UAB SPECIALTY PHARMACY SERVICES
Patient Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies and environmental disasters can occur at any time. Please take some time and review the following to prepare for these emergencies:
• For all medical emergencies, dial 911
• Listen to your radio and television for up-to-date emergency information and instructions
• The following numbers may also be helpful: – American Red Cross: 205-439-7800 – The Salvation Army: 205-328-2420
• Notify the pharmacy staff if you plan to evacuate your home and where you plan to go so that interruptions in medication shipments can be avoided. Be sure to take your medications, supplies and medical information to your evacuation location.
POWER OUTAGES
• If your medical equipment is operated by A / C current with a battery back-up, notify the electric company to alert them of your need for priority restoration of power should an outage occur.
• Always keep extra alkaline batteries available for operating your infusion device should you be unable to connect to power.
• Notify your pharmacy of any power outages lasting longer than 6 hours.
• Fill an ice chest with ice to store all refrigerated medications.
FLOODS
• If you live in a flood prone area, know your route to higher ground.
• Keep alert to flash flood warnings over local radio, TV, weather radio or mobile devices.
• If unable to evacuate, move to highest level of your home.
• Prepare a disaster kit with essential supplies including a battery-operated radio.
TORNADO
• Keep alert to tornado watch / warning alerts on local radio, TV, weather radio or mobile devices.
• If possible, a floor below ground or basement is the best place to go. In these locations, use additional personal cover such as a coat or blanket.
• If you don’ t have a basement, go to lowest possible level, in a small, windowless room such as a bathroom, closet, inner hallway, or under stairs.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
• Crouch or lie flat and protect your head.
• If you live in a trailer, leave immediately to take shelter in a sturdy building. Do not use a car.
WINTER STORMS / BLIZZARDS
• Keep at least a 3-day emergency supply of medication, food and water in your home.
• Conserve energy – close off unused rooms.
• Dress warmly in layers.
• Use caution when using kerosene and / or electric heaters.
• Use caution and good judgment with snow removal.
• Your nurse will familiarize you with basic care and flushing of your IV catheter in the event they cannot reach you and you must discontinue your infusion pump and / or therapy for any period of time.
• UAB Specialty Pharmacy Services will make every effort to maintain your services without interruption. Depending upon the extent of the emergency situation and urgency of your needs, you will be contacted and advised of the status of your delivery.
For more information about emergency preparedness, visit adph. org or call 1-866-264-4073. Go to ready. gov to learn about potential terrorist threats and other emergencies or call 1-800-BE-READY( 1-800-237-3239) for a free brochure.
PHARMACY uabmedicine. org / specialtypharmacyservices
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