For Immediate Release:
January 6, 2009

Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062

New resources available to help Missourians receiving home care services prepare for emergencies

Coping with emergencies and power outages is a challenge for most people, but it becomes even more complicated for vulnerable adults.  The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has released new resources to help people receiving home care services plan for and respond to emergency situations.

Nearly 160,000 Missourians are utilizing in-home care or home healthcare services across the state and during emergencies it could be a challenge for providers to reach everyone in their care.  Without these vital services, these individuals would be forced to move from their homes to other locations during an emergency such as a fire, flood, tornado, power outage or pandemic flu. The state health department is reminding people that preparing now will help decrease their stress later. 

“To assist Missourians receiving in-home and home healthcare services face future emergencies, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services developed new tools to help these people sustain themselves during all types of emergencies,” said Jane Drummond, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

“To reach this important group, Missouri home care providers are receiving a package of Ready in 3 resources. Providers will be asked to encourage their staff to prepare and then share the materials with their clients and help them prepare,” Drummond added. The resources include a checklist, family plan, family safety guide and pandemic influenza community guide that details important information about steps to take to prepare for all kinds of emergencies.

These materials are part of the department’s Ready in 3 emergency preparedness program.  The Ready in 3 initiative reminds Missourians what they can do to prepare for all types of emergencies.  “We can’t predict what will happen, but we can be prepared,” said Drummond.  She said disasters can happen at any time or any place, and Ready in 3 provides three simple steps to prepare for an emergency situation:

1. Create a family plan and individuals receiving home care services should compile personal healthcare information using the Ready in 3 Personal Healthcare Information checklist.    
2. Prepare an emergency kit using the Ready in 3 Family Safety Guide. If an emergency happens, you might not be able to get food or water for days or even weeks, and your electricity may not be working.
3. Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an actual emergency. City, county, and state officials have developed emergency plans. In the event of an actual emergency, it’s important to follow their instructions and advice.

Home care providers and Missourians receiving home care services are urged to order additional materials and tools on-line at www.dhss.mo.gov/Ready_in_3/ or by calling the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at 573-526-4768.

“As more and more individuals choose to remain at home to receive healthcare services, this new Ready in 3 home care resource will help Missourians prepare for an emergency or disaster,” said Mary Schantz, Executive Director of the Missouri Alliance for Home Care.

 “Many of our clients are provided in-home care and would be challenged by an emergency situation.  Our providers and association support the Ready in 3 program and the Department of Health and Senior Services’ efforts through this project,” said Jane Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Missouri Hospice and Palliative Care. 

 “Tens of thousands of Missouri’s citizens rely on in-home services,” said D. Scott Penman, Missouri Council for In-Home Services’ Legislative Consultant.  “The personal safety of these individuals is of the utmost importance and the Missouri Council for In-Home Services is proud to partner with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to better protect this vulnerable population.”

The Ready in 3 program is part of an ongoing effort to improve the state’s preparedness for special needs populations and their ability to respond to emergencies or disasters.  “You can play a very important part in getting yourself, your family and your community ready for emergency situations,” said Drummond.  “By taking the three basic steps in the Ready in 3 program, you will help alleviate stress during emergencies and help the response agencies do their jobs.”