State health officials issue public health advisory ahead of Joaquin
RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Safety is, of course, the primary focus when severe weather develops, but state leaders are also issuing a public health advisory ahead of these storms.
They say Virginians who live with chronic conditions need to take extra steps before Joaquin's potential impact.
One of the chief things health officials are telling patients is, if you take medicine or use medical supplies, it's a good idea to have reserves for at least a week. This includes oxygen and battery backups in case the power goes out.
Howard Coplan and the folks at Discount Medical Supply have been busy Thursday.
"People have been worried about buying things," Coplan explains. "It's just like Ukrops... running out of bread and milk."
Instead of bread and milk, the customers are stocking up on supplies for incontinence, wound care plus tubing – all in front of the big storm.
"The storm will be bad, but there will be people around, 'cause they need something," Coplan says.
That need has the health department asking Virginians with health conditions to make a special effort.
"What we're telling folks is, 'If you have a medical condition, be it oxygen, medication, be it any other medical supplies that you need to go out and go ahead get your supplies on hand,'" Patrick Holland says.
Holland is an emergency coordinator for the VA Department of Health's Richmond district. He advises residents, especially those who have machines that plug in, to charge their portable units and batteries now.
"You don't want to need it and not have it, you'd rather have it and not need it," Holland says.
The health department is also suggesting using common sense when it comes to dealing with the storm.
They say if the storm hits, stay off the roads to keep them clear for emergency responders.
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