Navigating Food Allergies During a Disaster
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Navigating Food Allergies During a Disaster
Disasters come in many forms—wildfires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes—and are increasing in frequency nationwide. Managing food allergies during a disaster can seem overwhelming, but FAACT’s Disaster Resource Center has tools, downloadable resources, and links to help you prepare to face a disaster. Preparedness is even more important for those living with food allergies, as access to safe food, the risk of cross-contact and the need for special medical supplies may be more difficult during a disaster and the recovery process.
Three key stages to consider for disaster awareness are preparation, response, and recovery.
Preparation
Preparation is key. Having all of your essential information and supplies in one place is critical during an emergency. Taking some time to prepare the following will help you if a disaster strikes:
- Emergency Contact List
- Emergency Plan and Kit
- Go-Bags and Stay-Bags
- Specialized Disaster Relief Plans with Your Child’s School
- Finding Safe Foods During and After a Disaster
1. Emergency Contact List
This list should include all emergency contacts including allergists, local hospitals, and emergency services in your area. Download FAACT’s Emergency Contact List template and tailor it to match your family’s needs. Then make sure to have the list in both paper and digital formats so you can access this vital information in case cell service or electricity is lost. Post a copy in a visible location at home, such as the refrigerator. Consider placing additional copies in the family's vehicles and emergency kit. Share copies with trusted relatives and neighbors for added preparedness. For any emergency situation, it is important to have a central meeting spot for your family that everyone can remember, in case you are separated during a disaster.
Check with your cell phone service provider or phone manufacturer to see if your phone has satellite capabilities, in case cell service is lost. The satellite capabilities will not be as comprehensive as the cell service that your phone normally operates with, but will be useful for emergency communication and distress signaling.
Stay up to date on emergency and severe weather information by downloading the Red Cross Emergency Mobile App. Many local governments also have weather and emergency alert systems, so be sure to subscribe. Check to see if your city/county emergency management agencies maintain a voluntary registry for people with disabilities that helps people receive specialized assistance during an emergency. It could be helpful to contact your local emergency management office to find out more information and determine if your food-allergic family members are eligible for assistance. For additional disaster assistance in your area, visit https://www.fema.gov/locations for available resources.
If you need tribal disaster assistance, visit FEMA’s Tribal Assistance Hub at FEMA.org.
Download FAACT's Emergency Contact & Essential Information List
2. Emergency Plan and Kit
Each family member with food allergies should have a personalized emergency plan that includes an:
- Emergency Contact List (Link to list) developed for your family.
- Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan that explains symptoms of anaphylaxis and what medication(s) a person needs to receive. Be sure to discuss your plan with your board-certified allergist so it may be easily understood and executed by any emergency responder.
- Emergency Health and Allergy Profile, which includes detailed information on food allergies, chronic medical conditions, medications, and specific considerations during disaster and emergency situations.
Visit the FAACT Emergency Kit Contents webpage to get detailed information about the types of medications to consider including in an emergency kit. Medical identification jewelry can also be helpful during an emergency, especially if your family is separated. Ultimately, it is important to stay informed about the specific needs related to you or your family member's food allergies and be prepared to communicate these needs clearly during and after a disaster.
3. Go-Bags and Stay-Bags
Access to safe foods and medical supplies may be more difficult during and after a disaster. Creating a Go-Bag and Stay-Bag is critical for successful navigation of any disaster situation.
The Go-Bag should have everything you and your family would need to be safe for up to 72 hours following a disaster. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Emergency Supplies
- Safe foods
- Important documents
- Cash
- A radio
Stick with familiar foods that you know are safe for your food-allergic family member and will provide comfort during an emergency. Decide where to keep the Go-Bag so every family member can find it easily during an emergency. The hardest part of creating this important bag of supplies is getting started! For a complete list of suggested items to include, review FAACT’s Go-Bag List. For a sample list written in languages other than English, visit the Ready.gov Build a Kit webpage.
The Stay-Bag is exactly what it sounds like—a bag that stays in your home and has enough supplies for up to two weeks if you and your family are required to shelter in place. Consider storing your Stay-Bags in waterproof and easily transportable containers, especially if you live in areas prone to floods or other water-based disasters. For a complete list of suggested items, download FAACT’s Stay-Bag List.
Customize your Go- and Stay-Bags to fit your family’s needs and budget. Quantities of items for Go- and Stay-Bags can be adjusted based upon the specific needs and size of your family.
Many people do not use their Go-Bags and Stay-Bags for years. Try to get into the habit of checking expiration dates and replacing items in your Go-Bag and Stay-Bags annually. Pick a date that’s convenient and easy to remember, such as New Year’s Day or Tax Day.
To learn more about emergency preparedness, tune in to one of these FAACT podcasts:
4. School Emergency Plans
If you have children in your family, work with their K-12 school(s) to ensure you understand their disaster protocols and that your food-allergic child will be safe if they have to shelter in place. Many emergency bags, especially those in elementary school, have peanut butter crackers or other shelf-stable foods that can cause an allergic reaction. Work with your child’s school to make changes to their emergency bags before an emergency occurs.
Here are sample questions to ask school administrators:
- What is your emergency plan and what measures are in place for students with disabilities, such as food allergies?
- Who is responsible for creating emergency bags—families or school staff? Who checks the contents?
- What if the bags have common food allergens in them?
- What if families can’t afford to create an emergency bag (if families are responsible for creating their own bags)?
During your discussions with school staff, it is important to understand what is in the school emergency bags, whether they are provided by every family, and what foods the bags may contain. Here are examples for suggested contents:
- Small bottle/box of water
- Shelf-stable protein drink
- Juice pouch
- Package of allergen-free crackers
- Can of fruit with a spoon
- Packages of fruit or fruit snacks
- Allergen-free protein bar
- Letter of support/encouragement to your child
If your child is college age, refer to FAACT's College Resource Center for tips on how to collaborate with college administrators to create a safety plan for your food-allergic student during a disaster. FAACT also has a Go-Bag/Stay-Bag list specifically for college-age students with food allergies. Link to list/page.
5. Finding Safe Foods
Take time now to research shelters and food pantries in your area so that when a disaster does occur, you and your family know where to go. Local shelters may not understand the need to provide allergy-safe foods or how to label foods. Advocate for your family and other food-allergic households by talking with emergency response agencies now to help them prepare for food allergies during a disaster.
Food access can be a challenge during and after a disaster.
The following resources can help you find food pantries near you:
- FoodFinder: Visit the website or install the app for mobile access to pantry locations
- Feeding America
- Food Programs and Food Benefits (United Way)
- Gluten-Free Food Pantries (National Celiac Organization): Scroll down to search for pantries with gluten-free foods
For additional ways to work with community organizations before a disaster, visit FAACT's DEI Resource Center.
