We've recently seen a lot of destruction in coastal TX with Hurricane Ike, what do you do if you are a traveler at a facility that is in the path of a natural disaster?
First off, communicate with your company at the first sign of trouble. If you are working in a coastal facility that is in the projected path of a hurricane, let your company know ASAP. If you are in an area that is prone to disasters that you can't necessarily predict, ask your manager during your phone interview what procedures they have in place in the event of a disaster. Most facilities that bring in travelers for physical and occupational therapy will have a plan to take care of patients and employees alike if something were to happen.
Second, if your facility is being evacuated, be sure you know where patients are being moved. In some cases, you can continue to work temporarily at the new facility until the facility is out of the proverbial woods.
Finally, everyone should have a disaster survival kit at their home. Here are some things to keep in your kit:
- Bottled Water. Make sure you have at least two gallons of clean drinking water. It sounds simple, but this basic necessity is one of the most important things you can have on hand in the event of a natural disaster.
- Flashlights with FRESH batteries. If your power goes out, flashlights are the safest way to light up your home or apartment. Many people keep candles on hand, but these cause a major fire hazard. There's no use adding a house fire to your list of worries.
- First Aid Kit. This should be self-explanatory.
- Non-perishable food items. Make sure you get items that don't require a lot of extra items like milk or butter to cook.
Taking these simple precautions in mind could help you make it through a natural disaster comfortably. When in doubt, one of the best parts of travel therapy jobs is knowing you have a company that can help you plan to make it through a natural disaster safely.
