Be Prepared: Special Concerns for People with Disabilities

According to the Red Cross, if you or a loved one has special medical needs, "You are in the best position to plan for your own safety, as you are best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation." Here are some things to consider:

If you or a loved one live in a nursing home or other senior living community, find out what plans are in place for emergency situations.

Arrange for who will help if you or your loved one needs to evacuate, and have a back-up plan in case that person can't reach the home. Neighbors are often willing and eager to help those with special needs. But they can't help you without knowing who you are...and what they should do to assist you.

Persons with medical needs such as dialysis, oxygen, or infusion pump can be at grave risk if their medical regimes are interrupted, and should have access to a back-up power source, such as a generator or battery, in the home or nearby.

Know the location of your local emergency shelter that is equipped with emergency power generators, designated for people with special needs. If you are evacuated to a shelter, notify officials there right away about your disability and medical issues.

Persons who are hard of hearing, or who have Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairment may miss emergency siren and radio/TV warnings. Arrange for other methods of notification. (Keep in mind that your loved one may be hesitant to leave with a stranger, so explain your plan beforehand.)

If you normally use an electric wheelchair or scooter, be sure you have access to a manual model.

If you are unable to get out of a building on your own, let someone know where you are. Have a set of alternate emergency numbers with you, in case the 911 emergency number is overloaded.

Have a supply on hand of your prescription medicines and any other supplies you regularly use, such as oxygen tanks, catheters, hearing aid batteries, spare glasses, etc.

If you use home care or home health care services, make arrangements ahead of time for evacuation procedures. Discuss the provider's special provisions for emergencies, and go over your emergency plan.

If you or a loved one live in a nursing home, assisted living community or adult family home, learn about the evacuation and emergency policy. When selecting a facility, ask questions about their plan. Don't assume a plan is in place. Be sure the facility has your contact information.

While it is tempting to avoid "thinking about the unthinkable," taking the practical steps to preparedness can turn worry into action. You will be able to rest easier knowing that you have done everything you can to ensure the best outcome...no matter what emergency strikes.

For More Information

FEMA's Ready.gov website includes a section on preparedness for people with disabilities and other special needs, including an instructional video and information for Social Security recipients. FEMA also partners with the Red Cross to offer the free booklet Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs.

The Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities now has a website, www.disabilitypreparedness.gov, offering more resources for special needs populations, family members and first responders.

Don't Forget Fido and Fluffy!

You might recall that during Hurricanes such as Katrina, Rita and Ike, many people were distraught to have to leave their pets behind. Indeed, many people refused to evacuate, rather than abandon their beloved animals. If you have pets, keep a supply of non-perishable food with your emergency supplies. And remember that if you evacuate to a shelter, normally only service animals are allowed to enter. FEMA now offers information for pet and service animal owners, including the Pets Preparedness Toolkit.

Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org