Parenting & Families
Safety
Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities
Disaster Supplies
A disaster supplies kit contains food, water, tools, and other things you and your service animal will need immediately after a disaster strikes. Your kit should have enough food and water supplies to sustain you and those you live with for at least three days, preferably seven days or more.
Gather your basic disaster supplies and store them somewhere that is easy for you to get to.
Note: You do not need to collect all the items for your disaster supplies kit all at once. First, pick out the supplies you already have and put them in your kit. Next, as you plan your weekly or monthly budget, try to include a few items for your kit. See the Disaster Supplies Calendar, Appendix B, for a suggested weekly shopping list. Talk with your personal physician about how you can collect and store a seven-day supply of necessary prescription medications.
There are different types of disaster supplies kits you should assemble. Combine the following kits as you need them, and store them somewhere that is easy for you to get to.
- Basic disaster supplies kit (includes a first aid kit)
- Portable disaster supplies kit
- Disaster supplies kit for your car
- Disability-related supplies and special equipment
- Service animal and pet supplies
Make a disaster supplies kit that contains your basic disaster supplies for home and your disability related supplies. You should keep enough basic supplies to maintain you in your home for at least three days, preferably seven or more. Supplies you need related to your disability should last a minimum of seven days. Remember any special dietary needs you may have when planning your disaster food supplies. Refer to Appendix A, for a list of basic disaster supplies.
First Aid Kit:
Put together a first aid kit. This will go in your basic disaster supplies kit. Include an American Red Cross first aid textbook. Enclose sanitary supplies, extra glasses (an old pair) and a case, and solution for contact lenses, if you wear them. Refer to Appendix A, for a list of items to include in your first aid kit.
Disability-Related Supplies and Special Equipment
Your disability-related supplies can be part of both your basic and your portable disaster supplies kit.
List the special supplies and equipment you may need. Be sure to note the places where they are stored.
Refer to Appendix A, for a list of disability-related supplies and special equipment. This list is extensive and you may use only a few of the items listed here.
Keep mobility aids near you at all times. If you have extra aids (such as a cane), have them available in several locations.
Disability-related supplies can be part of both your basic and your portable disaster supplies kits. If you must leave your home for any reason, your disability-related supplies will be available to take with you. If you are confined to your home, these supplies will be available along with your basic disaster supplies kit.
Portable Disaster Supplies Kit
Keep your portable disaster supplies kit within easy reach at all times.
Get a drawstring bag, a pouch with lots of pockets, a fanny pack, or a small backpack and keep it within reach, by or on your chair, wheelchair, scooter, or other assistive device.
Your portable disaster supplies kit should include a copy of your emergency information list and other lists; a small flashlight; a whistle or noisemaker; water; extra medication and copies of prescriptions; an extra pair of glasses; a hearing aid; sanitary supplies; a pad and pencil or other writing device; and a pair of heavy work gloves for wheeling over glass and debris.
At night, keep these portable supplies either next to or under your bed.
Disaster Supplies for Your Car
Store basic disaster supplies and other emergency items in your car.
Besides the basic disaster supplies listed in Appendix A, you should also carry other disaster supplies in your car. Store several blankets; an extra set of mittens or gloves, wool socks, and a wool cap; jumper cables and instructions; a small sack of sand or kitty litter for traction; a small shovel; a set of tire chains or traction mats; a red cloth to use as a flag; and a CB radio or cellular telephone in any vehicle you use regularly.
Service Animal and Pet Supplies
Like your disability-related supplies kit, the service animal and pet supplies can be part of your basic disaster supplies kit or your portable disaster supplies. This will depend on whether you evacuate or are confined to your home.
Your service animal and pet supplies should include food; water; a leash or harness; a collar; and identification tags. Dogs and cats should wear a collar and tags. Dogs should be led with a leash or harness; cats should be moved in a pet carrier. Keep an extra harness with your disaster supplies for each animal. Ask your veterinarian for first aid information and a list of supplies you will need for your animals.
Make sure that identification tags, licenses, and vaccinations are current for your service animal or pet. Identification tags should list both your home telephone number and that of your primary out of-town contact person.
Power-Dependent Equipment
Some people may use a fuel-operated generator to produce electricity if power will be out for along time. If appropriate and feasible, get a generator listed by Underwriters Laboratories (the generator will carry a label with the letters "UL" circled on it).
Some generators can be connected to the existing wiring systems of a house. But contact your utility company before you connect a generator to house wiring. Connecting a generator is specifically prohibited by law in some areas, so you must check with your local utility or fire department first. To run generators in an emergency, fuel must be safely stored. Generators need to be operated outdoors to guarantee good ventilation. If you get a generator, be sure your network is familiar with how to operate it.
If you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system, or other power-dependent equipment, discuss with your power company the type of backup power you plan to use. Some utility companies offer a "priority reconnection service" for people with disabilities who use power-dependent equipment. Many utility companies keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency. Contact the customer service department of your local utility company(ies) to learn if this service is available in your community. Some utility companies may require a referral from your physician to qualify you for this service. However, even with this "priority reconnection service, " your power could still be out for a long time following a disaster. Providing alternatives for your power-dependent equipment is still essential.
Additional Equipment and Supplies
Source:Red Cross, Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities