Disaster strikes unpredictably. Environmental changes, population shifts, terrorism, and other factors affect how often and how many people disasters affect. This reality increases the need to plan for disasters.
An emergency in your community may affect your neighbors, co-workers, family, and friends. First responders may not be able to respond promptly. It can take time for emergency agencies to reach out to neighboring communities for support. You are in the best position to know your abilities and needs before, during, and after a disaster.
Many people with disabilities underestimate their abilities in an emergency to ensure their safety and survival. BEING PREPARED can have life-saving benefits – PLANNING AND PRACTICE make a difference. Consider what would happen in an emergency and how your disability might impact the ability to evacuate. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, notification might be an issue. If you have a mobility disability, it may be difficult to evacuate a multistory building.
Communicate with others, such as family members, neighbors, and direct support professionals. Develop a network of individuals that you can rely on for assistance. Meet with these individuals and create a preparedness plan, discuss what would happen in emergencies such as fire, tornado, or flood. When creating an emergency preparedness plan, proximity is important, so rely most on those physically closest to you. This plan applies to locations where you spend significant time, such as schools, clubs, community centers, work, and volunteer settings.
Plan Resources
Plan of Action Checklists
Develop your plan of action! Start by reviewing the sample checklist.
Emergency Plan Checklists
Review recommended items to include in your Go Bag and Shelter in Place bag.
Downloadable Forms
Use these forms to document important information to include in your plan. You can store them electronically or print them out.
- Personal and Emergency Contact
- Medical Conditions, Allergies, Medication, Medical Equipment
Farmer and Rancher Preparedness
Because of isolation in rural areas, response times are longer and resources can be reduced. Develop your plan of action! Start by reviewing the checklist for farmers and ranchers.
Railway Preparedness
Talk with your neighbors: You may need to rely on those closest to you during an emergency. Develop a network of people who can assist you should an emergency occur. And remember that developing a network is a two-way street. Identify what others can do for you and consider what you can do for others. Remember: Develop your plan of action! Start with a basic plan.
