Springfield’s First Aid Squad Members Share Hurricane Tips

Springfield First Aid Squad Captain Apu Mullick reminds residents that in addition to checking on food, water, flashlights, and medications they might take everyday, etc., we would remind residents to check on the medical devices as well. 

He said that many residents may need in-home oxygen that uses electricity to separate oxygen from the air and probably also have cylinders of compressed gas for emergencies. Those residents should make sure those tanks are full, that all of the pieces needed to use the tanks are available and working, and that the patients and their families know how to use them.

“About a month ago, a resident called with difficulty breathing in the middle of the night,” Mullick said. “Two police officers, a fire engine, an ambulance and a paramedic unit rushed to his home.  We took a 10¢ rubber washer from our oxygen bottle, put it on his and left him in good health.  Not a problem on a clear night. It could be a problem in the middle of a hurricane.”

Mullick recommended the Ready.gov website which has a lot of good information including what should be in a emergency supply kit and a "go bag" in case you need to evacuate.  He said that one of the most important items is a list of contact people—including a friend or family member out of the area that can relay information between family that are having a hard time communicating within the disaster area.

In addition to being prepared ahead of time, Mulick said staying on top of unfolding events while the storm is happening is critical.

“Finally, please remind readers to stay tuned to local TV & radio, the Patch website, etc,” Mullick said in an email.  “There may be calm periods during the storm.  That is not the time to go outside and then get caught in the next severe band of weather.  By keeping informed of the storms progress, they will know when it is truly safe to go outside again.”

Mullick’s fellow FAS member Brett Beibelberg urged residents to get their shopping done ahead of time. If they need to run errands or make trips, he said they should try to do them before Saturday and Sunday. 

"Avoid the risk of involving yourself in a motor vehicle accident,” Beibelberg said. "Roads prone to flooding may be impassible even with other cars off the road."

He added that if residents do need to be out on the road, they should use caution. As water covering a road may be deeper and moving faster than it appears. 

“The National Weather Service uses the phrase ‘turn around, don't drown,’” Beibelberg noted.