As we head into the warmer months, we often see an increase in extreme weather events.  Hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, and other emergencies can be challenging for anyone to prepare for, but when you are living with pulmonary fibrosis or interstitial lung disease, it is extra important to be prepared. 

To help you stay safe and ready, we have gathered some helpful tips for patients and families to prepare for potential emergency situations.

1. Be informed.  Staying informed is critical to navigating your way through emergency situations.  First, be aware of the types of emergencies your area is most prone to - whether it’s flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and/or wild fires.  Next, know your emergency resources. Become familiar with the emergency management teams within your town, county and state.  Then, sign up for emergency alerts through your local teams to stay informed in real time.

2. Make a plan.   Create a plan for you and your family in the event of an emergency.  Prepare for emergencies that will require you to shelter in place, as well as those that may require evacuation.  If you are going to shelter in place, it is important to plan for the loss of electricity and what you would do if the situation changes and you can no longer stay where you are.   If you need to evacuate to a local emergency shelter, it is important to know if the shelter can accommodate medical needs, particularly if you use supplemental oxygen.  If you plan to evacuate elsewhere, make a plan for where you will go – maybe a friend or relative’s home that is outside the affected area. 

Also develop a communication plan.  During emergencies, phone lines may be busy and more difficult to utilize.  Many times, text messaging is more reliable in emergency situations.   Designate a contact person who is outside the affected area to be your point person.  This person can help update other friends and family members for you. 

3. Be Prepared. Consider the things you will need in the event of an emergency.  Do you use supplemental oxygen that requires electricity? If so, create a plan for how you will stay safe if there is a power outage. Contact your electric company to be placed on a priority list for electric restoration, consider purchasing a generator to use while the power is out, and identify a backup location you can go with reliable electricity if needed.  Prepare a “go bag” that is easy to access and take with you.  Include a supply of your medications along with a current medication list, updated medical records, and phone numbers for your medical providers.  For more tips on what to include in your “go bag” and other information on emergency preparedness check out the Preparing for Emergencies Guide.

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About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
At the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Pulmonary fibrosis is a process that causes lung scarring, in which fibrotic tissue blocks the movement of oxygen from inside the tiny air sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream. Low oxygen levels, and the stiff scar tissue itself, can cause people with pulmonary fibrosis to feel short of breath, particularly when walking and exercising. Over 250,000 Americans are living with PF today. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and as many as 40,000 Americans die from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) each year.
As the largest organization committed to raising awareness and providing support, our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers.