Summer/Autumn 2008
Volume 11, Number 2
Lions and Tigers and Bears - Oh, My!
When Danger Lurks
By Mary Jenkins, Clinic Administrator
Storms! Floods! Toxic fumes! Fire!
All these emergencies occur weekly in our community. Because emergencies often involve children, Partners in Pediatrics has been working with community agencies to plan for these events. We hope our plans will serve our patients well in the case of a PIP-based emergency—like a fire in a clinic, or in the event of a catastrophic weather event or an epidemic.
Our staff has had education about plans for the clinic in case of emergencies and in ways to prepare for them in their everyday life at home. We strongly urge everyone to create 
some emergency plans that fit their family’s situation.
A very easy first step is to get a weather radio (a NOAA radio) and a flashlight. Most of these radios can be programmed to alert you for weather watches and warnings in your area, alert you at night or when you are not watching or listening to the TV or radio.
A “wind-up” flash light is especially convenient and removes the worry about dead batteries. There are some very nice products that are widely available and reasonably priced. Emergency supplies for seven days are recommended. One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to learn basic first aid and CPR.
Create a family disaster plan—talk to yourfamily about potential dangers. Have a plan in case you are separated. Fill out local emergency phone numbers and child identification cards. Become familiar with the specifics of your child’s day care or school disaster plan. Plan what to do if you have to evacuate. Plan several escape routes. Plan how to care for your pets.
Teach children about disasters without frightening them. Tell them that a disaster is something that can hurt people, or cause damage. Sometimes nature provides too much of a good thing, like too much rain or wind.Children can be taught how to call for help,when to call an emergency number, how to call other family members if separated and to keep identification information with them at all times. For additional resources, here are some useful resources available to families:
A little planning goes a long way in protecting your family in case of an unforeseen natural emergency.
