Nursing Disaster Management
(Scenario) At this moment, you are sitting at home working on your WCU class. Suddenly, the National Weather Bureau sends an alert across your cell phone—a tornado is headed your way. You have 15 minutes before touchdown in your neighborhood. What is your plan? This is a 'shelter in place' scenario, you cannot outrun the tornado. Identify a safe place in your home to take shelter.
b. How prepared are you in the event of a disaster? Describe your level of disaster preparedness using specific examples and references to your "go-bag" and preparedness checklist assignments.
Example: “I am more prepared for a water-related disaster than a fire-related disaster even though I live in a highly secluded, forested area. I have a boat as transportation in the event of flooding, but I do not have rain barrels or fire barrier supplies on hand.”
Example: "There were many missing items on my preparedness checklist. I realized that I do not own a flashlight. If I had to use my phone as a light it would drain the battery very quickly.
c. Reflect on how prepared you were before this class and compare it with how prepared you are now.
Have you acquired any new emergency items?
Do you plan to take any additional trainings or certification courses?
Have you shared your knowledge with friends and family?
Sample Solution
Before this class, I had very little knowledge on what to do in a disaster, how to prepare for one, and what items I should have on hand. My level of preparedness was limited to keeping my phone charged and having an emergency contact list handy. I was aware that disasters like floods, hurricanes, wildfires and tornados could occur, but did not know the best steps to take before or during them.
After taking this course however, I now understand the importance of being prepared for any type of disaster. My understanding has grown vastly; not only does this course provide important information about potential disasters but it also teaches key skills such as making an evacuation plan and packing a go-bag. After completing these assignments, I am much more confident in my ability to respond quickly if a disaster happens near me or my family.
I acquired many new items which can be used in the event of an emergency. Some of these include things like flashlights with extra batteries/chargers, basic first aid supplies (gauzes/bandages), non-perishable food items (energy bars) and bottled water etc.. Additionally I have researched different types of certification courses related to safety management systems such as NFPA compliant fire safety products’ usage training programs provided by organizations such as FEMA. These certifications will enable me to make more informed decisions when preparing for a disaster situation both personally and professionally in terms of providing protection for others around me who may need help or guidance during times like those.
Furthermore, I have shared some useful tips about disaster preparedness with friends and family members by emphasizing the need for creating an evacuation plan beforehand as well as listing down important contacts they should call in case something unexpected were to happen at any point in time . In addition ,we discussed our mutual responsibility towards helping each other out whenever necessary so that we can work together instead of facing tough times alone especially when it comes natural calamities affecting our respective areas .
Overall ,it is evident that my level of preparedness has greatly improved after completing this course compared to where it was before taking it . The knowledge gained from here provides me with confidence regarding knowing how best respond during times of distress whether through taking action myself or guiding others appropriately based on facts available .