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Hurricanes pose a srious threat to individuals, however, it poses more of a threat to the elderly and pregnant women. These two groups of people are more vulnerable to the threats of a hurricane as the elderly are limited in their movements by age, and often illness, while pregnant women may often face the risk of threat to their unborn child or risk of going into labour during the hurricane.
The following tips will, hopefully, be helpful in preparing and lessening the threats to the elderly and to pregnant women before and during a hurricane.
A. HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY
Although many elderly persons around the world live with relatives or in homes for the aged, many others live on their own. Some of them are too ill to look after themselves properly and are often unable to move about freely because of mobility impairments. These can make it difficult or impossible for the elderly person to respond to warnings or evacuation notices.
As a result of all the above, it is most important that organizations, such as churches, community groups, citizens associations, youth groups and social welfare organizations seek out and locate those elderly persons. They will need assistance before, during and after the hurricane. The following are certain precautions, which can be considered:
1). Appoint someone to co-ordinate disaster preparation in your community.
2). Contact local agencies that deal with the problems of teh elderly and request an input in disaster prepaperdness plans.
3). Locate those elderly in the community whose needs might go unanswered because of their inabiltiy to help themselves.
4). Locate elderly home owners.
5). Determine what resources are in the community to aid the elderly in the event of a hurricane. For instance, this should take into consideration transportation for evacuation, food, nursing home facilities, volunteers to help with evacuation or to stay in the homes of the elderly during the hurricane.
6). Prepare a list of volunteers who are ready to serve.
7). Establish disaster education programmes for the elderly.
8). Identify proper shelters for the elderly who may need to be evacuated from their homes or areas.
B. HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
If you are in an advanced state of pregnancy (7-9 months) when a hurricane threatens there are certain precautiions you should take. Here are some general precautions:
1). Be sure to have necessities for the birth of the baby and for yourself packed in a waterproof bag or plastic. Take them with you wherever you go.
2). If you live alone get a friend or relative to stay with you or move to one of their homes before the hurricane begins.
3). If you live in an area that is likely to be affected by a storm surge or flooding, plant to move to a safer area.
4). If your house does not offer adequate protection, leave for one that does.
5). If you live very far from the hospital where you are to be delivered, arrange to stay with a friend or relative who lives closer.
6). Keep an extra supply of any special medication you will need.
7). If possible, visit your doctor before the hurricane strikes to ensure that your baby and yourself are fine.
8). Be sure to pack your medical insurance card with yours and the baby's things. You may need it if you are required to pay.
9). Keep calm. This is very important for you and your baby. Worry and anxiety can be harmful for you both.
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