Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Blog invitado: Preparacíon marca la diferencia


Marcela Campoli, MHA, blog invitado de hoy, es una consultora negocios en Washington, D.C. Tiene experiencia en la preparación para emergencias y trabajando con los promotores de salud en la salud comunitaria y prevención. Campoli es un miembro del Comité de Igualdad de Oportunidades de la Salud de APHA.

Preparacíon puede ser la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte en un caso de desastre; sin embargo para muchos no es tan fácil llevar la teoría a la práctica, especialmente en el devenir diario de las actividades cotidianas.

La Agencia Federal de Manejo de Emergencias sugieren:

  •  Informarse sobre los peligros y emergencias que pueden afectarlo a usted y a su familia y mantenerse informado: Vivimos en una comunidad que elegimos conscientemente por su seguridad, por sus vecinos, por las escuelas, y por muchas tantas razones; sin embargo vivimos en un mundo globalizado donde los riesgos pueden alcanzarnos de muchas y variadas maneras, incluyendo derrames de materiales peligrosos, accidentes aéreos y descarrilamiento de trenes.

 Es necesario ser realista en los riesgos a los que estamos expuestos y mantener una línea de comunicación diaria con la realidad comunitaria y social a través de las noticias.

  • Elaborar un plan de emergencia: El dicho dice “prepárate para lo peor y espera lo mejor,” pero ¿para qué pensar en un tsunami cuando no vivimos cerca del mar? Por ello, el plan debe incluir esas posibles emergencias que puedan afectarnos a algunos o a todos los miembros de la familia. La lista puede empezar con aquellas a las que ya se han visto expuestos, directa o indirectamente en el pasado — tormentas de nieve en invierno, huracanes en verano, olas de calor en verano o inundaciones.

Una vez identificados los riesgos potenciales, es necesario escribir un plan con los pasos a seguir en cada situación, y comunicarlo a todos los que pueden estar involucrados, incluyendo familiares y maestros de los niños.

  • Reunir y organizar un equipo de suministros para desastre: Comprar los suministros necesarios cuando las señales de alerta han comenzado, se convierte en una pesadilla rápidamente. Por lo que es importante tener una reserva de alimentos no perecederos almacenados, agua embotellada,  lámparas, radios, bolsas de dormir, ropa de acuerdo al clima y aquellos artículos de uso específico de la familia, como medicina. Las mascotas son parte de la familia, es necesario tener reservas para ellos también.

Al preparar los suministros, es importante mantener en el auto, una mochila — impermeable en lo posible — con una porción de mismos suministros mencionados con anterioridad. Es importante recordar los documentos importantes y dinero en efectivo. Siempre es bueno hacer una lista adicional de aquellas cosas que es necesario recoger a último momento.

  • Saber dónde buscar refugio para protegerse de todo tipo de riesgos: Al hacer la lista de los posibles refugios a los que acudir en el barrio o la comunidad, es conveniente que tenga al menos dos teléfonos y direcciones de amigos y familiares fuera del estado, en caso de una evacuación.
  • Identificar los sistemas de advertencia y las rutas de evacuación en su comunidad: Debo conseguir mensajes de texto de alerta en el celular y correos electrónicos en la computadora. Muchos gobiernos locales lo ofrecen gratis. Recorra su barrio e identifique las rutas demarcadas de fácil salida del área. Considere que tipo de transporte que utlizaría.
  • Incluir en su plan la información requerida de los planes comunitarios y escolares. Determinar un lugar y hora de encuentro para facilitar la evacuación conjunta.
  • Practicar y mantener su plan: Realizar un simulacro y que en él participen los niños es fundamental para entender si el plan funciona, ya que algunas acciones pueden corregirse y aprenderse de manera de reaccionar naturalmente durante la emergencia. Lo más importante es entender que ante una situación de emergencia es necesario conservar la calma.

Preparacíon puede ser la diferencia entre la vida y la muerte en caso de una emergencia, sin embargo es necesario fomentar la cultura de la protección civil entre los miembros de la familia y la comunidad — y esta es una tarea diaria.

Para obtener más información, visita nuestra hojas informativas de Get Ready. Lea este publicacíon en inglés en el Get Ready Blog de APHA.

Guest blog: Preparedness makes a difference

Today’s guest blog is by Marcela Campoli, MHA, a Washington, D.C.-area business consultant. She has experience in emergency preparedness and working with health promoters in community health and prevention. Campoli is a member of APHA’s Equal Health Opportunity Committee.

Preparedness can be the difference between life and death in a disaster. However, it’s not always easy to put that idea into practice, especially in the daily course of everyday activities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that you:

  • Be informed about hazards and emergencies that may affect you and your family and stay informed: We live in communities that we chose for their safety, for neighbors, schools and for many other reasons. Yet we live in a globalized world where hazards can reach us in many and various ways, including hazardous material spills, plane crashes and train derailments. You need to be aware of the risks. Keep track of what is happening at the community and global level through the news. 
  • Develop an emergency plan: As the saying goes "Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.” But would you think of a tsunami if you don’t live near the sea? Your plan should include all possible emergencies that may affect some or all family members. The list can begin with disasters that you have already been exposed to directly or indirectly in the past — winter snow storms, summer hurricanes, summer heat waves or floods.

Once you’ve identified your risks, write down a plan with specific steps to follow in each situation. Inform all who may be involved, including family members and children’s teachers.

  • Collect and assemble a disaster supply kit: Buying supplies after warning signs of a disaster occur quickly becomes a nightmare. So it is important to have a store of nonperishable food, bottled water, lanterns, radios, sleeping bags, weather-appropriate clothing and other family items, such as medicine. Pets are part of the family, so it’s necessary to have supplies for them, too.

It’s also important to keep a backpack — waterproof if possible — in your car with some of the same items mentioned above. Remember important documents and money. Make a list of additional things that need to be collected at the last minute.

  • Know where to seek shelter from all types of hazards: Make a list of potential shelters to turn to in the neighborhood or community. Know at least two phone numbers and addresses of family and friends out of state in case of an evacuation. Consider what transportation you would use. 
  • Identify warning systems and evacuation routes in your community: Sign up to get alert text messages on your cellphone and via email. Many local governments offer such services for free. Walk through your neighborhood and identify emergency routes that would facilitate evacuation. 
  • Include information from your community and schools in your preparedness plan. Set a meeting place and time where your family can meet up to make the evacuation together easier.
  • Practice and maintain your plan: It’s critical to involve your kids in the plan to determine if the plan works. Correct and actions and learn how to react naturally during an emergency. Remember that in an emergency, you need to stay calm. 

Preparedness can be the difference between life and death in an emergency. It’s important to develop a culture of preparedness among the members of your family and community. This must be a daily activity.

For more information on preparing for disasters, check out our Get Ready fact sheets.  Read this post in Spanish on APHA’s Get Ready Blog.


Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Mental health and disasters: Coping with stress

When you think about getting ready for a disaster, physical preparations — such as creating an emergency stockpile or finding a safe place to stay — are probably the first things that come to mind. However, it’s important to be mentally prepared for a disaster as well.

Everyone reacts differently to stress, whether it’s caused by daily life or by a disaster. But like all preparedness activities, knowing what you’re in for can boost your resiliency and help you cope in healthy ways.

To put your mind at ease, create a stockpile kit before a disaster occurs. A few basics are needed for any emergency, including water, nonperishable foods, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, batteries and a manual can opener. Make your kit portable in case of evacuation.

Identifying and preparing for disasters that are more likely to happen in your community and creating an emergency plan can also help you be mentally prepared.

After disasters, both children and adults can have lasting mental health effects. Common reactions may include difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping and mood swings. Parents should look out for signs of distress in their children, such as crying, risk-taking or behavior changes.

Our Get Ready fact sheet on mental health and disasters offers tips that can help you and your loved ones heal. They include:
  • Be patient: Mental healing can take time. Allow yourself time to grieve for what you have lost.
  • Avoid overexposure to disaster coverage by the media.
  • Take care of your physical health: Try your best to eat healthily, exercise, wash your hands regularly, get plenty of sleep and drink adequate water. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
If you need help with mental stress after a disaster, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s disaster distress helpline, 1-800-985-5990, offers support. Counselors can provide tips for healthy coping, help you recognize distress and refer you to follow-up care.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Guest blog: Preparing your pets for emergencies

William Courtney, DVM, MPH
Today’s guest blog is by Bill Courtney, a member of APHA’s Veterinary Special Primary Public Health Interest Group. Courtney practiced veterinary medicine and then spent more than two decades in the U.S. Air Force. He currently works at a center and shelter for victims of domestic violence that accommodates pets, and is on the board of directors of a local animal shelter.

Pets are people too! When planning for an emergency and evacuation, please include your pets. But keep in mind that they could pose a health risk to other pets and to people, too.

To minimize the risk, make sure your pets’ routine shots are all up to date. This would include the distemper and associated shot series for dogs, plus the kennel cough shot. Many kennels will not board dogs that are not current on these routine immunizations, and the same consideration should be made for shelters. Cats should likewise be current on their distemper series, and both must be current on rabies. This is to protect other pets as well as people. Similarly, all pets should be free of intestinal worms and fleas. A flea infestation would be a real nightmare for both people and pets in any emergency, and especially in a shelter situation.

Sanitation and waste disposal can be a real challenge during an emergency. Pack small bags, newspapers, cat litter or wood pellets, and sanitary wipes in addition to necessary food, water and medicines.

Finally, always make sure you have the proper restraints for all pets. This would include — but is not limited to — cages, collars and leashes, and also consider muzzles. Even the gentlest pet can react to your stress and get excited and display aggression. Also, please keep in mind that no matter how friendly your pets may be, there are many people that are just plain afraid of them, and it is your responsibility to relieve the fears of fellow safety seekers.

This is intended to highlight and prepare for the possible public health threats your pets may present in a emergency situation. For tips for getting all your family members ready, check out:

Read, download and share Get Ready’s fact sheet on emergency supplies for your pets and get tips for keeping your pets safe in our Get Ready Q&A and podcast.


Enter your pet in Ready, Pet, Go! APHA’s Get Ready Photo Contest. The contest is using animals — of any kind — to promote emergency preparedness. Deadline for entry is June 1.



Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons! Oh, my!

Storm surge, heavy rainfall, flooding and high winds. These hazards of hurricanes sound scary, and they are. But what causes hurricanes to begin with?

When tropical ocean water warms during the summer, it heats the air above it.  Meanwhile, water evaporates from the ocean and forms clouds. In simple terms, hot air rising, clouds forming and cooler air falling is a lot of movement and energy. The more energy there is in the system, the more powerful and destructive the storm can be.

Last year we had the warmest year on record , and 2015 is heading the same way. Given the warming trend and affects of climate change, experts say we should expect more high energy storms.

Weather forecasters tell storms apart based on where they’re from. If a tropical cyclone forms in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s called a hurricane. If it forms in the West Pacific Ocean, it’s called a typhoon. If it forms in the Indian Ocean or anywhere, really, it’s called a cyclone.

Confused already? That’s OK. You can read more about them.

What’s not OK is being caught in one of these storms without supplies or a plan. Here are some things to remember:

  • Stay tuned to weather updates until all danger is past.
  • Aside from flooding from the rainfall, winds may push water toward the shore in a storm surge after the storm has passed and cause even more flooding.
  • Depending on how strong the winds are, power lines, trees and roofs may be destroyed.
  • Be prepared to evacuate. Don’t try to shelter in place if you are advised to leave.
  • Even if evacuation orders are not issued, utilities may be out. Keep in mind you may lose power and water.
  • If you evacuate, bring along hard-to-replace documents such as passports and copies of birth certificates, insurance policies and your lease or mortgage. If you shelter in place keep those documents in a waterproof container. A double zip-locked bag will work in a pinch!
  • Don’t forget to take all prescriptions and medications for all family members, including pets.
  • Speaking of our animal companions, remember to include plans for their shelter and evacuation.

APHA’s Get Ready campaign offers terrific tips for getting supplies and preparing a plan. Another great resource for hurricane preparedness information is Ready.gov, which also has tips for getting kids involved in hurricane planning.