Emergency Preparedness: Batteries Not Included

Stack of alkaline batteries size AAA with selective focus.

Batteries power many of the things we use and rely on every day. They might also be the only available power source in an emergency.

Being prepared to power your personal need devices—things like cellphones, medical devices, and assistive technologies—during a power outage is a step toward individual resilience.

Planning for power outages can include creating an emergency supply of batteries and other power sources. Here are some things to know about batteries that can help you create a supply that meets your needs.

Battery Types & Kinds

Contemporary batteries come in two primary types (primary and secondary) and kinds (alkaline and lithium).(1) Other kinds of batteries are available to power small and low-power devices.

Primary vs. Secondary

The defining difference between primary and secondary batteries is the number of uses you get from them.

You use a primary battery once and then throw it away.

Secondary typically cost more than primary batteries. However, the expense is offset by their longevity. You can recharge a secondary battery, which means fewer batteries to throw away.

Lithium vs. Alkaline

Lithium and alkaline batteries share similarities but there are also some important differences.

Both kinds of batteries come in standard sizes and can power a variety of household devices. The big difference between the two chemistries is their shelf life.

Lithium batteries store more energy for longer than alkaline batteries. Lithium batteries last about twice as long as alkaline batteries. Their shelf life makes them a great choice for your emergency supply.

Battery Sizes

Batteries come in different sizes. Here are some of the most common.

AA (or double A) batteries are the most popular size. They’re used in things like carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and television remotes.

AAA (or triple A) batteries are another popular size of battery. They are a smaller version of AA. AAA batteries are often used in devices like flashlights and thermometers.

C and D batteries are larger and weightier than AA and AAA batteries. They are often used to power heavy-duty flashlights, portable radios, and camping lanterns.

Button cell or coin style batteries are often used to power small items like car key fobs, hearing aids, garage door openers, and toys.

Batteries come in other less common sizes too. Some are used as a backup power source in electrical devices like home security systems and for electronic devices like cellphones.

Take inventory of all devices you’ll need to power during an emergency. They might include flashlights, cellphones, and medical devices. Then identify the kinds and sizes of power sources (e.g., batteries) you need to power those devices. For example, you may want to purchase extra button cell or coin style batteries if you wear a hearing aid.

Battery Storage & Disposal

How you store your batteries can affect their shelf life.

  • Keep batteries in their original packaging. Keeping batteries in their packaging will protect them from humidity and contact with other batteries. A battery can short-circuit if it comes in contact with another battery.
  • Separate batteries by age and type. Store new and used and different types of batteries in separate containers or plastic bags labeled with the date you bought them. It’s best to use batteries of the same age when powering a device.
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Keeping batteries at room temperature or colder will increase lifespan and performance. Humidity can cause condensation, corrosion, and leakage. If you want to store your batteries in a fridge, keep them in a vapor-proof container. Let them acclimatize to room temperature for at least 24 hours before use.
  • Keep them away from metal objects. If batteries contact with metal, they could short-circuit. Store your batteries in a container made of plastic, glass, wood, or any material that’s not metal. You can also use a specialized battery storage box.(2)

Every year in the United States, millions of single-use and rechargeable batteries are bought, used, and recycled or thrown away. Dispose of batteries based on their type and chemistry. Some batteries can cause a risk to safety and health if mismanaged at the end of their lives.(3)

Battery types are identified by marking and labeling, not by the battery’s shape or the color of the label. Certain types should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. Do not put button cell, coin, or lithium single-use batteries (check for the word “lithium” marked on the battery) in the trash or recycling bin. Instead, find a recycling location near you:

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website for more information on what to do with used household batteries.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-batteries/
  2. https://www.panasonic-batteries.com/en/news/how-store-batteries
  3. https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-household-batteries

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

10 Practical Skills to Learn Before an Emergency

A close-up of hands performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a person lying on the ground.

Personal health preparedness isn’t only about collecting supplies. Level up your emergency preparedness. Learn practical skills you can use to help yourself and others. Here are 10 skills you can learn to prepare for an emergency, in no particular order.

  1. How to wash your hands the right way. Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can help stop the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to another. Follow these five steps to wash your hands the right way every day, including during an emergency.
  2. How to administer CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help save a person’s life if their breathing or heart stops. You don’t need a special certification or formal training to perform CPR, but you do need education. Hands-only CPR is simple to learn and easy to remember.
  3. How to work an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs give step-by-step voice instructions, but training is still recommended. Classes can teach you how to recognize the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to call emergency medical services, how to administer CPR, and how to use an AED.
  4. How to use a portable generator. Portable generators produce a poison gas called carbon monoxide (CO). The risk of CO poisoning increases after an emergency. Sixteen of the 129 Hurricane Irma-related deaths in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina were because of CO poisoning.(1) If using a generator during a power outage, remember to always
    • place it outdoors at least 20 feet away from any window, door, or vent.
    • operate it in a dry area.
    • use a battery-powered or battery back-up CO detector.
  5. How to perform first aid. The risk for injury during and after an emergency like a natural disaster is high. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection. It is important to know how to care for cuts, burns, and other kinds of injuries. Keep a well-stocked and maintained first-aid kit that includes an emergency first-aid reference guide.
  6. How to stop severe bleeding. Serious injuries can cause heavy bleeding. A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes. If you are a bystander to a medical emergency, you are the help until professional help arrives. Learning what to do in a bleeding emergency, including how to apply a tourniquet, can save a person’s life. A tourniquet is a last resort if applying pressure does not stop the bleeding.
  7. How to help someone who is choking. Fast action can save the life of someone who is choking. Young children are at especially high risk of choking. They can choke on foods like hot dogs and grapes, and small objects like toy pieces and coins. Learn when and how to do back blows and perform abdominal thrusts.
  8. How to turn off utilities. Household utilities can pose potential health and safety threats after an emergency. Know where and how to turn them off in the aftermath of a natural disaster like an earthquake. Contact your utility providers with questions.
  9. How to use a fire extinguisher. Use fire extinguishers on small fires only. When operating a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:
    • Pull the pin.
    • Aim low at the base of the fire.
    • Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
    • Sweep the nozzle from side to side.(2)
  10. How to call 9-1-1. While making the call is easy, you may not know what to expect when you call. Prepare to answer questions about yourself and the emergency. Your answers help the call-taker get the right kind of help to you. Also, don’t hang up until the call-taker instructs you to do so. Many 911 centers can tell you how to help until professional help arrives.(3)

Honorable mentions include learning how to keep food safe after an emergency, how to make water safe, how to administer naloxone, and how to perform seizure first aid.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6730a5.htm
  2. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/extinguishers.html
  3. https://www.911.gov/calling-911/

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

#PrepYourHealth to Drive During Winter

A person holding up a flashlight. Their car is broken down on the side of a snowy road.

Winter is here, and it’s not alone. It comes bearing weather that can make it dangerous to travel. Driving in wintery conditions such as snow, freezing rain, and ice puts drivers at increased risk of car accidents.(1)

About 21% (or 1,235,000) of the over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year are weather-related. Most weather-related crashes happen on wet pavement (70%) and during rainfall (46%). A smaller but no less significant number of them occur during snow or sleet (18%), on icy pavement (13%), and on snowy or slushy pavement (16%).(2)

Over 70% of the nation’s roads are in regions that average more than five inches of annual snowfall. Almost 70% of the U.S. population lives in these regions.(3)

If—like most of the U.S. population—you live somewhere that experiences winter weather, be prepared to drive (or not drive) in it.

Driving in the Snow

Driving in winter weather has its challenges. Snow, freezing rain, ice, and below-freezing temperatures can affect driving conditions. Here are some things to consider before and remember after you get behind the wheel.

  • Know before you go. Call 511 or check your state’s department of transportation webpage to check road conditions. The best way to stay safe when driving in snow is not to. Only go out in winter weather if necessary. Avoid non-essential travel when the National Weather Service issues an advisory.
  • Clean off your car before driving. Flying snow from cars can limit your visibility and the visibility of other drivers. Limited visibility can cause accidents.
  • Follow the everyday rules of the road. Do not text or drive distracted; obey posted speed limits; wear your seat belt; and always drive sober.
  • Slow down to improve your traction when driving on snow or ice. Remember “Ice and snow, take it slow.” Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if possible.
  • Put extra space between you and other drivers. Increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.

Snowplows are a common sight on roads and highways during and after a winter storm. They travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself driving behind a plow, keep your distance. Don’t crowd the plow.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Prepare as if a roadside emergency will happen to you. Pack a roadside emergency kit that includes the items you need to handle travel delays like a flat tire and more serious roadside emergencies. A kit should include:

  1. Food and water
  2. Emergency lighting (e.g., flashlight or headlamp) and batteries
  3. Car and portable chargers for your cellphone
  4. First-aid supplies
  5. Warm clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags
  6. Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
  7. Jumper cables and safety glasses
  8. Emergency hammer and seat belt cutter
  9. Road flares
  10. An ice scraper, folding shovel, and brush

Go beyond the basics by including these items in your roadside emergency kit:

  • A portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector
  • A road map or atlas
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Multi-purpose tool

Add other supplies based on your personal needs.

What to do If You’re Stranded

Winter storms can leave you stranded. Last year, a snowstorm trapped motorists in their vehicles on Interstate 95 for more than a day. (4) If you become stalled in or stranded by winter weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.

  • Stay with your vehicle.
  • Make yourself visible to rescuers:
    • Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
    • Tie a bright-colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
    • Raise the hood of your car if it’s not snowing.
  • Wrap your entire body, including your head (without obstructing your breathing), in layers of clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to prevent hypothermia. Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) is a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
  • Run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Open a window slightly to let fresh air in and avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent CO poisoning.

Learn more about staying safe before and after a winter storm.

Resources

References

  1. https://policyadvice.net/insurance/insights/winter-driving-statistics/
  2. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm
  3. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm
  4. https://apnews.com/article/snow-storm-weather-195-virginia-660346cff578c655186ac517fb45f17f

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Resolve to Be Ready, Part II

A calendar with the year 2023 circled in red marker.

January is the time many of us make resolutions for the new year. Sometimes resolutions feel too big and long drawn out. As a result, our motivation to see them through can peter out before the end of the year.

Last year, we suggested 12 micro-resolutions to help you prepare your health for emergencies. Here are a dozen more ways to resolve to be ready this year.

January

Be prepared to prevent data loss. Data loss happens more often than you might think.

This month’s micro-resolution is to back up your important files. These include medical records, financial documents, family photos, and emails. Save at least one extra copy of your files to an external storage device or the cloud. This ensures you can still access the information if the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed.

February

February is National Canned Food Month. Canned goods are an emergency preparedness staple. And for good reason. They are reasonably affordable, require little to no preparation, and have a long shelf life.

As often as people buy and cook with canned goods, some can find food labels confusing. This month’s micro-resolution is to improve your food label literacy. One way to do that is to get the FoodKeeper app to help you maximize the freshness and quality of the items in your emergency food supply.

March

Severe weather, including tornadoes, can happen at any time of year. They are, however, more likely to happen in most places during the spring months(1)

This month’s micro-resolution is to take a SKYWARN® Storm Spotter Program class. You’ll learn:

  • Basics of thunderstorm development
  • Fundamentals of storm structure
  • Identifying potential severe weather features
  • Information to report
  • How to report information
  • Basic severe weather safety

Classes are free and open to the public.

Storm spotters are volunteers. They help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service.

April

April is National Financial Literacy Month.

Developing a habit of putting money aside—even if it is a small amount—is the easiest way to develop an emergency fund and build financial resiliency. Without savings, the financial shock of an emergency could affect you, your family, and your community.

This month’s micro-resolution is to download and fill out the “Your Disaster Checklist” (available in multiple languages). Use it to help you keep track of account numbers, valuables, medical information, and more.

May

May 5 is World Hand Hygiene Day. Effective handwashing is a practical skill that you can easily learn, teach to others, and use every day to help prevent the spread of illness and disease.

This month’s micro-resolution is for parents and caretakers. Teach the children in your care when and how to wash their hands.

June

June is Pet Preparedness Month. It’s also the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. What better time of year to practice evacuating with your pet:

  • Train your pets to get in and stay in their carriers by making it a comfortable place.
  • Take your pets for rides in a car like one you would evacuate in.
  • Know where your pet might hide when stressed or scared. Practice catching your pet, if needed.

Have your entire family practice evacuating with your pets so everyone knows what to take, where to find the pets, and where to meet.

July

Most locations in the contiguous United States will experience their hottest day of the year between July 15-31.(2) Hot weather—regardless of when it happens and how long it lasts—can cause heat-related illness.

This month’s micro-resolution is to learn the symptoms of heat-related illness what to do if someone shows signs of heat stroke, exhaustion, or cramps.

August

August 20 is National Radio Day. Radio is one of many ways you can stay informed before, during, and after an emergency. Other ways include local television, social media, and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).

WEAs look like text messages. They are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice. This month’s micro-resolution is to check the settings on your mobile device to make sure you are receiving WEAs.

September

September is not just National Preparedness Month. It is also National Self-Care Awareness Month. Emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters, can cause increased stress. You and others might feel fear, anxiety, and other strong emotions. It’s important to take care of your family and friends, but it should be balanced with care for yourself.

This month’s micro-resolution is to find one small way each day to care for yourself. Yours might include:

  • connecting with friends and family. Talking with people you trust about your feelings and concerns can relieve stress.
  • showing kindness to others. According to researchers, helping others release hormones that boost your mood and wellbeing
  • practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises. Relaxation techniques can help slow your breathing, lower blood pressure, and reduce muscle tension and stress.

October

October is Health Literacy Month. People need information they can find, understand, and use to make the best decisions for their health every day. The same is true during an emergency when there’s usually an increase in the amount of information and speed at which it comes out.

One thing you can do to improve your health literacy is to ask questions of healthcare professionals. For example, your pharmacist is trained to help you manage and improve your health every day. They can give you patient-centered answers to questions on many topics, including emergency preparedness. Ask your pharmacist these questions the next time you visit the pharmacy.

November

Winter is coming. It may arrive in some parts of the country before the month end.

This month’s micro-resolution is to prepare your car for winter. Now is a good time to equip your vehicle with a roadside emergency kit. Winterize your ride with the following items:

  • Food and water
  • Ice scraper and a folding shovel
  • A flashlight and batteries
  • Car and portable chargers for your cellphone
  • First-aid supplies
  • Winter clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags
  • Road flares
  • Jumper cables

December

December is Hi Neighbor Month. Neighbors can be an important source of assistance in the hours, days, and weeks after an emergency. Because they live close—maybe even next door—neighbors might be your first and best option for help after a tornado or during a power outage.

This month’s micro-resolution is to find a way to get involved with your neighbors. Ways to get involved include

  • offering to help your neighbors, especially people who are older, live alone or with a disability, or rely on electricity-dependent equipment, prepare for emergencies.
  • involving trusted neighbors in your emergency action planning.
  • joining an organization active in disaster, such as your local Medical Reserve Corps Unit or Community Emergency Response Team.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/
  2. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/featured-images/if-things-go-%E2%80%9Cnormal%E2%80%9D-most-us-locations-will-have-their-hottest-day

 

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

In Case You Missed It: Favorite Blog Posts of 2022

Decorative image that says "2022"

Late December is a good time to reflect on the happenings of the past 12 months.

The Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) published 26 posts to the Public Health Matters blog in 2022. The posts explored various topics related to personal and public health preparedness. All were written with the intention of helping readers build individual resilience to emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters.

Here are some of our favorites.

10 Questions to Ask Your Pharmacist

A pharmacist talking with a customer.

Pharmacists are trained to help you manage and improve your health every day. They can give you patient-centered answers to questions on many topics, including emergency preparedness.

This post suggests 10 questions you might ask your pharmacist. Some questions you might ask your pharmacist include

  • How do I prepare an emergency supply of medicines?
  • How do I keep medicines cold during a power outage?
  • How do I safely dispose of expired, unwanted, unused, or damaged prescription medicines?

The answers to these and other questions can help you prepare for emergencies.

Prep Your Health with Advance Care Planning

Someone completing an organ donor registration form.Preparedness isn’t a prediction of the future. There’s no guarantee that you’ll need advance care planning. You may never need others to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Advanced directives, including living wills, are legal documents that go into effect only if you are incapacitated and unable to speak for yourself. They relieve family members from wondering if they “did the right thing” on your behalf.

This post suggests ways you can plan for personal health emergencies that can leave you incapable of making decisions for yourself.

Good Cents: Prep Your Finances for Emergencies

A couple discussing their finances.Emergencies—especially when multiple occur at the same time—can test your ability to financially respond and recover.

The financial shock of an emergency—however minor—can affect you, your family, and your community. Research suggests that people who struggle to recover from a financial shock have less savings to help protect against a future emergency. They may rely on credit cards or loans, which can lead to debt. They may also pull from other savings, like retirement funds, to cover these costs.

This post suggests ways you can financially prepare for emergencies. A no-cost way to do that is to use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s “Your Disaster Checklist” to help you keep track of account numbers, valuables, and more.

Arizona Creates ASL Glossary of Emergency Management Terms

A sign language interpreter at a press conference.People who are Deaf and hard of hearing can struggle to access information in their daily lives, to say nothing of the difficulties they can face during an emergency.

This post highlights the work done by the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Arizona Department of Health Services to improve access to information during emergencies. They created an American Sign Language (ASL) glossary of emergency management terms. The glossary is used by the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community and certified ASL interpreters to communicate emergency information during a disaster.

3 Ways to Improve Your Food Label Literacy

A person pushing a grocery cart down an aisle.Canned goods are an emergency preparedness staple. And for good reason. They are reasonably affordable, require little to no preparation, and have a long shelf life.

This post suggests ways you can improve your food label literacy. Knowing how to read food labels is a practical skill that can help you avoid food allergens, reduce sodium and sugar in your diet, reduce food waste, and better manage your emergency food supply.

 

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Alzheimer’s & Public Health Emergencies

A caregiver talking to and consoling an older adult.

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and is a progressive disease that begins with mild memory loss and possibly the loss of the ability to carry a conversation and respond to the environment. It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, reasoning, and language.(1)

People living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias can face unique challenges during emergencies. These challenges can put them at increased risk for injury and wandering. Planning ahead is important.(2)

Gather Supplies

Emergencies can leave caregivers and those they care for without access to important supplies. Caregivers can take steps and precautions to prepare for an emergency by gathering supplies. Consider the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s and store supplies in a watertight container(3). Some items to consider include:

  • Incontinence undergarments, wipes, and lotions
  • Pillow, toy, or something the person can hold on to
  • Favorite snacks and high-nutrient drinks
  • Important contact info for doctors
  • Copies of important paperwork
  • Recent photos of the person you are caring for

Having an emergency kit with essential supplies can help caregivers be ready in an emergency. Make sure that those helping you take care of the person with Alzheimer’s know where to find the emergency supplies and how to respond to an emergency.

Build a Support Network

Currently, many people living with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for at home by family members.(1) Caregiving takes a network of family, friends, and doctors who are willing to help in case of emergencies. To build your support network you can do the following(3,4):

  • Identify specific neighbors or nearby family and friends who would be willing to help in a crisis.
  • Make a plan of action with them should the person with Alzheimer’s be unattended during a crisis.
  • Tell neighbors about the person’s specific disabilities, including the inability to follow complex instructions, memory loss, impaired judgment, disorientation, and confusion.
  • Give examples of simple one-step instructions that the person may be able to follow
  • Choose a contact person who will check on you during a disaster and decide how you will communicate with each other (for instance, by telephone or knocking on doors).
  • Create a list of contact information for family members and friends. Leave a copy by your phone(s) and include one with your emergency supplies.

Support networks can help caregivers have a plan in case they are not able to assist the person in their care. Having these relationships among family, friends, and doctors can ease the burden of worry in case of an emergency.

Prepare for Wandering

Alzheimer’s disease can make it hard for a person to recognize familiar places and faces and can lead to wandering or becoming lost or confused about where they are.(5)

Emergencies can lead to a change in routine when a person must evacuate to a safer place. Trying to keep their routines and reassuring them they are safe can help during an emergency and keep them from wandering.(6)

It is important to stay with a person with Alzheimer’s during an emergency, but separation can still happen. Here are some tips to help you prevent wandering during an emergency or evacuation:(7)

  • Make sure the person with Alzheimer’s wears an ID bracelet or is enrolled in the MedicAlert Wandering Support Program.
  • Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
  • If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
  • When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
  • When appropriate, share the diagnosis with others, such as hotel or shelter staff, family members, and airline attendants, so they can better assist.
  • Try to stay together or with a group; it only takes a moment to get lost. Do not leave the person living with dementia alone.
  • Do your best to remain calm, as this may help reduce anxiety or confusion.

Have your network of friends, family members, and doctors know the plan in case of an emergency and you are unreachable. These tips can help you prepare yourself and the person in your care for disasters and changes in routine.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm
  2. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/6-tips-how-older-adults-can-prepare-disaster
  3. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/disaster-preparedness-alzheimers-caregivers
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/emergency-preparedness/creating-plan/index.html
  5. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
  6. https://www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com/learn/prevent-wandering/five-triggers/
  7. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/in-a-disaster

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

10 Ways to Show Kindness During Emergencies

Two people holding hands across a table.

November 13 is World Kindness Day

Kindness is good for you. According to researchers, helping others release hormones that boost your mood and wellbeing.(1, 2)

Kindness is most beneficial to you and others when it’s made part of your routine. Acts of kindness take on increased meaning during an emergency when people need care, concern, and consideration.

Here are 10 ways you can show kindness to yourself and others before, during, and after an emergency.

  1. Join someone’s personal support network. A personal support network is a group of people who volunteer to help a family member, friend, neighbor, etc. living with an impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction that can affect their ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
  2. Care for yourself in at least one small way each day. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. It’s important to take care of your family and friends, but it should be balanced with care for yourself. Self-care during an emergency will help your long-term healing.
  3. Volunteer responsibly. Don’t self-deploy to disaster areas. Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed. By working with an established non-profit organization, the appropriate safety, training, and skills can be considered. Recovery lasts longer than media attention. There will be volunteer needs for many months, often many years, after the disaster. Your help often is needed long after a disaster.(3)
  4. Donate wisely. A financial contribution to a recognized volunteer organization active in disaster is the most effective donation you can make to support survivors. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts, and try to purchase through local businesses.(3)
  5. Shop responsibly during emergencies. Buy what your family needs and leave some for others. Do not buy more supplies than you need to prepare for or in response to an emergency.
  6. Be a helper to others in need. Help friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc. prepare for and respond to emergencies. For example, you can offer to help them
  7. Feed your neighbors. Stock (or start) a little free pantry, donation bin, or community fridge to help meet the personal needs of others. Personal needs are the things you will need to keep your family healthy, safe, calm, and comfortable during an emergency. They include safe food and water, personal hygiene items, diapers, and other necessities.
  8. Listen with compassion. Call, text, or email family and friends to ask how they are doing during an emergency. If someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feels like they want to harm themselves or others, call 911. People can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 (TTY 1-800-846-8517).
  9. Give a caregiver a break. Respite care is provided by family, friends, a nonprofit group, or a government agency. Respite care affords caregivers time off from their caregiving Short breaks can help caregivers maintain their health. Research shows that even a few hours of respite a week can improve a caregiver’s well-being.(4)
  10. Learn a new practical skill and share what you’ve learned with others. Practical skills are self-help and life-saving skills and lessons that can help you protect your and others’ health in an emergency. Most do not require special certification or formal training to perform, but you do need education. Examples of practical skills include learning how to make water safe in an emergency, how to wash your hands, and how to use a portable generator safely during a power outage.

Make a habit of showing kindness to yourself and others in at least one small way each day. There are many ways to do that, including many that are simple and free. Find ways that work for you.

Resources

References

  1. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-art-of-kindness
  2. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/science-of-kindness.html
  3. https://www.fema.gov/assistance/volunteer-donate
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/caring-for-yourself.html

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Improve Health Literacy Before an Emergency

A worried looking older woman stares at a laptop computer.

October is Health Literacy Month

Getting the right person to deliver the right message at the right time saves lives, but only if the audience can make sense of the message.

People need information they can find, understand, and use to make the best decisions for their health every day. The same is true before and during an emergency when there’s an increase in the amount of information and speed at which it comes out.

Health literacy is all about finding, understanding, and using information and making information findable, understandable, and usable. Health literacy is important to effectively prepare for and safely respond to an emergency like a natural disaster.

Two Parts to Health Literacy

The definition of health literacy was updated in August 2020 to acknowledge health literacy as the shared responsibility of individuals and organizations.

Organizational health literacy is the degree to which organizations equitably help people find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

Personal health literacy is the degree to which people have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.

Health Literacy in an Emergency

Taking care of our health is part of everyday life, not just when we visit a doctor, emergency department, or hospital.

Health literacy can help you prepare your health for an emergency and stay healthy during an emergency. For example, health literacy can affect your ability to

Many different factors can affect a person’s health literacy. Often people face multiple challenges that can make it difficult or even impossible for them to find, understand, and use information to make decisions. These challenges can include cultural differences, physical or mental disabilities, and unfamiliarity with emergency response terms.(1)

The term “social distancing” is one that confused people, who—up until the COVID-19 pandemic—had little or no experience with disease outbreaks. CDC responded by taking a plain language approach. Instead of asking people to “social distance” themselves from others, CDC said to “stay 6 feet away from others.”

Plain language is not “dumbing down” information or changing the meaning of a message. It’s about creating communication people can understand the first time they read it or hear it.

Bring Down Barriers to Health Literacy

Health literacy is the shared responsibility of the whole community. Businesses, schools, community leaders, government agencies, health insurers, healthcare providers, the media, and many other organizations and individuals all have a part to play in improving health literacy. Some of the ways we can do that include the following:

  • Work with health educators and other preparedness partners to familiarize people with health information and services and build their health literacy skills over time.
  • Consult with trusted messengers, including community, cultural, and faith leaders, to better understand your audience (e.g., cultural and linguistic norms, environment, and history) and to recruit members of your intended audience who can help you develop your messages or test them.
  • Work with trusted messengers to share your messages.
  • Use certified translators and interpreters who can adapt to your intended audience’s language preferences, communication expectations, and health literacy skills.
  • Practice clear communication strategies and techniques (e.g., follow plain language guidelines and define new and unfamiliar terms and acronyms).
  • Translate messages into multiple languages, including American Sign Language. Publish messages in alternate formats like braille, large print, and simplified text.(2, 3)

Improving health literacy requires many sectors and organizations to work together to make health information, resources, and services accessible to everyone.

Be About It

Everyone is responsible for improving health literacy. Here are some ways health, including crisis and emergency risk communicators, can “be about” improving health literacy.

Visit the Non-CDC Training webpage for more training materials on health literacy, plain language, cultural competency, consumer-patient skill building, and shared decision-making.

References

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/healthliteracy.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/shareinteract/TellOthers.html
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/Understanding.html

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Parents & Teachers: Helping Children Cope with Emergencies

Kids stand in line waiting to board a school bus.

Public health emergencies affect millions of children worldwide each year. These emergencies include natural and man-made disasters.

It is difficult to predict how some children will respond to emergencies or the trauma of losing their homes or being separated from school, family, and friends. These events can cause stress and anxiety in children.

Because parents, teachers, and other adults see children in different situations, they should share information about how each child is coping after a traumatic event. Children may have strong emotions right away, or they may not show signs of difficulty until much later. Knowing how to help children cope after an emergency can help them heal and feel safe and healthy again.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Children react to what they see from the adults around them. Getting upset or anxious during an emergency is common. When parents and caregivers manage these emotions and deal with a disaster calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. The common reactions to distress will fade over time for most children. These include

  • Infants to 2 years of age
    • Infants may become crankier. They may cry more than usual or want to be held and cuddled more.
  • 3 to 6 years of age
    • Preschool- and kindergarten-age children may return to behaviors they have outgrown such as toileting accidents, bed-wetting, or being frightened when separated from their parents/caregivers.
    • They may also have tantrums or a hard time sleeping.
  • 7 to 10 years of age
    • Older children may feel sad, mad, or afraid the event will happen again.
    • Peers may share false information; however, parents or caregivers can correct the misinformation.
    • Older children may focus on the details of the event and want to talk about it all the time or not want to talk about it at all. They may have trouble concentrating.
  • Preteens and teenagers
    • Some preteens and teenagers respond to trauma by acting out. This could include reckless driving and alcohol or drug use.
    • Others may become afraid to leave the home. They may cut back on time spent with friends. They can feel overwhelmed by their intense emotions and feel unable to talk about them. Their emotions may lead to increased arguing and even fighting with siblings and parents/caregivers or other adults.
  • Children and adults with special needs (of any age)
    • Children and adults with special needs may need extra words of reassurance, more explanations about the event, and more comfort and assistance.
    • Children and adults with physical, emotional, or intellectual limitations may have stronger reactions to a threatened or actual disaster. They might have more intense distress, worry, or anger than children and adults without special needs because they have less control over their day-to-day well-being than other people.

If children continue to be very upset, or if their reactions impact their schoolwork or relationships, parents may want to talk to a professional or have their children talk to someone who specializes in children’s emotional needs.

Tips for Teachers

As a teacher, you help to keep schools safe and support children and their families. If your students experience an emergency or disaster, there are steps you can take to help them cope and recover.

Children react to what they see from the adults around them. Getting upset or anxious during an emergency is common. When teachers manage these emotions and deal with a disaster calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their students.

To help students cope and continue to support their recovery from a disaster,

  • Talk to students about what happened in a way they can understand. Keep it simple and appropriate for their age. (Learn more about common reactions by age range.)
  • Provide students with opportunities to talk about what they went through or what they think about it. Encourage them to share concerns and ask questions.
  • Children who were directly exposed to a disaster can become upset again. Behavior changes resulting from the event may last a long time and can worsen or return if these children see or hear reminders of what happened. Be aware this could happen and know what resources are available at your school for children and families, should you need to report your concerns.

After a disaster, you may also struggle with severe post-traumatic symptoms and personal losses. This might make you hesitant to engage in any kind of post-disaster discussions with children. In this case, you should take care of yourself first and seek help from a professional.

Call or text the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Hotline at 1-800-985-5990. People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990. Seek other trusted adults to connect with children during the emergency.

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

#PrepYourHealth with Vaccines

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August is National Immunization Month.

Over the years, vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and saved millions of lives. Vaccines are important to helping people stay healthy and protected from serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

Staying up to date on recommended immunizations can help keep you healthy in response to emergencies, including disease outbreaks and natural disasters.

Immunization Recommendations for Responders

Vaccination is an important step every first responder should take to prepare for a response. Some vaccine-preventable diseases are more common after a disaster.

Being up to date on tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines is important for everyone, including emergency responders.

Tetanus is a potential health threat if you sustain wound injuries. Being up to date on tetanus vaccination is the best tool to prevent infection, along with immediate and good wound care.(1)

Everyone aged less than 60 years are recommended to be up to date on Hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccination is also recommended if you are expected to have exposure to blood or blood-contaminated bodily fluids.(2)

People in certain response jobs and travel situations may be exposed to dangerous or deadly diseases that are uncommon in the U.S. Emergency responders should check Traveler’s Health for current vaccine recommendations before they deploy outside of the country. They may include anthrax, cholera, typhoid, rabies, and yellow fever.

Immunization Recommendations for All Individuals

People need different vaccinations depending on their age, location, job, lifestyle, travel schedule, health conditions, or previous vaccinations.

Everyone needs immunizations to help them prevent getting and spreading serious diseases to their loved ones or others in their community.

  • Everyone 6 months and older needs the seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and older adults.
  • Every adult should get a Tdap vaccine once if they did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough). They should get a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) or Tdap booster shot every 10 years. Women should get the Tdap vaccine each time they are pregnant, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks.(3)

CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible.(4)

Vaccines help protect you from getting sick or severely ill. Vaccines like those for seasonal flu and COVID-19 are especially important if your emergency action plan is to go to a shelter in an evacuation.

Evacuations for hurricanes and wildfires can force people into emergency shelters, where close quarters, shared spaces, and high-touch surfaces can make it easy for illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu, to spread.

Stay Informed About Staying Up to Date

Immunizations are not just for children. Protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Adults may also be at risk for vaccine-preventable disease due to age, job, lifestyle, travel, or health conditions.

It’s important that everyone stay up to date on their immunizations so that they are protected when a disaster strikes. You are up to date with when you have received all doses in the primary series of a vaccine and all boosters recommended for you.

Here are three ways you can stay informed of how well you’re staying up to date on recommended vaccines.

  • Take this quiz to find out what other vaccines may be recommended for you. Talk with your healthcare provider to make sure you get the vaccines that are right for you.
  • Download or print copies of age-appropriate vaccination schedules to help you stay informed of when you or a loved one is due for a vaccine or booster. Take with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
  • Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or vaccination provider for a vaccination record form or download one. Keep it with your other important paperwork. Take the form with you to health visits. Ask your vaccination provider to sign and date the form for each vaccine you receive.(5)

Staying up to date can help keep you, your loved ones, and your community safe. Learn more ways to prepare your health for emergencies.

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/prevention.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7113a1.htm?s_cid=mm7113a1_w
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/vaccination-records.html#record-vacc

Resources

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.