Tagged as: coronavirus

Creating a COVID-19 Plan of Action

Creating a COVID-19 Action Plan

Schools closed in our area 30 days ago and everyday I hear of another friend with a family member that has died due to COVID-19. Although it is a challenging time for many of us, preparedness and prevention should be our main focus. 

What happens if an outbreak occurs in your neighborhood? What happens if someone in your household gets sick? The constant press conferences and increase in cases can cause us to be fearful but we cannot ignore the need for a COVID-19 Plan of Action. Communication is the best antidote for fear and during this time it is important that your family communicate their plan of action if someone becomes sick in your family. 

Here are the needed steps to create your COVID-19 Plan of Action:

Create open communication. Gather your immediate family members to discuss family members that may be at greater risk. Make a list of these family members with assigned responsibilities to provide food, resources or assistance if someone gets sick. Schedule frequent calls to check in on family members and friends. Constant and open communication keeps everyone on the same page. 

Create a list of resources. Make a list of local organizations that your household can contact in case you need resources, health care services or support. 

Get to know your neighbors. We are all in this together. Reach out to them or join your local Next Door Group. You never know who you may have to lean on if you need supplies or assistance. 

Create an emergency contact list of family and friends. Put this list somewhere that is visible in your house for others to see. Share this list with others if you live alone. Also, include your healthcare provider and local hospital on this list. 

Stay informed about local COVID-19 updates and discuss it with your family. There is so much information that it can be overwhelming. Stay informed but limit your news and social media updates to not feel overwhelmed. For example, our household views COVID-19 updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. This way we are informed but not overwhelmed with the constant updates. It is also important to discuss how your family will conduct prevention to make sure you are on the same page. 

What if someone in your house becomes sick?

If someone in your house becomes sick make sure you monitor their illness and watch for COVID-19 symptoms. A few emergency warning signs include: 

  • Trouble breathing
  • Consistent check pain
  • Confusion

In most cases those with the coronavirus will be asked to recover from home. Create a plan of action for your home. 

Here are a few things to remember:

  • If you feel you are sick and think you have COVID-19 seek medical attention but call ahead to let your doctor know you have symptoms and they will tell you what to do. 
  • Decide on what room you will use to quarantine those sick in your home. Make sure they use a separate room and bathroom if possible. Clean the sick room bathroom as needed and try to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person. 
  • Restrict contact with household pets and other animals while you are sick. 
  • Provide your sick household member with a mask that covers their nose and mouth to prevent the spread in your home. 
  • Avoid having unnecessary visitors 
  • Clean all high touch surfaces every day 
  • Remember to wash your hands at least 20 seconds especially after caring for the sick person. 

After Home Isolation Plan: 

You or the sick person can leave your home after you have had no fever for at least 72 hours (full 3 days with no fever)

  • Other symptoms have improved
  • At least 7 days have passed since your symptoms have first appeared

Remember we are all in this together. Stay informed but make sure you are taking time out to monitor your emotional health during this time. 

To learn more about coronavirus prevention and preparedness plans visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

Four Tips To Survive COVID-19 Quarantine With My Abuser

Being confined for long periods of time can literally drive you crazy. We can all find ourselves being short-tempered, especially having to home school our own child(ren). In order for the general masses to ‘weather the storm’ many have become daily alcohol and recreational drug users. In addition, many service industry workers and others who are deemed “non-essential personnel” are not getting paid during these challenging times. Small business owners are taking loans, some government influenced loans as well; all in an effort to have livable wages due to the Coronavirus epidemic.

What COVID-19 has done is force an unprepared society into a quarantined incarceration. Imagine not only facing these challenges with a loving spouse, but with YOUR abuser! It is unfathomable some of the trauma some victims are currently facing. On top of it all, with no way to escape. So what does one do when this is their reality?

Here are Four Diva Tactics To Survive the COVID-19 Quarantine With An Abuser.

DANGER: One thing I can guarantee, intuition is a MF’er! Once your ‘Spidey Senses’ start to tingle announcing confrontation is arising, do your best to recognize the warning signs in order to respond in an expeditious manner.

DIFFUSE: Frustration can cause a sane person to become unhinged. If you recognize the warning signs of potential violence, change your tone, be encouraging and/or apologize; anything you can say or do to have a safe exit out of the room with an abuser.

DISTANCE: Once you have found a way to get away, do just that! Go in a room with a loved one. It keeps them distanced from the abuser as well. Great time to watch a Disney movie with a child or Netflix and Be Still.

DEFEND: If for any reason the first three steps do not work and abuse is imminent, it is time to defend yourself. Assess the threat level: Is there a weapon present? Where is/are the gun(s)? Who can I call? Am I the only one needing protection? Remember, anything can be a weapon! From soup cans to pots and pans; butcher knives to hot fries; electric stove coils to the razor on the aluminum foil. The number of weapons at your disposal are nearly infinite. If you have to fight back, don’t hesitate, you are worth fighting for.

Here are a few strikes you can use to escape or possibly save your life:

Defensive Stance: Stand with your legs shoulder with a part. Step straight back on your dominant leg with same distance between feet. Hold your open and relaxed hands eye-level about 8 to 12 inches from your face. Have your elbows in at your sides. Tilt your rear shoulder back to slim yourself to avoid being a wider target.

Hammer Fist: Make a fist by rolling your fingers from your fingertips into your palm. Once they are tucked nicely, lay your thumb on the bottom side of the exterior of your index finger. Ensure you are holding them tightly. Pound the nose, face or genitals with the pinky side of your fist. Scream ‘YA!’ with each strike to maintain proper breathing and acquire attention.

Knee: Grab the individual on their diagonal shoulder with both hands, pulling them down while driving your knee (toe pointed downward and knee straight forward) through their abdomen, grown or face.

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