Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

The Health Consequences ofDisasters and Evacuation:
What Patients Need to Know to PrepareThis resource will facilitate conversation
The reverse side of this document can beThisresourcewill
facilitate
between healthcare professionals andused to write down local contact information
conversation between healthcare
patients about health implications ofand health resources useful during disasters.
exposure to disasters, especially those
As a healthcare professional, your care
professionals and patients about
requiring evacuation. The talking points
impacts
not just your patients and theirhealth implications of exposure tobelow can help you ask the questions thatfamilies, but the health and safety of ourdisasters, especially thosewill help your patients assess, prepare for,nation. The aftermath of major disasters,
requiring evacuation.
and respond to an evacuation, and do sosuch as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, andin a way that is responsive to their uniquepandemics, provide valuable opportunitieshealth needs.
to reinforce important public health measures such as preparedness
You may disseminate this fact sheet electronically tofor individuals and communities, as well as protective healthcolleagues, and/or put it on your own organization’s website
measures when evacuation is required or people are otherwise
to enhance your health outreach in the community.
displaced from their homes or communities.

Talking Points to Help Families Assess and Plan for
Health Needs Around Disasters and Evacuation
Disasters affect families emotionally and physically,
and often cause significant worry and concern. Being
prepared, especially around health needs, can mitigate
stress and maximize positive outcomes. Here are somequestions you can ask patients to help them assess anddevelop emergency preparedness plans responsive to theirhealth needs:■ Do you or any of your family members have medical
conditions that require medications, special medical
equipment, or a special diet?

■ What might you or members of your family need to

do about these health issues in an environment awayfrom home?

■ Have you communicated these health issues to asupervisor, teacher, day care, or other professional in
an environment in which you or a family member
spend a significant portion of the day away from home?

Steps Families Can Take to Prepare for Disasters
around Health Issues
During disasters, health medications and health supplies
may be temporarily disrupted.

■ At home, have an extra supply of medications available.
■ Away from home, provide instructions and training(if possible) to a primary caregiver who would beresponsible for your family member in a disaster.

■ If that caregiver expresses reluctance or discomfort toadminister help, have them identify a person withinthat environment who would be able to provide
assistance with such procedures as injections or otherrequirements.

■ Make sure adult children away from home, such ascollege students, are prepared. Make sure elderly
members of your family are also prepared.

Continued

Family Communication Plan
A good communication plan provides a central role
in relaying information about the status and location ofloved ones; it will help to reduce concerns at the time ofand immediately following a disaster. To create a disastercommunication plan, families must:■■Establish a primary contact and number (preferably
a relative or friend in another part of the region orout of state) that family members can call in case of
emergencies. Every member of the family should know
this number.
In the event that family members are separated, it
is also important that daycare, work, school, andneighbors know this number.

■ Prepare a list of phone numbers where each family

member can be reached during the day. Include a list of
relatives, friends, and business associates that would orshould know your whereabouts in case of emergency.

■ During disasters, cell and other phone communications

may be disrupted. Consider alternative means forcommunicating, as well as places to meet up in the eventof prolonged communication disruptions.

■ It is important to be aware of other vehicles ofcommunication such as the Internet, e-mail, andHAM radio. The Red Cross is also a resource to help
contact loved ones.

■ Leave a note at your residence to let others know where
you are and how you can be contacted.

Helpful Web Links:■ http://www.ready.gov■ https://www.ready.gov/kids■ http://www.redcross.org/

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Department of Psychiatry
Uniformed Services University
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
www.CSTSonline.org