Special Needs Preparedness

BEFORE THE DISASTER

There are several important things that can be done in order to reduce the effects of a disaster:

1. Make sure you have a support system in place.
2. Complete your personal individual assessment and prepare your individual disaster plan.
3. Gather the supplies you will need before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure the supplies are specific to your disability.
4. Make sure your residence is as safe as possible in the event of an emergency.

PREPAREDNESS BEGINS WITH YOU

SUPPORT SYSTEM

A support system, sometimes called the "buddy system," can help you prepare for a disaster as well as during and after a disaster. Members of your support system, or "buddies," can be roommates, relatives, neighbors, friends and co-workers. They should be people you trust to determine if you need assistance. Your support system members should know your capabilities and needs, and be able to help in a matter of minutes.

  1. Have your "buddies" assist you in preparing a written personal assessment.
  2. Give your support system copies of your emergency information list, medical information list, disability related supplies and special equipment list, evacuation plans, any emergency documents and your personal disaster plan.
  3. Arrange for your support system to check on you immediately if local officials announce a recommendation to evacuate or if a disaster occurs.
  4.  Agree on the methods of communication to be used during a disaster.
  5. Give your "buddies" any keys they need for your place of residence or vehicle.
  6. Make sure your support system knows how to operate and transport any equipment specific to your disability. Make sure it is labeled and laminated instruction cards are attached.
  7. If you have a service animal, ensure that the animal is familiar with your support system members and have written instructions on any care the animal may require.
  8. Review and update your personal assessment and disaster plan with your support system on a regular basis.

 

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

The assistance you will need before, during, and after a disaster will be determined by the nature of the disaster itself and your individual capabilities. The answers to the following questions should be written or recorded and distributed to all members of your support system:

PERSONAL CARE:
Do you need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and grooming?Do you use adaptive equipment to help you get dressed?

WATER SERVICE:
What will you do if there is no water for several days?What will you do if you are unable to heat water?

PERSONAL CARE EQUIPMENT:
Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench or other similar equipment?

ADAPTIVE FEEDING DEVICES:
Do you use special utensils that help you prepare or eat food independently?

ELECTRICITY DEPENDENT EQUIPMENT:
What equipment do you have that runs on electricity and how will you operate it if electrical service is disrupted?

TRANSPORTATION:
Do you need a specially equipped vehicle or accessible transportation?

NECESSITIES:
Who will get groceries, medication, and medical supplies?How will this be accomplished if the roads are blocked because of the disaster?

EVACUATING:
Do you need assistance if you are requested to evacuate?

EXITS:
Who will you call if you need help exiting your residence?What available alternate exits are in your residence?

SERVICE ANIMALS:
Who will care for your animal(s) in case of an emergency?

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