Hurricane Dorian’s devastating trajectory over the Northwest Bahamas was the most recent Atlantic storm to call attention to the catastrophic impact of climate change. Although disasters create adversities for all members of the affected population, people with disabilities and special medical needs are disproportionately challenged by such events and are more vulnerable to the conditions they create. This point-counterpoint series highlights the hardships faced by individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) when disasters strike. This commentary focuses on the time-urgent need to improve storm readiness among at-risk individuals living with SCI before the start of the upcoming hurricane season. We review the evidence indicating that tropical cyclones are becoming increasingly destructive in the era of climate change and consider how this trend may magnify the difficulties that those with SCI may experience before, during, and in the aftermath of a hurricane. We then review the ways in which health professionals caring for individuals with SCI can help them better prepare for hurricanes while also enhancing their own readiness to provide care during and after an extreme storm.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season will soon be upon us. The aftermath of recent major storms is still being felt, perhaps no more so than by the survivors of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas [
Atmospheric scientists have carefully examined the evidence that shows how “climate drivers” such as uncharacteristically warm ocean waters, extending far down below the surface, and warm air temperatures that allow the atmosphere to hold more moisture, are altering how Atlantic hurricanes behave [
Now is the time for individuals living with SCI who reside in areas prone to tropical cyclone activity to educate themselves about their risks and preemptively take protective actions. Because individuals with SCI face unique challenges in the aftermath of major hurricanes, evacuation in advance of a storm may be considered. However, individuals with disabilities are less likely to evacuate in a disaster [
Studies have shown that individuals with disabilities, including those with SCI, are inadequately prepared for disasters. People with disabilities are significantly less likely to state that they are prepared for an emergency, to have an adequate supply of water, or to have a working flashlight [
Postimpact, individuals with SCI who remain in hurricane-affected areas will suffer more than most. They may confront physical, emotional, and financial stressors as they attempt to fulfill their care needs. We have previously written about the hardships faced by this population [ Ways in which hurricanes may impact individuals with SCI.Power outages • Inability to power necessary respiratory equipment, such as ventilators, can acutely threaten survival. • Inability to charge power chairs impedes mobility. • Inoperable elevators may leave people trapped in high-rise buildings. • Lack of temperature control may result in moisture-related skin damage and puts those with impaired thermoregulation at risk for heat and cold-related illnesses. • Poor visibility in low light conditions complicates wheelchair navigation, safe administration of medications, and the performance of bladder and bowel programs. Flooding and debris • Pose risk for drowning and injuries. • May result in damage or loss of homes, vehicles, and equipment. • Complicates wheelchair propulsion/navigation. Care disruption • Those who depend on home health services may have difficulty getting care needs met. • Hospital and clinic closures may result in delays obtaining necessary medical care for storm-related and chronic conditions, as well as assistance with replacement of needed supplies, medications, and equipment. Access to medications and supplies • Inability to obtain medications, such as baclofen and benzodiazepines, may result in risk for dangerous withdrawal syndromes. • Lack of needed supplies for bladder and bowel programs may result in autonomic dysreflexia. Property damage • Damage to one’s home may result in financial stresses, the need for displacement, mold-related illness, and/or impede function within the home environment. • Vehicular damage may impede one’s ability to obtain necessary supplies, leave the affected area, and/or seek medical attention. Displacement from home • Individuals may need to remain in homes or facilities that are less accessible to them, thereby impeding their function. • Patients may be far from their usual sources of medical care, complicating appropriate follow-up, the provision of home health and rehabilitative services, and the refilling of medications (including intrathecal baclofen pumps). • There may be barriers to returning home poststorm, including gasoline shortages and lack of accessible transportation options. Psychological trauma • Individuals may experience losses and life changes which elevate risks for mood and/or anxiety disorders. • Exposure to hurricane hazards increases the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder [
It is crucial for members of health care teams who provide care for individuals with SCI to proactively engage in personal, client, and community hurricane preparedness.
Health care providers who live and/or work along the Atlantic coast or reside in island states must first take actions to ensure their own readiness for hurricane season. Obtaining emergency supplies in advance precludes the need to engage in frenzied shopping in crowded stores when a hurricane is looming on the horizon. Health professionals who reside on barrier islands or along coastal evacuation zones should plan carefully to move their families to a predetermined safe location where they can shelter during a storm. Thoughtful planning should facilitate a rapid return to providing patient care following the event. Health professionals should plan for the contingency that they may be displaced from their home communities for a period of time and they will need to ensure seamless coverage for their clinical responsibilities.
Health care providers responsible for providing inpatient care to individuals with SCI during a hurricane should make appropriate plans for the care and safety of their families, including children, pets, and other dependent persons in the household. They should devise a family communication and reunification strategy in case a family member becomes unexpectedly separated or is missing.
Health care professionals must ensure that persons to whom they provide care are well-prepared for a range of emergency and disaster scenarios, including hurricanes. Disaster readiness for those with SCI should include developing a local personal support network of people who are willing and able to help the individual in an emergency. Individuals with SCI should receive training, including active rehearsal, so they are prepared to verbally direct an untrained caregiver to assist them in meeting their needs. Persons with SCI should also be encouraged to develop a comprehensive evacuation strategy that includes detailed transportation plans and a known, and agreed upon, family meeting place. They should be educated about the need to register for evacuation assistance with their local governmental agencies in advance of a storm. Each person with SCI needs to acquire, maintain, and replenish a 7-day supply of essentials—at a minimum—including food, water, catheters, and medications [
Health care providers should also prepare individuals with SCI for the likelihood of widespread and prolonged power outages. Physicians should complete certificates with utility companies for priority turn-on service for all people with SCI, especially those who rely on electricity for life or function. Clinicians should also ensure that generators, mechanical in/exsufflators, and bag-mask equipment are available to all ventilator-dependent persons. Justification of medical necessity may be required and is certainly warranted. Escape chairs should be ordered for those who live or work in high-rise buildings to enable evacuation in the event of loss of power to elevators. Education should be provided to those with impaired thermoregulation regarding methods of heating and cooling during an emergency.
Health care providers should help coordinate and/or provide prompt care for individuals with SCI who experience storm-related illnesses or injuries. Providers should assist those needing repairs or replacements for damaged or lost equipment and be available for ordering necessary supplies and medications, which similarly may be lost or damaged [
SCI physicians can share their contact information and expertise with public health and emergency management partners and educate them on how to best protect and maintain care for people with SCI during hurricane season [
In the absence of a vaccine or widespread acquired immunity, the ongoing, escalating COVID-19 pandemic carries important implications for preparedness for the 2020 hurricane season. On April 2, 2020, Colorado State University’s Tropical Meteorology Project issued its annual forecast, predicting above average numbers of named storms (16), hurricanes (8), and major hurricanes (4) [
The near-singular focus on COVID-19 is likely to diminish the attention paid to preparing for the approaching storm season. Widespread cancellations of physician and therapy clinic visits in recent weeks may also result in missed opportunities for health care professionals to address disaster readiness for people with SCI. Many individuals in the community, including those living with SCI, have stockpiled food and supplies as they physically separate and self-isolate. This is one dimension of hurricane preparedness that may be ahead of schedule, though such stockpiles may dwindle as the pandemic lingers.
Beyond the shared risks that would be experienced by all citizens, a major hurricane strike in the midst of the pandemic would be especially catastrophic for those living with SCI. The need for social distancing may further limit their options for transportation and evacuation in advance of an impending storm. Crowded medical and/or special needs shelters are conducive to viral transmission among vulnerable persons. Moreover, an already-strained health care system and workforce may be left unable to provide necessary care for storm-related illnesses and injuries.
Individuals with SCI living in at-risk areas should immediately commence their preparedness activities in advance of the impending hurricane season. Warming temperatures have contributed to altered hurricane properties, resulting in greater destructive forces, as well as considerable harm to affected populations, especially those with chronic medical conditions. Health care professionals must work to enhance the level of hurricane readiness among people with SCI. They should collaborate with emergency management officials in planning for the needs of this population in the event of a major hurricane and assist in ensuring their needs are met in the aftermath of such disasters.
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.