DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20230425/disaster-preparedness-people-disabilities]


Release Date: 
Avril 13, 2018 

Hurricane Season Begins June 1

 

ORLANDO, FLA. – The keys to effective disaster preparedness—be
informed, make a plan and take action—apply to all of us, but people
with access and functional needs or disabilities, should approach
preparedness planning with additional considerations.

Additional considerations could include:

• Creating a support network. Check with those who can assist you,
if needed. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your
emergency kit. Learn more at ready.gov/kit.

• Planning ahead for accessible transportation for evacuation or
getting to a medical clinic. Work with local services, public
transportation or paratransit to identify local or private accessible
transportation options.

• Informing a support network where your emergency supplies are;
you may want to give one member a key to your house or apartment.

• Knowing location and availability of more than one facility for
dialysis if dialysis is part of a health maintenance plan or routine
or other life-sustaining treatment.

• Preparing to use medical equipment if a power outage occurs.

• Wearing medical alert tags or bracelets.

• Making note of the best way to communicate with you in an
emergency if you have a communications disability.

• Planning how to evacuate with assistive devices or how to replace
equipment if lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where
the equipment came from such as Medicaid, Medicare or private
insurance.

BUILD A KIT  

In addition to having basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should
contain items to meet individual needs in various emergencies.
Consider items used daily and those needed to add to a kit.

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

Include:
• A weather radio with text display and a flashing alert
• Extra hearing-aid batteries
• A TTY
• Pen and paper in case you have to communicate with someone who
does not know sign language

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION

Include:
• Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep
a list of your emergency supplies on a portable flash drive, or make
an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
• Keep a Braille, or Deaf-Blind communications device in an
emergency supply kit.

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH A MOBILITY DISABILITY

Include:
• If you use a power wheelchair, have a lightweight manual chair
available as a backup. Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
• Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, and if it is
collapsible for transportation.
• Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker, if you
use one.
• If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your
balance, and you must evacuate without your wheelchair, take your
cushion with you.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management, in coordination with
each local emergency management agency in the state, developed a
registry to allow residents with special needs to register with their
local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a
disaster. The statewide registry provides first responders with
valuable information to prepare for disasters or other emergencies. To
register, please visit www.snr.floridadisaster.org
[http://www.snr.floridadisaster.org]

For more on the tips above and disaster planning for those with access
and functional needs or disabilities, or for children, visit
Ready.gov. The range of needs runs wide and effective planning runs
deep. Be ready for hurricanes—and for any other disaster … and
help those who may need neighborly assistance.

FEMA’s Mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race,
color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English
proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been
discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For
TTY call 800-462-7585.
                                                                                                   
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