Special Needs Emergency Planning

Emergencies happen and it is important for people with special needs and considerations to do advanced planning. There are many reccommendations that can make this planning both easy and functional. Take action! Disaster can strike at any moment leaving you or a loved one with special needs affected. Building a plan, making a kit and preparing to act are all ways in which you can take an activie role in making sure you are safe in the event of a disaster. Not all special needs are the same. Below are tips catorgized by sensory, cognitive and mobility special needs.

People with Sensory Disabilities:

Additional 72 Hour Kit Items:

-Pad of paper with writing utensils for writing notes

-Extra Batteries for tape recorders or portable TTY

-Extra pair of dark glasses, if required

-Folding mobility cane

-Extra eyeglasses or hearing aids

Warning/Response Considereations:

If you are deaf, find out id the buildings you visit have fvisual fire alarms. If you are blind be aware that alarms may be so loud other audio cues may be drowned out. Ask members of your support network to alert you. Purchase a NOAA weather radio.

Sheltering:

Be prepared to communicate without and interpreter.

People with Cognitive/Developemental Disabilities:

Additional 72 Hour Kit Items:

-Alternate power source or spare batteries for communication device

-Pad of paper with writing utensils for writing notes

-A favorite item to aid in relaxation

Plan Developement Considerations:

Prepare yourself or have someone help you create pre-printed messages explaining your condition to first responders. Plan and practice how to describe your disability in short, meaningful phrases in case your pre-printed messages or tape recorder are not available.

People with Mobility Disabilities:

Additional 72 hour Kit Items:

-Extra batteries for motorized wheelchair/scooter

-Spare Cane or walker

-Patch kit or tire sealant to repair flat tires

-Jumper cables or recharging device

-Pair of heavy gloves to use while wheeling over glass and debris

-Lightweight manual wheelchair

Plan Development Considerations:

Identify members of your suppport network able to assist you in evacuation. Plan how to function if you must abandon your wheelchair. Know the location of a buildings designated safe areas.

Sheltering:

Expect that you may need assistance navigating around a shelter.