According to Ibrahim (2014) it is essential that community health nurses (CHN) improve their knowledge of emergency preparedness in order to best present this knowledge to the members of their community and initiate rapid yet efficient response. Petersburg, Virginia is “susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, winter storms and yes even earthquakes” (City of Petersburg, n.d.). Winter storms are of particular concern in our community because of the extreme cold and difficulties in transportation.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (2016) it is important that residents have an emergency kit that will sustain them for three days. However, many residents are uncertain what should be in their kits. A CHN could improve the outcomes for the residents by providing literature and examples of an emergency kit based on the number of people in the household and any special medical needs that should be considered.
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Presently, the residents of Petersburg, VA are concerned about the continued rise of flu infections and the number of associated deaths. According to Savage and Kub (2009) nurses are able to see the whole person and recognize the etiology of a pandemic across a community. As it is not possible for most people to stay home from work or school if they suspect they have the flu and the vaccine’s effectiveness has been questioned this year, we are at a preparedness level rather than a preventative level for a potential pandemic. Those who become ill but have not prepared for staying in continue to spread the infection.
A CHN should inform residents of the importance for having a two-week supply of food and water, a stocked medicine cabinet, and copies of their health records (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2016). By preparing the residents, the CHN will effectively lessen the spread of the flu and reduce the negative implications of a pandemic.
