The possibility of emergencies arising in the United States concerns many people in the wake of recent hurricanes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, and the threat of pandemic influenza. Although some people feel it is impossible to be prepared for unexpected events, the truth is that taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when they do occur. Being ready for the unexpected can protect individuals with disabilities and their families from additional worry and stress if an emergency arises.
Examples of Emergencies
Natural disasters: earthquakes, road-blocking landslides, long power outages,
floods, forest fires
Health emergencies: pandemic flu, outbreaks of diseases following natural
disasters, heat waves
Why is it Important to Prepare for Emergencies?
Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate
your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic
services--water, gas, electricity or telephones--were cut off? Local officials
and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach
everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to make your family and your home
safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes.
Suggested Emergency Preparations
Here are a few steps suggested by the American Red Cross and the Centers for
Disease Control:
- Get an Emergency Kit
- By taking time to prepare emergency supplies of water, food and survival, families can be provided for in an emergency.
- Make a Plan
- Develop a Family Disaster Plan that takes the needs of all family or household members into account. Assign roles to family members. Make sure each member knows his/her role. Practice putting the plan into action. Family members work as a team.
- Some of the important aspects of creating a plan include: notification, evacuation, emergency transportation, sheltering, access to medications, refrigeration, and back-up power, access to mobility devices or service animals while in transit or at shelters and access to in formation.
- Be In formed
- Learn How to Shelter in Place
- Learn about Quarantine and Isolation
- Maintain a Healthy State of Mind
You can prepare for an emergency now. This checklist was designed by the Dept. of Health and Human Services for an influenza pandemic, but also applies to a local flu epidemic or a natural disaster that would prevent regular supplies from reaching your area for awhile.
- To plan for an emergency:
- Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
- Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
- Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
- Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
- Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
- To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:
- Teach your children to wash hands frequently with soap and water, and model the correct behavior.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, and be sure to model that behavior.
- Teach your children to stay away from others as much as possible if they are sick. Stay home from work and school if sick.
- Items to have on hand for an extended stay at home:
- Examples of food and non-perishables:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, beans, and soups
- Protein or fruit bars
- Dry cereal or granola
- Peanut butter or nuts
- Dried fruit
- Crackers
- Canned juices
- Bottled water
- Canned or jarred baby food and formula
- Pet food
- Examples of medical, health, and emergency supplies:
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood-pressure monitoring equipment
- Soap and water, or alcohol-based (60-95%) hand wash
- Medicines for fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Thermometer
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Vitamins
- Fluids with electrolytes
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Portable radio
- Manual can opener
- Garbage bags
- Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
Useful Links:
- Interactive Map of Disability and Emergency Preparedness Resources. National Organization on Disabilities.
- http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_603_,00.html Preparedness In formation for Seniors & People with Disabilities
- Centers for Disease Control Emergency Preparedness and You
- Emergency Contacts form
- Family Emergency Health In formation Sheet
- PrepareNow.org
- Prepare Yourself: Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities
- Santa Cruz County Office of Emergency Services
- Monterey County Office of Emergency Services
- Are you prepared?
- National Institutes of Health disaster preparedness in formation
Downloads:
- Red Cross disaster preparation checklist
- Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs. The Federal Emergency Management Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the American Red Cross. 2004. [PDF, 731.37KB].
- Emergency Preparedness on the Job. Disability Preparedness Center.
- Emergency Preparedness at Home. Disability Preparedness Center.
- Disaster Planning For Children With Special Health Care Needs. Florida Institute for Family Involvement. [PDF, 711KB].
- Emergency In formation form for Children with Special Needs (EIF). American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. [PDF, 86.3KB].
- Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals & Families
- Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness