Step 7: Plan for Medical Needs
Individuals with disabilities may have specific medical needs that require careful planning and preparation.
Maintain a Medication Supply: Ensure an ample supply of medications is available, including a list of medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors. Keep medications in their original containers.
Medical Equipment: Ensure all necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, hearing aids, or mobility devices, is in good working condition. Keep backup batteries and chargers on hand.
Healthcare Providers: Maintain contact information for healthcare providers, including doctors, specialists, and pharmacies. Know how to reach them during an emergency.
Emergency Medical Information: Create an emergency medical information card that includes medical conditions, medications, allergies, and contact information for healthcare providers. Carry this card at all times.
Step 8: Plan for Service Animals and Pets
Service animals and pets are part of the family and should be included in your emergency preparedness plan.
Service Animal Emergency Kit: Assemble a kit for your service animal that includes food, water, medications, a leash, a harness, identification tags, vaccination records, and comfort items.
Know Pet-Friendly Shelters: Research pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends and relatives who can accommodate your service animal or pets during an emergency.
Practice Evacuating with Service Animals: Practice evacuating with your service animal to ensure they are comfortable and familiar with the process.
Step 9: Educate and Train Yourself and Caregivers
Education and training are essential for ensuring that individuals with disabilities and their caregivers know how to respond during an emergency.
Teach Emergency Procedures: Educate individuals with disabilities and their caregivers about emergency procedures, including how to evacuate, shelter in place, use emergency kits, and communicate during a crisis.
CPR and First Aid Training: Enroll caregivers and individuals with disabilities in CPR and first aid courses. Knowing how to provide basic medical care can be invaluable during an emergency.
Fire Safety: Teach individuals with disabilities and their caregivers how to use fire extinguishers, escape from a burning building, and perform stop, drop, and roll.
Regular Drills: Conduct regular drills to practice evacuation, sheltering in place, and communication procedures. This helps reinforce the plan and ensures everyone is familiar with it.
Step 10: Stay Informed
Staying informed about potential emergencies and ongoing situations is crucial for making timely and informed decisions.
Monitor News and Weather: Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand to monitor news and weather updates. Subscribe to local emergency alert systems.
Download Emergency Apps: Install emergency apps on your smartphone that provide real-time alerts, safety tips, and information about shelters and resources. Ensure these apps are accessible.
Know Your Community’s Plans: Familiarize yourself with your community’s emergency plans, including evacuation routes, shelter locations, and resources. Ensure these plans accommodate individuals with disabilities.