CrisisID

Disaster Preparations

The United States is subjected to a variety of natural disasters throughout the year. Hurricanes attack the coasts on the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico, earthquakes near the San Andreas and other fault lines, volcanic eruptions, tornadoes ravage the plains, and flood waters inundate the Midwest. No state is immune; they will at some point in time suffer from some form of natural disaster. In addition to natural calamities, our nation is also threatened by disasters caused by people. Whether unintentional, such as blackouts or chemical spills, or devised by foreign or domestic terrorists, these crises have proved to be as devastating as natural disasters.

The number of natural disasters around the world has increased by more than four times in the last 20 years, according to a report released by the British charity Oxfam. Oxfam analyzed data from the Red Cross, United Nations and researchers at Louvain University in Belgium. It found that the earth is currently experiencing approximately 500 natural disasters per year, compared with 120 per year in the early 1980s. The number of weather-related disasters in 2006 was 240, compared with 60 in 1980.

During 2005, 15 tropical storms became hurricanes. For the first time, four major hurricanes made landfall in the United States; three of those reached Category 5 intensity.

On August 29, Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S. Gulf Coast, causing severe damage from a two-story storm surge, powerful winds, and heavy rains. Katrina became the deadliest U.S. hurricane since 1928 and likely the costliest natural disaster on record in the United States.

But it did not end with Katrina. On September 24, recovery activities in the wake of Katrina were interrupted when Hurricane Rita struck the Gulf Coast. Rita rendered more homes uninhabitable and thousands more seeking shelter elsewhere. More than 200,000 persons were displaced by the hurricanes and dispersed to evacuee shelters in 18 states.

During June 2008, days of heavy rain across the state of Iowa sent nine rivers across the state at or above historic flood levels. “We are seeing a historic hydrological event taking place with unprecedented river levels occurring,” said Brian Pierce, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Davenport. “We’re in uncharted territory _ this is an event beyond what anybody could even imagine.” Officials estimated that 100 blocks were underwater in Cedar Rapids, where several days of preparation could not hold back the rain-swollen river.

While natural disasters are more frequent, the human factor is an increasing concern. A disaster’s effects may last months or years, and may affect one city or several nations. One factor common to all disasters is the role of being prepared. So what does this mean for us – we need to do a better job of being prepared. These disasters are not only becoming more frequent but fierce. There are a number of websites sponsored by both private and governmental agencies devoted to being prepared for a variety of disasters. In addition to emergency supplies like water, food, spare batteries and flashlights, all mention the need to have a family communications plan, a list of major documents, and medications. Following Katrina it was estimated that 40% of the 1 million evacuees were taking one or more medications and it become clear that in the midst of the destruction and displacement that they had become perhaps permanently separated from their personal medical records. Eventually every state in the union would house at least some of the Katrina’s evacuees.

KatrinaHealth would be established to attempt to piece together some of the missing pieces of medical records especially medication records. Over 150 public and private organizations would provide data and support for the operation. One of the many lesson learned, “It is critical that we educate people to take responsibility for having up-to-date information on their prescription drug history” said Michael D. Maves, M.D., chief officer and executive vice president of the American Medical Association.

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could collect and have all your important information in one place under your control? CrisisID is that place and offers two solutions.

Being prepared with an organized personal health record (PHR) will offer you and your family greater security and peace of mind year round. You will be better prepared for visits to the ER as well as routine office visits with your primary care provider. With better information care providers can provide better and safer care.

A PHR is an organized system you maintain for documenting you and your family members’ personal information, emergency contacts, insurance information, health conditions, medications, health care providers, medical procedures, medical test results, medical implants, and special needs.  This can initially require some work but in the long run you will be safer, a better patient and more knowledgeable regarding your health needs.

CrisisID offers two basic types of personal health records, one is

1. The first is a free paper document which is a form that is completed on line and can be folded to fit conveniently in one’s wallet, purse or a child’s backpack.
   • Personal Information
     1. Name
     2. Birth Date
     3. Photo ID
   • Contact Information
     1. Emergency Contacts
     2. Primary Care Providers
   • Brief Medical History
   • Past Surgeries
   • Medication History
   • Immunizations
   • Allergies
   • Blood Type
   • Advance Directives
   • Insurance
2. The second system is an electronic personal health records or (ePHR). This system is self entered and is maintained on the CrisisID system of secure servers and offers the following advantages:
   • Anywhere Access – With CrisisID online authorized individuals can access your ePHR any place at any time 24/7
   • Continuous Record Regardless of Change – Your CrisisID ePHR can follow you over a lifetime regardless of changes in physicians, residences, insurance plans
   • One Place Location – With your CrisisID ePHR all of your health information is located in one place for easy availability; it eliminates records from being scattered among your various providers
   • Access Control – With CrisisID you determine who has access to part or all of your ePHR information
   • Electronic Information Exchange – With your CrisisID ePHR you can electronically transfer information to other health care providers and care locations are needed
   • Portability – ePHR health information on CrisisID can be downloaded onto a CD or flash drive or printed as desired. Information can also be accessed from the internet using smart cell phones and PDAs.
   • Sharing – Caregiving is often done over great distances by several family members that need to share information. CrisisID makes it easy to share and keep everyone necessary current.

 In addition to being available worldwide during a medical crisis, there is proof that patients receive better care when they partner with their medical providers. CrisisID also provides an extensive library of medical resources. With CrisisID you are in control of the information that can have the greatest affect on your health. ­ With CrisisID the benefits are many, it lasts a life time, and the cost is low only $1.00 a month.