Supplies for an Emergency: Do you have them?
- 3/18/2009
- Author: Kristine Miller
- Category: EC News Blog
- 30513 Views
- 0 Comments
A couple weeks ago it hit 25 below here in Chicago. Real temp. Not including wind chill. And my water pipes froze.
Thank heaven they didn’t burst, but as I sat and waited for the midnight plumber, I started thinking. OK—water—do I have any anywhere? I checked the teakettle. Empty. I checked the plant pitcher. Nada. The cats’ water jug—oh, please. I hoped I wouldn’t have to get that desperate.
Then I remembered I had a couple gallons left over from last summer’s camping trips. I raided one immediately.
It all brought home the point we preach continually here at EC News: You’ve got to be prepared for an emergency. At home, yes; in the health care organization, for sure.
Your organization needs to think about emergency supplies—of medications, medical basics, personal protective equipment, water, food, sanitary products. As Jerry Gervais pointed out in the March article “Function 2: Resources and Assets,” even toilet paper becomes a precious commodity if you’ve been stranded in the hospital or other health care facility for several days. Your organization needs to establish relationships with suppliers, determine whether and what to stockpile, and work with other organizations to share resources.
So, yes. I will go out and stock up on packaged foods, candles, matches, white gas for the camp stove, and the like.
How about your health care organization?
Sincerely,
Kristine Miller
Executive Editor, Environment of Care® News
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