Emergencies come at the most inconvenient times. Often, disasters and emergencies happen when you least expect it. That’s why it is so important to be prepared for any emergency that might take place. What kind of disasters can happen in your area? Do you live in an area that is prone to flooding, severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies? If you’re not sure, or if you’re interested in learning more about planning for emergencies, download a free copy of our Disaster Preparedness Plan.
Even when you are prepared for an emergency, the experience itself can be upsetting and overwhelming. In severe weather emergencies, part of your home or property may have become damaged or it may be unsafe for you to return to your home at first. These situations can be stressful for everyone, but especially for those with chronic health conditions such as COPD.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Keep up with your COPD treatment plan and don’t take on too many tasks at once. Ask for help when you need it and focus on one thing at a time. If you need help cleaning up debris, making repairs to your home or property, or if you need a place to stay for a few days, talk to your friends and family. If they aren’t able to help, contact your local senior services center. They may have a list of low- or no-cost repair services, shelters, or other resources that can help you in the first few days after a disaster. You can also contact your health care provider or home health company if you need medical services or if you’d like to find a counselor to talk to.
After a disaster, you may have feelings of hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and exhaustion. You may feel overwhelmed and think you can’t possibly recover from this situation. It is normal to feel this way at first, and you may notice these feelings “pop up” months or even weeks after the disaster is over. If this happens, don’t hesitate to get support. You may find that spending time with friends and family is helpful. Or you may want to talk through your feelings with a professional counselor. If your feelings become overwhelming, or if they start to affect your daily activities, be sure to see a mental health professional. Some people are unsure about talking to a professional. But think about it this way: if you had a broken arm, you’d see a doctor. So, if you are not feeling well mentally, you should treat that, too!
And if you had a disaster in your area, but you were unaffected, think about ways you might be able to help. Could you let a neighbor stay with you for a few days? Could you make little care packages for those who need them? Small acts of kindness can make a big difference for people affected by disasters.
Have you ever experienced a disaster or emergency? How did you cope with it? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.