Home Care Association of New Hampshire Recognizes National Preparedness Month
CONCORD, N.H., Sept. 11, 2007— According to the Emergency Preparedness Educational Institute, two million American families experience a disaster or emergency event each year. The Institute claims that as many as two-thirds of Americans are not prepared to respond to an emergency. In connection with National Preparedness Month this September, the Home Care Association of New Hampshire is spreading the word about the value of developing personal and family emergency plans.
At its 2007 Annual Meeting this past June, the Home Care Association of New Hampshire kicked of its initiative “Home Care—Good to Go!” It is estimated that 30 to 60 percent of home care staff will not be able to respond in case of an emergency due to their own family obligations or because they themselves would fall ill during a pandemic. Over the summer, member agencies have worked diligently with workers in the field—nurses, aides, therapists, homemakers and other support workers, to help them develop a family preparedness plan so they're able to come into work if needed to take care of patients.
“We are proud of our member agencies’ efforts to prepare their workers for emergencies. However, we need patients and their families to engage as well. Many individuals remain in a state of denial when it comes to personal preparedness,” said Susan Young, executive director of the Home Care Association of New Hampshire. “We are encouraging individuals to be prepared to take care of themselves and their families during and after an emergency, so that first responders can focus on those who need assistance most.”
Young offers these suggestions to prepare for emergencies.
• One of the simplest things you can do to be better prepared is to have a family emergency plan. The plan should include everyone’s contact numbers, an out of town contact person, a designated place to meet outside of the home, arrangements to assist home-bound family members, and the evacuation location of local schools.
• Create an emergency kit. The kit should include basic items like water, food, battery-powered radio, flashlight and a first aid kit. Keep the kit safe and accessible, even for family members that might not be as mobile.
• If evacuation is necessary, make sure you have a list of items you will need to bring. Including medications, emergency kit, car keys, clothing and bedding if time allows.
“The biggest impact we can have is to be personally and professionally prepared for a wide-spread emergency,” adds Young.
Formed in 1974, the Home Care Association of New Hampshire membership includes both not-for-profit and proprietary agencies located in New Hampshire and neighboring states that are licensed to provide home health services in New Hampshire. Member agencies provide services for thousands of New Hampshire residents of all ages who are recovering from surgery, injury or illness, have chronic or terminal illnesses, or other conditions needing support at home.
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