Are you prepared in case of an Emergency?

Are you prepared in case there is an Emergency?


Some countries have a relatively high risk of a natural disaster or especially living on a ring of fire.

For Cochlear Implant users and their families, there is a need to think about and prepare for ‘surviving’ without some of the support that is normally used to maintain and operate their CIs. Here are a few tips and recommendations to get prepared.

1. In the recent disaster, your local CI center was able to return to providing supplies of batteries quickly. If they weren’t, what can you do?

It is a good idea to always have one box of batteries left. So request more batteries when you get down to that last box. One box will give at least 20 days of operation (for a high load bilateral CI user).
If your CI Center is not able to supply batteries, contact other Cochlear Implant Programs. You may find your Deaf Adviser/teacher of the Deaf has a small supply.
You may be able to contact another CI user who is able to spare some batteries.

2. We have no power. How do I dry my CIs?

One method is to use rice. Rice naturally absorbs moisture. You will need a plastic container that seals (like an ice cream container), an open top container to hold about half a cup of rice (a small cup will do) and a clean handy towel (to place your CIs on). Put the container of rice on one side of the bigger container and the handy towel on the other side. Place the CIs on the handy towel and close the lid on the bigger container. Leave over night and your CIs will be dried.
Another option is to use an inverter to power your drying kit off a car battery. An inverter or solar power would be suitable and would also allow you to charge your cell phones.

3. What happens if my CIs/HA's are destroyed or lost in the disaster?

Contact your CI center ASAP so that loan processors can be supplied or backup if you have one.

4. What happens if I am separated from my child or family member for a few days (ie they are at school or workplace when a disaster strikes)?

It’s a really good idea to have a small supply of batteries stored with your child (ie in their school bag).You should make sure you know what your child’s school’s disaster contingency plans are so you can quickly locate your child. All schools must have these plans so ask for a copy.



I found some Helpful websites that have a Checklist so you are prepared.

Hearing Loss Web- Emergencies Plan for people with hearing loss.

Earthquake Tips

FEMA


Please feel free to LEAVE COMMENTS if you have anything else to add!!


Smile-Hugs,
Danielle