UAB PHARMACY SERVICES Patient Emergency Preparedness
POWER OUTAGES
• If your home equipment runs on electricity with a battery backup, call the power company to let them know of your immediate need for priority restoration of power. – Ask them to put you on a“ priority list” for power or generator service.
• Always keep extra alkaline batteries on hand for your infusion pump.
• Inform us of any power outages lasting longer than six hours. – A recharged battery or pump may be delivered to you.
• Fill an ice chest with ice to store all refrigerated medications.
FLOODING
• Go to higher ground immediately.
• Get out of areas that tend to flood.
• Follow evacuation orders.
TORNADOES
• Be prepared to move to the basement, in a corner along an outside wall, or under the stairs.
• If there is no basement, go to the lowest level, a bathroom, a closet, an inner hallway, or under the stairs.
• Stay away from doors and windows.
HURRICANES
• Listen to local news and radio stations for updates to find out if you need to evacuate.
• Know the location of your closest emergency shelter.
• Keep at least one week’ s worth of nonperishable food and clean drinking water on hand.
• Get a cooler and ice or freezer gel-packs to store or transport your medication.
• Pack one week’ s worth of supplies in a plastic-lined box or waterproof tote if evacuating to a shelter.
• If possible, pack antibacterial soap or waterless hand sanitizer in your supply kit.
WINTER STORMS & BLIZZARDS
• Keep an emergency supply of food and water in your home.
• Conserve energy, and close off unused rooms.
• Dress warmly and in layers.
• Use caution when using kerosene and / or electric heaters. uabmedicine. org / uab-home-infusion-therapy 11