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Lewis W. Marshall, MD, JD, FAAEP, FAADM Explains How Families Can Prepare for Hurricane Season

Dr. Lewis MarshallState and local communities have extensive emergency preparedness plans that can be found on the FEMA and Ready.gov websites. Individuals and families should develop plans on caring for children, as well as elderly and disabled family members, and pets. Emergency preparedness should also incorporate transportation plans that include meeting locations, shelter addresses, and contact lists, in case of evacuation orders.

Emergency supply kits or go-bags are also a key part of any emergency plan. An emergency kit should contain supplies for a minimum of 72 hours but preferably 96 hours.  Each family member should have water, cash, food, extra clothing, and personal hygiene items, and medication, if necessary. A 3-to-7-day supply of medication is optimal. A first-aid kit should also be included and should have, at the minimum, bandages, Ace wraps, triple antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, and ice packs. You can prepare an emergency go-bag with an old backpack, or you can buy emergency kits from READYWISE or STEALTH ANGEL with supplies for two or more people and up to three months. And don’t forget to make copies or take photos of important documents.

Hurricanes bring high winds and storm surges, so identify areas in the home that are more likely to be damaged by water and falling trees and choose a safe place in the center of the home, away from windows. A bathroom with a tub is a perfectly good option. You can shelter in the tub, using blankets, pillows, or even a mattress to cover yourself.

Many local news stations provide storm updates. To stay informed, make sure you have a battery-operated radio and spare batteries. A portable solar charging device for phones and radios is also a great tool. Additionally, sign up for emergency notifications from your local emergency management office and consider signing up for the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

You should also know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an alert system at https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthalerts/index.html. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has an app and text message system and other resources for emergencies. To sign up for preparedness tips, text PREPARE to 43362. To search for open shelters, text SHELTER and a ZIP code to 43362. To get a list of all keywords you can subscribe to, text LIST to 43362.

Lewis W. Marshall, Jr, MD, JD, FAAEP, FAADM, is a physician leader at a safety net hospital in the Bronx and a two-time past president of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. (AAPS), the governing body of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS). A Diplomate of the ABPS, he is certified in both disaster medicine and emergency medicine. 

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
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