Author's note: This column is intended for educational purposes only. It aims to highlight gaps in health knowledge, provide support and empower organizations to guide their members in creating effective health and wellness programs.

When an emergency threatens a community, evacuation is often discussed in terms of roads, shelters and getting people out of harm’s way. But evacuation is also a major public-health intervention. Moving people away from danger can save lives, yet an evacuation that ignores health needs can create new risks for children, the disabled, the elderly or those dependent on medication needing refrigeration or medical equipment needing power, as well as those who lack reliable transportation. Remember Katrina?

By its nature, an “emergency” can mean anything that can take place in a moment in time. Not all emergencies are hurricanes that come with a week’s notice. It can be man-made or a natural disaster. This is an opportunity for the faith community to lead and support those within its membership, as well as those in local neighborhoods. A phone tree, for example, is a vital service churches and parishes can develop to notify and assist those in need. Developing a health and wellness ministry before an emergency helps individuals and families prepare for the inevitable.

The first principle should be: An evacuation order is a health order.

In the event of a local disaster or emergency, local officials may determine your community is unsafe and instruct you on how and when to evacuate. You may have a day or two to prepare, or only minutes. It is important to know that in some emergencies, evacuation is not the safest response (as in chemical incidents or shootings where it may be safer to shelter in place). Rely on official emergency alerts and instructions rather than social-media rumors.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN EVACUATION

Health preparation should begin before an emergency occurs. The CDC and other government agencies have preparedness checklists. Your church or parish should also have these materials available. Be prepared to be away from home for an unknown number of hours or days.

1. Assemble up-to-date information for every member of your household, including ages and current health needs. Keep this information in an easy-to-access notebook. Include important contact numbers for family, healthcare providers, pharmacy, insurance, veterinarian and other critical family data and documents.
2. Know how to reach each person evacuating with you at any given time.
3. Keep your vehicle in good working condition and with a full gas tank. Store a vehicle emergency kit. Know your local evacuation routes and different ways in and out of your neighborhood in case roads are closed.
4. Have a plan for your pets. If you take them with you, bring food, water and health records. Do not leave your pets unattended. Decide on a plan for your farm animals for safety, food and water.
5. Develop health and safety interventions for infants, small children, the elderly, disabled, sick or injured individuals. Transportation is another health issue if household members have mobility limitations. Do you have space for everyone and a wheelchair or other needed devices?
6. Pack a go-bag for each member of your household based on age and health needs.
7. Include healthy foods and water.
8. Have cash available but divided; do not carry all your cash in one place.
9. Shelters may need to be viewed as part of the healthcare safety net. Evacuees may have chronic medical conditions, emotional distress, dietary restrictions or other needs that cannot be met on the road. Shelters will need to know each individual's specific health needs.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS DURING AN EVACUATION

During an evacuation, prioritize immediate safety while reducing exposure to injury or illness from chemical spills, smoke, high water, downed power lines or trees, or extreme temperatures. An emergency radio will keep you informed of changing conditions and travel advisories.

• Follow official evacuation instructions and timeline. Stay informed. Use designated evacuation routes and head to your predetermined safe location. Be prepared to divert from your chosen route due to road closures from high water, downed wires, chemical fumes, visible smoke or other hazards.

• Top off your fuel tank, if possible.
• Take everyone’s go-bag, including pets, food, water and cash.
• Be prepared for weather and temperature changes and dress accordingly. Storms are no time for flip-flops. Everyone should have protective shoes and a long-sleeved top available.
• Maintain hygiene with hand sanitizer before eating and after bathroom breaks. Keep an active first-aid kit available. Monitor for stress.

AFTER EVACUATION HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Public health also focuses on protecting the community following an evacuation. Crowded shelters can increase the spread of infectious diseases, while disrupted sleep, limited access to fresh water, sanitation, food or medication shortages, and a lack of medical services can create additional health issues. Returning home has its own set of health and safety issues, with disruptions similar to shelters, including disrupted community services, infrastructure issues, lack of fresh food, stress and physical safety concerns that will affect health and wellness.

The lesson is clear: Preparedness is preventative healthcare.

Dr. Cheryl Christy is a Baldwin County resident and registered nurse with nearly 30 years of experience. She holds master's degrees in nursing education and nursing practice and a doctorate in nursing practice. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Pi Chapter, a certified lay counselor and the author of "Voices for Healthcare," a health care blog.

Read her previous column titled "Why food safety is important for health" on www.GulfCoastMedia.com. Her blog can be found at https://substack.com/@dnprn.