This year’s Hurricane season has been one for the record books. Those with chronic health conditions, including lung disease, may look at the news and wonder what they can do to maintain health and stay safe during times of natural disaster. The American Lung Association even put out guidelines ahead of Hurricane Milton, as almost half a million people in the Tampa Bay area live with conditions like asthma, COPD, and other forms of lung disease. Steven Riddle, Executive Director of the Tampa division of the American Lung Association, announced, “People who rely on supplemental oxygen are extremely vulnerable during a power outage, which is why we recommend securing a backup power source.”
Even healthy people may be subject to allergens and pollution associated with floodwaters, high winds that spread debris, and mold growth following flooding. Staying safe includes preparing ahead of time, following instructions from local authorities during a natural disaster, and exerting caution during clean-up.
Be Prepared Ahead of Time
The best way to stay ahead of natural disasters is to prepare. Individuals with chronic conditions should work with their physicians to ensure that they have a backstock of medications, an emergency plan in place if they feel short of breath, and an understanding of when to seek professional help and head to the hospital. For example, an individual with asthma may work with their physician to understand how often they could use their nebulizer or inhalers before taking the risk of traveling to an emergency room. The American Lung Association even provides an online lung emergency travel pack list.
Individuals who use oxygen may need to take additional precautions to ensure they have backup cylinders if required. They can also call their electric company ahead of time to let them know they use electricity to power life-saving medical equipment. This may increase the chance that the electric company will work to restore power to their home more quickly.
Deciding whether you would stay put or seek shelter is also important. Not all shelters will take individuals with an oxygen tank, so you may need to determine special care centers in your area and ask what they need to be provided ahead of time, i.e., a doctor’s note, etc. These centers can help provide transportation to evacuation centers. Some individuals may need to evacuate directly to a hospital during a hurricane due to very complex medical needs; this plan and formal letter from your physician must be established well ahead of time to ensure a smooth evacuation.
During a Storm
During a hurricane, try to stay as calm as possible. Stress increases the risk of shallow breathing and can often make conditions like asthma worse. Utilize your emergency plan if needed, and watch the news closely. If you lose power, do not use scented candles, as they can irritate the lungs, and never use generators, portable stoves, etc., in your home, as they can cause carbon dioxide poisoning.
Individuals should follow basic hurricane safety tips, including staying in an interior room protected from high winds, keeping away from windows and doors, and moving to high ground during flooding. Those in evacuation zones should take warnings seriously and always evacuate if possible.
After the Storm
Many individuals don’t realize that the dangers continue well after a storm, especially during clean-up. People get sick from food that expires in the refrigerator after losing power, mold that quickly grows on anything wet, and debris outside. Following local instructions on remaining inside is critical, as flooding may still pose a risk, and bridges and roads may be weakened from structural damage.
When cleaning up, toss any old food (refrigerators typically hold an appropriately cold temperature for only about four hours after power loss). It’s also essential to wear protective gear and avoid using bleach, which can cause mold to grow more and irritate the lungs. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, mold in flooded areas was double the concentration of mold in non-flooded areas. Even homes further away from the site of impact may still face dangers. Researchers found that water intrusion and mold had occurred through roofs and vent ducts of homes during Hurricane Ida over 100 miles away from coastal regions! If possible, hire professional cleaners, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends hiring help if more than 10 square feet of your home is flooded or if water has been in the building for more than one or two days. Mold in these situations can be very difficult to treat by home cleaning alone.
Maintaining lung health during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, is crucial, especially for those with chronic respiratory conditions. By preparing beforehand—securing medications, understanding emergency protocols, and establishing evacuation plans—you can significantly reduce health risks. During the storm, staying calm and following safety guidelines can help protect your lungs from additional stressors. After the storm, be vigilant about potential hazards like mold and contaminated food. Remember, seeking professional assistance for cleanup can help ensure a safer environment. By taking these proactive steps, you can safeguard your health and well-being during the unpredictable challenges of hurricane season.