Rescue Me

When disaster strikes, do you have an emergency plan how to get oxygen and other needed medical equipment?

Doris Tarter of Minden, NV would like to hear from others who have been in situations of hurricanes, fires or floods and were forced to leave their home and the source of their supplies.

Many head to emergency shelters, hospitals or fire stations, who may have oxygen for you to use.

A Florida Area Agency on Aging recommends you register with your County Emergency Management Agency and your local Electric company so they are aware of your special needs. If you receive warning that you may have to leave your home, you should make a checklist now of things that should be done that may include to get prescriptions filled; get cash and have your keys, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids with extra batteries, prosthetic devices, canes, etc.

Make arrangements for pets. Buy extra batteries for portable radio and flashlight. Turn off all utilities at the main power switch. Bring outdoor possessions in or tie down securely. Move valuables to the safest location in the home away from windows and possible rising water. Have someone help cover windows and doors if possible.

Have a notebook or binder prepared that contains important information you will need quickly as your social security and insurance cards; medical history and medication list; copy of your will and advance medical directive; bank account and credit card numbers and contact information of family members. You may want to bring valuable papers and photographs in a plastic zipper bag.

When you evacuate you will need to take provisions with you to make your temporary stay more comfortable as personal hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloths, towels, etc; special dietary foods, if needed; books, magazines, cards; change of clothing and collapsible lawn chair, blanket or sleeping bag.

Cyl-Fill

Cyl-Fill is a new home oxygen option available from Responsive Respiratory.

There are now units on the market that allow you to fill portable oxygen tanks from a concentrator. This system fills the tanks directly from a large oxygen cylinder. A supply cylinder would contain enough volume to fill 17 smaller M6 portable cylinders. It takes approximately 15 minutes to fill a portable tank.

Ask your home care supplier about this option for portability!