People with Disabilities
People with disabilities, like people without disabilities, face and survive emergencies every day. For the millions of Americans with mobility problems, emergencies such as fire and floods may present a special challenge. Emergencies may arise from natural or man-made causes such as a tornado, flood, fire, terrorist attack, automobile accident, or chemical exposure.
Planning for an Emergency or Disaster
Preparing for emergency situations is important. The key is to have a plan already in place, well before an emergency happens. According to the American Red Cross, a three-day supply of food and water, as well as a well-stocked first aid kit are essential. The food should require no preparation, cooking, or refrigeration. For people who have a g-tube or who are on special diets, at least a one-week supply of the formula or the special food should be available. When figuring on how much water, consider one gallon of water per person per day. This takes into account using the water for drinking and cleaning. In addition, keep a disaster supply kit containing flashlights, a battery operated radio, and tools. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security provides recommendations for creating a kit called Make a Kit: Special Needs Items. The American Red Cross also offers an on-line book called Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities that provides a comprehensive guide offering information, checklists, and resources.
For children with special medical needs, it is wise to have extra medical supplies available at school. The Department of Education website offers more information in the Lead and Manage My School: Emergency Planning section of its Web site.
Special Needs Item
People with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for disasters of any kind. It is important to keep extra supplies on hand in the event there is no way to get more for a few days.
Some items you may need would include:
- List of any and all medications including your dosage amounts
- List of any and all allergies
- Extra pairs of eyeglasses
- Extra batteries for hearing aid
- Extra wheelchair batteries
- List of the style and serial number of your medical devices
- Extra medical supplies (catheters, G-tubes, disposable pads, etc.)
- Medical insurance and Medicare cards
- List of your doctors, relatives, or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Planning Tips for People with Disabilities or Special Health Needs
- Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help
- Create a support network to help in an emergency
- Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies
- Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or personal care workers
- Teach others how to operate necessary equipment
- Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers
- Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
- Contact your city or town government's emergency information management office. Many local offices have ways to help people with disabilities in a sudden emergency, if they know who you are. In Massachusetts , you may contact the Statewide Emergency Telecommunication Board (http://www.mass.gov/e911/core.htm) and ask about their 9-1-1 disability indicator program
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability or health condition.
- If you need dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility where you can get treatment
- Show others how to operate your wheelchair or equipment
- Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported
For more information, see the Being Prepared section of this website: http://www.mass.gov/samh/being_prepared/index.html
For more information, see Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities from FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/rrr/assistf.shtm
