Holiday and Winter Weather Travel Preparedness Update

With the approaching holidays here at the end of December, along with the accompanying winter storms tracking across the midwest and into the northeast, it’s important to review preparedness and travel warnings for your region. Becky DePodwin, our disaster emergency management expert, joins us to cover some of the weather and preparedness concerns.

Dr. Joe Holley shares some updates on winter respiratory virus season. This includes a brief update on some Bird Flu cases in humans that are causing public health officials in parts of the country on their toes. The team shares a reminder it’s not too late to get your COVID, Flu, and RSV vaccines if you’re eligible.

This episode was co-hosted by Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis.

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

Podcast Discussion Summary

Preparing for Cold Weather Travel Becky discussed the cold weather forecast for the eastern half of the country, advising travelers to be prepared with blankets, jackets, and good footwear. She mentioned that the Pacific Northwest could experience rain, wind, and snow, while the northeast might see rain and snow in higher elevations. Jamie shared his friend’s experience with strong winds and power outages in Washington State. The team also discussed their own experiences with cold weather and the upcoming Christmas weekend. Joe mentioned a new addition to his family, a dog that he had recently taken in. The conversation ended with a suggestion to discuss cold weather preparations. Combating Multiple Viruses and Health Issues Sam, Joe, and Jamie discussed the current health issues, particularly the combination of influenza, RSV, Covid, and bird flu. Joe highlighted the severity of the flu this year and the importance of vaccination. Jamie mentioned that flu and Covid can be administered simultaneously. Sam and Jamie shared their recent experiences with RSV and flu. Joe explained that the bird flu has been associated with dairy cattle and has raised concerns among health professionals. The group also discussed the potential for multiple viruses to be present in the body at the same time, which can make treatment more challenging. Joe mentioned that treatment usually involves managing respiratory symptoms and, in some cases, specific medications for each virus. Preparing for Cold Weather Safety In the meeting, the team discussed the importance of being prepared for cold weather. Joe emphasized the need to pay attention to various factors such as humidity, wind, and clothing when outdoors in cold conditions. Becky advised dressing in layers, keeping extremities warm, and having a blanket, food, and water in the car in case of being stuck. She also stressed the importance of checking the weather forecast and having a good weather app. Jamie highlighted the need to consider the specific needs of individuals, especially the young and the old, when traveling in cold weather. The team also discussed the importance of having a shovel in the car in case of getting stuck in snow. New Year’s Plans and Updates In the meeting, Sam, Jamie, Joe, and Becky discussed their plans for the upcoming New Year’s weekend and the holidays. Jamie emphasized the importance of being prepared for potential travel disruptions and checking with local emergency management experts for updates. Joe shared that he has three scheduled events in January, all related to EMS. The team also discussed their support for the Paragon Medical Education group and encouraged listeners to share their favorite episodes of the disaster podcast. Joe also mentioned his plans to adopt a new puppy, which sparked interest from the others. The conversation ended with the team wishing each other a Merry Christmas and expressing their anticipation for the New Year.