Background
In this study, the Southern Baptist Church in Tampa, Florida, is examined as an aggregate. A windshield survey was carried out, and several health risks and risks of disasters were identified. First, chronic and acute respiratory tract infections are highly likely. This risk is mainly due to industries and cars in the city that emit harmful substances into the air, thus predisposing people to respiratory diseases and even lung cancer.
Additionally, people are at risk of gastrointestinal complications due to water contamination. Water gets contaminated mostly when flood storms occur in the area, owing to its proximity to the ocean. Heart conditions were the leading cause of mortality in the community; this is thus classified as another health risk that needs to be addressed. Therefore, this paper will examine all the risks, and a comprehensive care plan will be made to mitigate or manage them.
Risk of Respiratory Diseases
Ineffective airway clearance is related to increased mucus production, as evidenced by difficulty in breathing. This nursing diagnosis indicates a risk of respiratory diseases, which may be fatal as they affect the vital organs. This nursing diagnosis may be due to several conditions of the respiratory system, including pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These conditions may be common in Tampa, Florida, due to air pollution and can harm people’s health; thus, strategies must be implemented to address them.
Strategies to Address the Diagnosis
The strategies put in place aim to do away with or reduce the risk of the nursing diagnosis made. First, before instituting a plan of action, an assessment needs to be done to quantify the amount of damage. This includes assessing people’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation levels. After the evaluation, depending on the findings, appropriate interventions such as administering drugs such as bronchodilators and providing techniques to promote effective coughing and breathing (Allen et al., 2019) are implemented. These strategies will relieve the symptoms of ineffective airway clearance.
Strategies to Address the Risk of Respiratory Diseases
Several strategies can be implemented to address the risk of respiratory diseases in Tampa, Florida. First, improving air quality in the community can be done by reducing air pollution sources, which is the primary concern in Tampa. Industries should be sensitized to alternative ways of waste management other than releasing waste into the atmosphere.
The second strategy is making efforts to reduce traffic congestion and promote green spaces such as parks (Allen et al., 2019). Third, vaccination services should be incorporated into the health facilities available in Tampa. These vaccines will prevent diseases such as influenza and pneumonia, hence mitigating the risk. Most importantly, the residents should be educated on maintaining their health.
Risk of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Deficient knowledge related to the causes of Gastrointestinal diseases, as evidenced by many cases of Gastrointestinal disorders in the community. Like respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal conditions can greatly influence an individual’s quality of life. It is mostly a fatal disease in children under one year due to its potential to cause dehydration.
Strategies to Address the Diagnosis
The first step is to assess the residents’ knowledge about the disease. After ascertaining the gaps in knowledge about the disease, the healthcare personnel should collaborate with the local healthcare centers in Tampa to devise ways of incorporating knowledge. The strategy that should be implemented is health education campaigns throughout the community. Health education campaigns should incorporate messages regarding basic hygiene practices, healthy eating habits, and others to increase the wealth of knowledge (Brede et al., 2021). Health education campaigns can be carried out through conferences, public rallies, and social media campaigns.
Strategies to Address the Risk of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Regarding the risk of gastrointestinal disorders as a whole, the community should be sensitized about the measures to put in place in case of a flood storm, as this increases the chance of water being contaminated through sewage breaks and overflows. The community should be sensitized about this risk and given the necessary tools to deal with it (Brede et al., 2021). Additionally, screening tests should be provided to diagnose and treat the condition early whenever necessary.
Disaster Management Plan
List of Disasters
- Hurricanes. Tampa is located in the Gulf of Mexico, making it vulnerable to hurricanes such as Hurricane Irma, which caused significant damage and disruption.
- Flooding. Heavy rains and tropical storms can cause flooding in the low-lying areas of Tampa.
- Sinkholes. Common in Tampa due to the state’s unique geology. They are not life-threatening but cause damage to property.
- Heat waves. Due to the hot and humid weather in the region (Nehemiah et al., 2022), heat-related illnesses are common, and even fatalities during prolonged heat waves are common.
- Tornados. Less common than hurricanes, but when they occur, they cause damage, as experienced in the past.
Strategies for Handling Flooding
The first management strategy for any disaster is prevention. Since this is a disaster that cannot be prevented, preparation for the disaster is vital. The first strategy is to have a functional weather forecasting system, enabling the residents and the concerned authorities to know when the disaster is about to strike and prepare adequately (Tripathy et al., 2021). Secondly, it is important to ensure that an up-to-date emergency supply kit is available in all homes to provide basic appliances needed for survival and first aid.
An evacuation plan should also be put in place beforehand to help those who might be stuck in their houses during a flood. Individual families should be sensitized to be prepared with enough food to avoid driving through flood waters, which may contain hidden health hazards. A plan to help the affected should be enacted when the flood has already happened. First is having the emergency team ready to respond to emergencies. Having relief prepared for those who might need temporary housing and basic needs, and lastly, having the hospitals ready to receive casualties.
Strategies for Dealing with Heat Waves
As explained, this cannot be prevented, so preparation is vital. This preparation includes knowing when the disaster will strike so as to prepare adequately. This includes warning the residents of the disaster so that they can individually prepare. The concerned authorities should prepare by ensuring households have air conditioning and building cooling centers and pools for the public on the hottest days. Additionally, they should be ready to handle victims of dehydration and burnout. Individuals should protect themselves by working under shades, wearing light clothes (Nehemiah et al., 2022), wearing sunscreen, and staying hydrated by taking extra fluids.
Recommendations for a Disaster Supplies Kit
A disaster supplies kit should contain enough to last at least three days after a disaster. Some recommendations include the following:
- Water. At least one gallon of water per person per day for sanitation and, most importantly, drinking
- Food. This will mainly include non-perishable goods such as dried fruits and canned goods that do not require refrigeration.
- First aid kit. This includes bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies in anticipation of injuries. This will prevent the injuries from getting worse.
- Extra clothes and blankets. In case of cold and wet weather
- Important documents. Copies of important documents, such as identity cards and health insurance cards, should be packed in a waterproof container.
References
Allen, J., Yao, M. & Morawska, L. (2019). A paradigm shift to combat indoor respiratory infection. Science, 372(6543), 689-691. Web.
Brede, K., Wandel, M., Wiig, I., & Lippe, C. (2021). Primary immunodeficiency disease and gastrointestinal distress: Coping strategies and dietary experiences to relieve symptoms. Qualitative Health Research, 31(2), 361-372. Web.
Nehemiah, S., Chagaris, D., Barbieri, L., & Allen, M. (2022). Environmental factors and stock abundance influence year-class strength seatrout at Cedar Key, Florida. Marine and Coastal Fishers, 14(2), e10201. Web.
Tripathy, S., Bhatia, U., Mohanty, M., Karmakar, S., & Ghosh, S. (2021). Flood evacuation during a pandemic: A multi-objective framework to handle compound hazards. Environmental Research Letters, 16(3), 034034. Web.