With PF, preparing for a flash flood emergency is critical

Some truly horrific events have occurred in recent weeks. The flash flooding that began in the early hours of July 4 along the Guadalupe River in Texas has claimed 134 lives as of this writing, with dozens more still missing or unaccounted for. Emergency situations are dangerous, but even more so for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community.

When I was diagnosed with idiopathic PF in January 2017, I was warned about several daily activities that present a risk to PF patients. Even after my bilateral lung transplant in July 2021, some of those activities remain a risk.

After my diagnosis, one of the questions my care team asked was whether I did any gardening. Any activities that involve moving or turning dirt were added to my “do not do this” list, as agricultural activity can increase the risk of respiratory illness.

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In the weeks since the Texas floods, I’ve noticed an increased number of flash flood watches and warnings. This type of natural disaster tends to move large amounts of soil and debris along the water’s path. The soil may contain not only the normal bacteria found in dirt, but also numerous other types of bacteria collected from sources the water came into contact with.

Floodwaters can also pick up traces of pesticides, petroleum products, and sewage. It is important for members of the PF community to have a plan before they need one.

Are you prepared for a flash flood emergency?

Flash floods, as the name implies, come on very quickly. If you live in an area prone to them, how prepared are you? If you don’t have a plan, consider these questions to start:

• Where is the higher ground or a safe space?
• Can you take your oxygen concentrator and tanks with you?
• What medications do you have on hand, and how are they stored?
• Do you have access to a list of your medications?
• Do you have contact information for your care team, pharmacy, oxygen supplier, and insurance agent?
• What happens after the water recedes?

Where I live, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) has preparedness information for all types of emergency situations, including floods. Find the government agency in your locality that is responsible for emergency operations to identify resources that may be available to you. VDEM provides guidance to identify evacuation routes as well as steps to take during an emergency.

Another good source of information that is often overlooked is your insurance agent. Ask them what resources they have to help you prepare for an emergency. My insurance provider has an app, which I have on my iPhone, that allows me to keep all of my insurance contacts and policy information in one place. I can also initiate a claim from my phone.

At home, I keep all of my medications in a plastic bin, which is convenient if I have to leave in an emergency. I also keep a list of my medications in the files section of my iPhone. I update that list every time a medication is changed or a dosage is adjusted.

My care team uses MyChart to log my medical history, visit summaries, medications, and their contact information. I can also access MyChart on my iPhone. If you are prescribed supplemental oxygen, what can you carry with you? Is the contact information for your oxygen supplier in your medical records?

After the water recedes, how do you recover? As a PF patient, you shouldn’t be the one working to clean up the mess, especially if you have flood damage inside your home. Does your insurance plan cover floods? I know that the illnesses I could pick up from dealing with the mud left behind after a flood present too great a risk for me. It’s not just the bacteria but the other harmful materials I mentioned above that create a hazard for me.

I hope this column makes you think about how prepared you are for an emergency. It’s not a pleasant thought, but planning ahead can be the difference between life and death. Being prepared and helping you prepare is how I can make every breath count.

Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.