Calling this number connects you with a Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center, the nation's most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Our Patient Advocates can help guide you or your loved one through the steps to take after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team has a combined experience of more than 30 years in assisting cancer patients, and includes a medical doctor, an oncology registered nurse and a U.S. Navy veteran.
It is important for cancer patients and their families to have a plan in case of a catastrophic event or natural disaster. Learn how to make a cancer emergency plan with your family and your health care provider.
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Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.
Whitmer, M. (2023, March 13). Emergency Plan for a Natural Disaster. Asbestos.com. Retrieved June 2, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/support/natural-disaster-emergency-plan/
MLA
Whitmer, Michelle. "Emergency Plan for a Natural Disaster." Asbestos.com, 13 Mar 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/support/natural-disaster-emergency-plan/.
Chicago
Whitmer, Michelle. "Emergency Plan for a Natural Disaster." Asbestos.com. Last modified March 13, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/support/natural-disaster-emergency-plan/.
People with cancer have more to think about and prepare for in the event of an emergency.
They have to think about maintaining their treatment schedule and keeping up with their medications. Disasters such as hurricane Ian in 2022 can disrupt essential services, such as power, cell phone service and travel routes for days or weeks.
If power is down and roads are blocked, how will cancer patients access the chemotherapy they’re scheduled to have or get a refill on the prescription they need?
These are important things for people with mesothelioma to discuss with family and health care providers before an emergency occurs.
Planning ahead for an emergency or natural disaster is stressful but necessary. The more you do to prepare ahead of time, the better equipped you and your family will be to respond.
Make an Emergency Plan for Your Family
Not everyone goes through the effort and stress of making an emergency plan for their family, but they should.
The foundation of your emergency plan, such as evacuation routes, should be worked out with your family first. Then, cancer patients and their caregivers can make an emergency plan for cancer care.
What to Determine Before an Emergency
Your shelter plan
Your evacuation route
Your family communication plan
How you’ll keep your pets safe
How you will receive emergency alerts and warnings
What to Print Out Before a Crisis
Local phone numbers for emergency resources, including the fire department and police
Phone numbers for the utility companies that supply your electricity, water and gas
Email and phone numbers of your family members and neighbors
Discuss your emergency plan with your family to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Make multiple copies of your plan and important contact information. Each member of your family should have a copy.
Consider the following resources when making your plan:
Cancer patients have a weakened immune system that makes them susceptible to infection, bleeding, injury and fatigue.
Factors to Consider When Making a Cancer Emergency Plan
Talk to your oncologist and other health care providers about how to reach them in the event of a disaster.
Print out contact information for your health care providers.
Write down the phone number of the National Cancer Institute Contact Center, which you can contact for guidance on where to seek cancer care in the event of an emergency: 1-800-422-6237.
Carry your insurance card with you at all times.
Know your diagnosis, cancer stage, treatments you’ve undergone and the current medications you take. This is easier to print out than remember during times of stress.
Make a medical kit with any items you regularly use such as medications, creams, antiseptic and bandages. Place them in a sealable bag to keep moisture out.
Pack a medical mask and hand sanitizer in your medical kit in case you need to take refuge in a public shelter. These items will protect you from germs and infection.
Mesothelioma patients and caregivers living with this rare cancer can feel isolated while experiencing symptoms and during treatments that can cause side…
People with mesothelioma may have unique needs during a disaster.
For example, some mesothelioma patients have medical devices that require special maintenance or travel accommodations.
Mesothelioma Emergency Preparedness
Know how to transport any medical devices you use such as oxygen tanks.
Keep handy a set of batteries, a cell phone charger and a solar charger as backup power for medical devices and your cell phone.
Make an emergency travel pack containing water, snacks, first aid supplies and any other items you might need.
Cancer emergency preparedness requires time and effort. People with mesothelioma may not feel like they have the energy to make an emergency plan, but they need one and should reach out to family and caregivers for help.
Don’t wait until a disaster strikes. Prepare now to make things easier on yourself in case of an emergency.
Our free mesothelioma guide contains information on symptoms, top doctors, support resources and more. Get information tailored to your unique diagnosis, and learn about our free services.
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If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
