Pandemic Travel: How to Fly Safely and What to Pack (Masks, etc.)
Introduction Pandemics (such as COVID-19) have changed how people approach travel, especially by air. While flights operate, infection risks can persist due to close quarters and shared surfaces. By understanding airline protocols, packing key safety items, and remaining mindful of...
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Emergency Nutrition: Power-Packed Foods to Keep in Your Disaster Kit
Introduction When disaster strikes—a hurricane, power outage, or any large-scale emergency—access to perishable items and grocery stores can become uncertain or cut off. In such situations, having a reserve of highly nutritious, easy-to-prepare foods is vital. This article highlights core...
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Elderly in Emergencies: Special Preparations for Seniors in Disasters
Introduction In an emergency—whether a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or even extended power outage—older adults are especially susceptible to harm. Health conditions, reduced mobility, and social isolation can complicate evacuations and post-disaster recovery. Proactive planning, including specialized kits and networks, enables...
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Telemedicine in Disasters: Seeing a Doctor When You Can’t Leave Home
Introduction In times of disaster—be it hurricanes, floods, fires, or pandemics—traditional healthcare can become less accessible. Hospitals and clinics may face closures or overcrowding, and residents may be stuck at home. Telemedicine offers a safe and convenient way to consult...
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Evacuation or Shelter-in-Place?: Making the Right Call in Emergencies
Introduction Disasters—such as hurricanes, wildfires, chemical spills, or floods—pose critical questions about safety. Should you stay at home and await further instructions, or take off to safer ground? The correct choice can differ for each emergency, and making the wrong...
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PTSD After a Disaster: Recognizing Trauma Symptoms in Yourself and Others
Introduction Experiencing a disaster—be it a hurricane, earthquake, wildfire, or flood—can have enduring psychological effects. While initial shock or stress is common, some individuals develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition in which trauma symptoms linger and disrupt daily life. ...
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Generators and Oxygen Machines: Backup Power for Medical Devices at Home
Introduction For individuals who rely on oxygen concentrators or other essential medical devices (e.g., CPAP, nebulizers), maintaining a stable power supply is vital. A sudden outage—due to storms, grid failures, or disasters—could jeopardize health. By securing backup options like generators...
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Disaster Stress: Coping Strategies When Life Gets Upended
Introduction Disasters—natural or manmade—can disrupt normal life, leaving emotional distress and uncertainty in their wake. Job loss, damaged homes, or displacement from communities can cause anxiety, fear, and sadness. Although these stressors are natural responses to upheaval, learning healthy ways...
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CERT Teams: How Community Emergency Response Training Empowers Citizens
Introduction When disasters strike—whether earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, or floods—professional responders can become overwhelmed by multiple calls for help. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs equip regular citizens with foundational skills to supplement first responders until they arrive. This guide outlines...
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Fire Escape Plan: Every Family’s Guide to Getting Out Safely
Introduction House fires can happen quickly and spread in minutes. Having a well-thought-out fire escape plan can ensure that you, your children, and even your pets know exactly what to do and where to go if a blaze breaks out. ...
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