assistance to those who rely on electricity for medical reasons.

You can also reach out to your DME to ask what equipment you should have on hand in the event of a disaster.

Finally, if you’d like more information about preparing for emergencies with COPD, check out these links:

• Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
• AARP: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2022/natural-disaster-preparedness-tips.html
• COPD Foundation: https://www.copdfoundation.org/Downloads/DisasterPreparednessPlan_Booklet_English.pdf