Columnist Dr. Cheryl Christy

Author's note: This column is intended for educational purposes only. It aims to highlight gaps in health knowledge, provide support and empower organizations to guide their members in creating effective health and wellness programs.

Preparedness is not just about what we store; it is about who we support. In Baldwin County, our most vulnerable neighbors are quietly at risk: older adults or young singles living alone, those with chronic illnesses, families with young children and newcomers to the area.

This is where faith and civic organizations can lead.

Churches, community groups and local organizations are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between information and action. A simple “circle of care” model — checking in on a small group of vulnerable members and ensuring they have a workable plan for emergencies — is the ability to transform preparedness from a concept into a lifeline. This looks like a personal phone call before a storm or other emergency to ensure your members or neighbors are ready; a personal visit to review medications, secure medical supplies, determine transportation needs and follow up afterward. Caring works one connection at a time. This is how people feel seen and heard.

And for each of us, the call is just as clear: Know your plan. Work your plan. Make sure everyone in your family circle understands the plan.

Effective health care emergency preparedness in our area is understanding that an emergency is not just about hurricanes. Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, from our own “emergency” of a small house fire, a plumbing or electrical issue or a fall, to communitywide emergencies such as chemical spills, fires, flooding, acts of terrorism, pollution and infrastructure failures. Each of these carries stress and the need to rethink our plans, but for those who are vulnerable, this becomes life-changing. Begin with the following:

HOUSEHOLD READINESS (YOUR FOUNDATION):

Prepared households reduce strain on emergency services — and free up help for those who cannot help themselves, as well as for community infrastructure needs.

As in any emergency, ensure that you and your immediate family are safe and prepared. Each household needs a basic level of independence for at least 72 hours (ideally five to seven days).

Think in terms of “core essentials” for your family: water, nonperishable food, medications, backup power, flashlights, batteries, phone chargers and important documents. Additionally, create an evacuation go-bag, plan for trash and hygiene needs and keep a basic first-aid kit for emergencies. Finally, consider any specific needs your family has, such as infant care, pets, a disabled or elderly person in your care, medical devices and supplies, medications that need refrigeration and special dietary needs. Do not forget to establish a communication plan for when power and cell service fail. Consider having an out-of-town contact person each family member can reach to coordinate with.

CREATE MICRO-COMMUNITY SUPPORT CIRCLES:

Disasters do not create vulnerability — they expose it.

Who do you know living near you who is at elevated risk for injury or death in a disaster? Consider those living alone, people with chronic illness, the disabled, those without transportation and socially isolated individuals. Have a nonintrusive conversation with others in your neighborhood to determine who is at risk and who else can assist before a crisis.

Individuals, families, neighborhoods and especially those within faith and civic organizations can develop “circles of care” for five to 10 households to connect informally to share contact information, assign simple roles (phone tree to check on those in need of support, supply lead to share prepping supplies and medical contact — someone within the group who is trained or willing to become trained in first aid). These organizations can offer meeting spaces for education, planning and organizing, pair volunteers with vulnerable members or host simple registries to determine and provide care needs.

PLAN FOR ESSENTIAL NEEDS (CRITICAL GAP MANY PEOPLE MISS)

In disasters or emergency situations, it is not always the storm — it is the interruption of care that can become life-threatening. Medications that need refrigeration; a shortage of critical medications; home oxygen requires power; mobility issues; infrastructure damage and new injuries from the disaster that require attention.

PREPARING FOR TRANSPORTATION AND EVACUATION

This is especially important in our coastal county, which is prone to hurricane development. Who do you know who needs transportation? Who needs assistance preparing to evacuate? Who is picking up the children at school? Where are you going to evacuate? Has your house been secured? Do not forget about your pets.

In times of disaster, compassion and community action are essential — this is how we turn tragedy into hope.

Dr. Cheryl Christy is a Baldwin County resident and registered nurse with nearly 30 years of experience. She holds master's degrees in nursing education and nursing practice and a doctorate in nursing practice. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Pi Chapter, a certified lay counselor and the author of "Voices for Healthcare," a health care blog.

Read her previous column titled "What the public should know about health insurance" on www.GulfCoastMedia.com.