If you or a loved one have a bleeding, blood clotting or other blood disorder, it’s vital to be prepared for unexpected situations that may disrupt your comfort zone or everyday routine. Right here in Illinois, April through June is considered severe weather season with the threat of tornadoes or thunderstorms at the forefront. Natural disasters can happen with little-to-no notice, so it is crucial to be ready! With that being said: Do you have your disaster preparation kit ready for you and your family?

Families with rare medical conditions should be prepared for emergencies and include both basic needs and medical needs in their planning. BCDI’s staff is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for 365 days of the year in case you are in need, and the BCDI pharmacy has protocols in place to help with emergencies especially if your supply or access to your medication is effected.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

It is vitally important that you always have enough of the medications and supplies you need on hand. Factor needs to be kept at specific temperatures, so be sure to keep your medications cold with coolers and ice packs should your power go out or you need to travel during a crisis. It may be beneficial to keep multiple ice packs in your freezer in case of a quick need. Take your entire factor supply and related supplies with you!

Wear your medical alert jewelry. All BCDI patients have the opportunity to receive a piece of jewelry with their medical diagnosis clearly stated so that if you were to get in a medical emergency, first responders and healthcare workers would know how to help treat you. BCDI provides necklaces or bracelets to patients free of charge, so please call us if you are in need.

Create an emergency kit to have on hand at home for when you need to make a split-second decision if you need to leave. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • a small first aid kit
  • food & water
  • phonecharger
  • portable radio
  • flashlight
  • extra batteries
  • personal toiletries
  • copies of important documents
  • a complete change of clothes

Keep important phone numbers (insurance, family members, HTC, local doctors) with your kit. These small steps can make a HUGE difference in an emergency, so be sure to plan ahead! Preparedness may feel like a lot of work, but it can make a world of difference in a stressful situation. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 309-692-5337!