Disaster preparedness is a preventive measure taken to reduce the impact and severity of a disaster.. A disaster can strike unexpectedly and include tornadoes, fires, and earthquakes. When a disaster strikes, it is important to be prepared for what comes during and after the disaster. This includes blackouts, supply shortages, and home evacuations.

What is the goal of Disaster Preparedness?

Disaster preparedness can reduce fear, anxiety, and loss that is associated with disasters

How will chronic conditions affect one's ability to prepare for and respond to a disaster?

Arthritis- Joint Inflammation. Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common forms of arthritis

• Difficulty moving heavy objects out of the way if path is obstructed

• Difficulty transporting adaptive adaptive equipment during an evacuation

• May require more time to complete preparatory tasks due to pain, may need to take breaks between tasks

• May have difficulty using electronics(phone/computer) to access important alerts

• May be more prone to falls

Diabetes- A condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy

• May become easily fatigued and irritated

• May have decreased or loss of sensation that makes it difficult to recognize if they have been injured during a disaster or evacuation

• May not have insulin readily available

• May have blurred vision if extreme hunger and thirst occur. Other visual impairment may be present

• May have difficulties healing from wounds and other injuries

• At greater risk for COVID related death or complications

Age Related Macular Degeneration(ARMD)/other visual impairment

• May have difficulty noticing immediate threats in their environment

• May have difficulty locating the appropriate exits

• Will need tactile directional signs to navigate environment on their own

• More prone to falls due to visual deficits

• May have difficulty picking out objects that blend into background

Alzheimer's/Dementia/ other cognitive deficits

• May not remember what to do during a disaster situation

• May become confused or agitated

• May not remember where to find disaster preparedness kit

• May be more prone to falls

• May not pay attention to verbal instructions or conversations

• Will need a lot of cueing and repeated practice

• Will need clear visuals such as directional markers and a picture book of drill procedures

COPD(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)- A chronic lung disease

• May become easily fatigued with movement

• Will require more time to complete tasks

• May have difficulty reaching exits

• Will have difficulty moving objects that are obstructing walkway

• Especially sensitive to smoke inhalation

• At greater risk for COVID related death or complications

Hypertension- High Blood Pressure

• Stressful nature of disasters puts them at increased risk for heart attacks, cardiac arrest and strokes

• May become easily fatigued with movement

• May not have access to medications or supply may be running low

• May require more time to complete tasks and frequent rest breaks

• At risk for COVID related death or complications

Parkinson's- A neurodegenerative condition that affects movement

• Fatigue due to tremors, sleep disturbances, and medications can make it difficult to respond to a disaster

• May not have access to medications

• Depending on the stage of Parkinson's, may be wheelchair bound or have mobility challenges that increase fall risk and affect one's ability to evacuate quickly and safely

• Transferring a client with Parkinson's during an evacuation can be difficult, transferring from an elevated seat helps

Source: Pendleton, H. M., & Schultz-Krohn, W. (2018). Pedretti’s occupational therapy: Practice skills for physical dysfunction. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.