Disaster preparation for people with health issues
It takes just three steps for Americans with Disabilities or Special Needs to get READY for an emergency.
Get an Emergency Supply Kit. Make a Family Emergency Plan and Be Informed about different types of emergencies.
To get started, go to Ready.gov to get a list of everything your Emergency Supply Kit should contain.
“Why don’t you print it out so we can be sure we have everything that we’ll need for our kit.”
In addition to the items that every person needs be sure to include the special supplies you rely on for your health and safety.
“I’ve got your leg brace, in case of muscle spasms.”
Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
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- One gallon of potable water per person per day for three days (three gallons total per person for three days)
- Food for your family for three days
- Battery-powered radio
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight (halogen bulb could be an extra benefit)
- Extra batteries (for all devices, such as flashlights, radios, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Pet food and water
Download a complete Basic Emergency Supply Kit checklist at Ready.gov
Specialized Emergency Supply Kit:
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- At least three day’s supply of medicine or medical treatments
- Important documents
- Copy of prescriptions, dosage and treatment information
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen
- Copies of medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards
- Emergency pet supplies for service animal
- Information on any equipment or life-saving devices you use
Download a complete Specialized Emergency Supply Kit checklist at Ready.gov
“Let’s go down the checklist here.”
“We need stuff for at least three days, maybe more.”
Put all items into a container or duffle bag that you can take with you if you need to leave home in an emergency.
“How about we keep that in your personal duffle bag because that will go in your van.”
Remember, medicines can spoil just like our food.
So you should check your kit regularly to make sure your prescriptions haven’t expired.
“…so we’ll just have to keep in mind to check it at certain times to make sure we’re not running out on the expiration date.”
“It says, Emergency Contact Name.”
“Who should we put as your main emergency contact name?
“Do you want to put your mom and Diane?”
If there’s an emergency, you may be able to stay in your home or you may have to evacuate.
It’s important to have a plan ready for either situation.
In addition to a basic emergency plan, you may need to plan for your unique needs.
“Hello,… yes”
“I was calling to get information about the services you offer if there is some type of emergency and I wanted to find out how quickly I could rent a van from you.”
(Hilary Styron, director of Emergency Preparedness Initiative, National Organization on Disability)
“Be fully aware that the services you may require for transportation or evacuation assistance, access to 911, and fire or emergency services those may be limited during the emergency operations themselves.”
“So, getting ready immediately the first thing a person needs to do is being aware of their community.”
“Be informed. Make a plan. Have a kit and have it personalized for what their own needs may be.”
“Also, we will need to write down that company that usually works on your van.”
Create a Personal Support Network if you’ll need special assistance during an emergency.
Talk to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about your emergency plan so they can know what they can do to help you.
Basic Family Emergency Plan:
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- Contact numbers – local and out-of-area
- Meeting locations – local and out-of-area
- Date of birth, social security and medical information
- School and workplace emergency plans
- Download a complete Family Emergency Plan checklist in PDF format, supplied by Ready.gov
- Download a complete Family Emergency Plan checklist in Microsoft Excel format, supplied by Ready.gov
Specialized Emergency Plan:
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- Identify back-up medical treatment service providers
- Create a personal support network
- Make arrangements for alternate modes of transportation and assistance if needed
- Identify alternate locations and availability of life-sustaining equipment of treatment
- Identify shelter alternatives for pets and service animals
Download a complete Specialized Emergency Plan checklist at Ready.gov
“I have about three or four other contacts numbers.”
“I have someone at the church, also other church members there, and neighbors and other relatives.”
Teach the people in your Personal Support Network how to use any of the life saving equipment or administer and of the medicines you rely on.
Also, let them know if you have any physical limitations particularly if you need to be lifted or carried.
“The foot pedals still work on the van even though it has hand controls. So they can still drive it regularly.”
“Here’s the state information.”
“Lets click on Virginia.”
Ready.gov and links to local information will help you learn about the types of emergencies that could affect your area.
Different Types of Emergencies:
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- Floods and Fires
- Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Earthquakes
- Winter Storms, Thunderstorms, Extreme Heat and Extreme Cold
- Terrorist Threats
Find out more at Ready.gov
The information will help you know what to do incase of ANY emergency natural or man-made.
Be prepared to adapt the information to your personal circumstances.
You’ll find everything you need to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency at Ready.gov.
It’s as simple as One, Two, Three.
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