This weekend’s tragedy in Nepal truly caused me to lose my breath. Not only did I grieve for those lost, I panicked for those struggling to survive. A friend posted a video on facebook of a security camera squarely viewing a hotel swimming pool. The water violently splashed in and out. Thankfully, no one was in the pool, if they had, the results would be fatal. What struck me was that I thought about what if I had been traveling with my family and a natural disaster struck while on vacation? At home, I keep extra jars of sunbutter on hand. I used to carry extra food in my car and when I traveled. But now that they are older with less allergens I’ve begun relying on local grocery stores or eateries when I travel. The earthquake in Nepal was a grave reminder that I need to remain diligent. I let it go when I needed to hang on!
Are you ready to manage life threatening allergies during a natural disaster?
At home. My family maintains an “Asthma and Allergy Kit and Evacuation Plan”. Our plan has two steps: grab from the pantry and from the hall medicine closet. Our kit contains:
- High protein and fill your stomach foods, such as Sunbutter®, Wow Butter®, crackers and Enjoy Life Foods® and Gerbs® Fruit and Seed Mixes (I buy some, I make some).
- Asthma medications, such as inhalers, peak flow meters and maintenance medications along with the nebulizer.
- Food Allergy medications, such as back up EpiPens® and Auvi-Qs® and emergency action plans.
- Contact list for physicians and pharmacies.
- Additional medications if someone is sick (our only daily medications in this house are asthma medications)
On Adventure. My family will now go back to our old plans of carrying the following in our car or in our suitcases!
- A can opener.
- Canned beans–yes, my kids love to munch on kidney beans, etc.
- Sunbutter® andWow Butter® individual packs.
- Boxes of crackers.
- Granola bars that are allergy friendly, such as Tanabars from Vermont Nut Free, No Nuttin Bars from Libre Naturals, etc.
Doing Business. When I travel, I carry my own tea bags, granola (nut free), and protein/granola bars. I’m not food allergic, but I like to have safe nut free options for when I’m flying. I also pack a full lunch for the first leg of all flights. I’m that annoying person who brings out the full on old lady setting: my own napkin, sandwich, tea bag, lemon for tea, fruit, etc. I keep the protein bars in my purse so if I’m delayed at my destination I’m still okay.
My Life with Food Allergies.com has an nice article: “Emergency Preparedness Kit” that also covers items such as flashlights, etc, not just food.
Beyond Awareness: EPI first EPI fast!
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
GASP! I will be completely honest and share that this is a topic that I share articles on, I think about but STILL have not managed to make my own stockpile, ugh! Part of the problem is having a teenage boy who makes it impossible to have any foods hidden 😉 Thanks for the to-do reminder 🙂
Nutrimom, What is that old saying, “the Cobbler’s children have no shoes. I have to say that I am constantly replenishing my pantry. My food allergy mama pal, Grace, keeps her stuff in a duffle bag in a closet.!
Wow, great article, honestly, I carry inhalers and auvi q’s in my purse but do not have any food or openers in the car at the ready…what a great idea. Thank you, I’ll pull one together!
Hi Robin,
Yes, those can openers are far more important than I ever realized. Sometimes you can find pop top foods. Not my favorite, but in a pinch, it will do! Also, a little garbage back for the cans or waste helps too!