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The following statement will not surprise individuals with chronic medical conditions or disabilities or their caregivers. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and their effects can be disruptive and potentially devastating. That’s why there is often training, medication, equipment, and basic plans to respond to the most common disruptions or emergencies that may affect their needs and lives.

For those who need a ventilator, a medical pump, a means of communication assistance, or specialized transport, a sudden evacuation or prolonged disruption, such as to electrical or telecommunication utilities, can quickly become dangerous and deadly.

According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people, or about 16% of the global population, experience some form of condition or disability, which highlights the urgent need for effective emergency preparedness tailored to their unique needs.

This article offers a comprehensive yet generalized set of guidelines to assist individuals with disabilities and caregivers better prepare for emergencies.

More importantly, please consult with your specific medical team, home care or assisted living staff, local emergency responders, and other support agencies and organizations to prepare to ensure your plan of action best suits your particular needs.

Understanding the Diversity of Needs & Unique Challenges

The first step in emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities is understanding the diverse needs that must be addressed. For this article, disabilities can be broadly categorized into physical, sensory, cognitive, and chronic medical conditions, each presenting distinct challenges during emergencies. More importantly, some individuals may align with multiple categories, so apply and ignore any guidance as appropriate.

  • Physical disabilities: Individuals with mobility impairments may struggle with evacuation procedures, especially if they use wheelchairs or other assistive devices.
  • Sensory disabilities: Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision may face communication or mobility barriers, particularly when emergency information is not presented in accessible formats.
  • Cognitive disabilities: People with intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions may require additional support to understand and respond to emergency instructions.
  • Chronic medical conditions: Individuals dependent on medical equipment or medication need plans to maintain treatment in disruptive situations.

Common Barriers

During emergencies, individuals with disabilities encounter several barriers that complicate their response efforts.

  • Communication barriers: Emergency information is often disseminated via auditory or visual channels, which may not be accessible to everyone.
  • Mobility challenges: Evacuating from buildings or moving to safety can be particularly difficult for those with limited mobility or those reliant on assistive devices.
  • Access to information and resources: Finding and utilizing appropriate resources can be challenging, especially if emergency services are not trained to address the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Developing a Personal Emergency Plan

Risk Assessment

Creating a personal emergency plan starts with a thorough risk assessment. This involves identifying the types of emergencies likely to occur in one’s location (e.g., natural disasters, power outages, fires) and understanding how these situations could impact personal vulnerabilities and needs.

  • Identify potential emergencies: Consider the geographical area and associated risks, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, winter storms, temperature, or floods.
  • Understand personal vulnerabilities: Assess how these emergencies could affect the individual’s health, mobility, and access to necessary resources.
  • Identify external support dependencies: Determine what external support, such as local emergency services, at-home care, medical services, or friends and family, will be needed to assist in an emergency and what their role will be in such events. For example, home care nurses are not always allowed to transport those in their care, so who needs to drive?

Communication Plan

Effective communication is critical during emergencies. A reliable communication plan ensures that individuals with disabilities can stay connected with family, caregivers, and emergency services.

  • Establish reliable communication: Use multiple methods such as phone calls, text messages, and emails to ensure consistent contact.
  • Utilize assistive technology: Devices like hearing aids, speech-generating devices, and visual alert systems can enhance communication during crises.
  • Alternative communication methods: For those with communication impairments, consider picture boards, sign language interpreters, or text-to-speech apps. It is vital in our electronically dependent world.
  • Make Sure Emergency Contacts are Aware: In an emergency, the people you may be dependent upon need to know that you need them. Make sure that whoever is in your Communication Plan knows when and how you will attempt to reach out and what is being asked of them. This will help expedite support and give you and your supporters a sense of empowerment to deliver the best support.If able, contact your local emergency responders (i.e., fire department or emergency medical service, law enforcement, etc.) to inform them that you’re a part of the community and what specialized assistance might be required in an individual or community emergency.

Emergency Contacts

Maintaining a list of emergency contacts is crucial. This list should include family, friends, neighbors, healthcare providers, and local emergency services. Ensure the list is easily accessible and shared with trusted individuals.

  • Create and share the list: Make multiple copies and place them in easily accessible locations.
  • Include essential contacts: Ensure the list covers all necessary contact points.
  • Tell them they “made the cut”: Again, ensure that whoever is listed as an emergency contact or is a critical part of your communication plan knows that they are a part of your team and what their role might be.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Basic Supplies

An emergency kit should include basic supplies that everyone needs, such as food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and personal hygiene items.

  • Food and water: Stock at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water.
  • Medications: Include a week’s supply of prescription medications and a list of these medications and their dosages.
  • First aid supplies: Bandages, antiseptics, and other necessary medical items.
  • Backup Power: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of batteries for both flashlights and radios, but also for medical equipment, as well as any backup power generation devices and specialized power cords or adaptors (e.g., car adaptor).
  • Emergency Equipment: Ensure your residence has essential emergency equipment, such as flashlights, fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and everyday household tools.

Specialized Items

Individuals with disabilities may need additional items to ensure their safety and well-being during an emergency.

  • Assistive devices: Pack spare batteries, chargers, and necessary accessories for wheelchairs, hearing aids, or other devices.
  • Medical equipment: Include items like oxygen tanks, CPAP machines, or blood glucose monitors, as well as any manual medical assistance devices such as ambulatory bags (emergency respiratory assistance device), catheters, suction devices, etc.
  • Important documents: Keep copies of medical prescriptions, treatment plans, equipment manuals, insurance information, and identification documents.
  • Communication aids: Picture boards, sign language resources, or other necessary communication tools.
  • Hygiene Items: An extra supply of hygiene products, such as diapers, wipes, disinfectant wipes, oral care products, specialized soap or laundry detergents, etc., is essential.
  • Adaptive clothing: Extra clothing that is easy to put on and comfortable for long periods, blankets, mobile or manual fans, and appropriate clothing for caregivers.

Customizing Kits

Regularly update and customize emergency kits to ensure they meet individual needs.

  • Regular updates: Check, test, and replace expired or malfunctioning items on a regular schedule.
  • Personalization: Tailor the kit to include any items that could provide comfort or be necessary during an emergency. For example, young children may need additional extra-sensory items like toys or books, additional caregiver necessities, or safety equipment like car seats.

Building a Support Network

Family and Friends

As indicated above, involving family and friends in the emergency planning process is essential. They should understand the individual’s needs and how to assist during an emergency.

  • Educate and involve: Make sure family and friends know the emergency plan and their roles within it.
  • Regular communication: Maintain open lines of communication to update them on any changes in the plan or needs.

Community Resources

In addition to local emergency responders, Identify and connect with local support groups, community organizations, and disability services.

  • Local support groups: These can provide emotional and practical assistance during emergencies.
  • Community organizations: Groups like the Red Cross often offer specific programs for individuals with disabilities.
  • Disability services: These services can provide specialized resources and assistance tailored to individual needs.

Evacuation Planning

Knowing Evacuation Routes

Familiarity with accessible evacuation routes and shelters is vital.

  • Identify routes: Learn about accessible exits in homes, workplaces, and frequently visited places.
  • Identify safe alternative locations: Knowing where you are going is critically important. Discuss with family and friends, both nearby and within a safe extended distance, whether their home can be an evacuation location in an emergency. Alternatively, or in addition, locate nearby shelters that can accommodate individuals with disabilities and ensure they are equipped to meet specific needs.
  • Transportation needs: Plan for transport requirements, ensuring that vehicles are accessible, or alternative transport options are available.

Practicing Evacuation

Regularly practice evacuation procedures tailored to the individual’s needs.

  • Conduct drills: Regularly practice evacuation plans to ensure everyone knows their role and the procedures.
  • Include all household members: Ensure everyone knows the plan and can assist if necessary.

Staying Informed and Connected

Alert Systems

Signing up for emergency alerts and notifications designed for individuals with disabilities is crucial.

  • Emergency alerts: Many local governments and organizations offer alert systems that provide real-time information.
  • Accessible information: Ensure that alerts are available in formats accessible to those with sensory disabilities (e.g., text messages, audio alerts).

Continuous Learning

Staying informed about best practices and updates in emergency preparedness is essential.

  • Community workshops: Participate in workshops and training sessions offered by local organizations.
  • Online resources: Utilize websites and online courses dedicated to emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities.
  • Practice: When appropriate, regularly practice your plan or talk with your caregivers, medical teams, and other supporters about what will happen in different situations. Practice builds confidence, identifies better approaches, and might create excitement and fun within otherwise repetitive schedules.

Conclusion

It is widely known that being prepared for emergencies is crucial for ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being. Whether at home, work, school, or places of worship, there are reminders such as fire extinguishers, AED devices, emergency siren tests, evacuation drills, and shelter-in-place drills.

However, for individuals with disabilities, these resources may be inaccessible or less effective during an emergency.

Their resilience often gives them the unique ability to better prepare for life disruptions. By understanding their specific challenges, creating a comprehensive personal emergency plan, building a support network, and staying informed, individuals with disabilities can navigate emergencies more effectively and are likely better prepared than most. Proactive planning improves personal safety and empowers individuals and their caregivers to face emergencies confidently.

Start or update your emergency preparedness plan today to ensure you are ready for any situation.

Provided below are several additional resources that provide additional ideas to support your emergency preparedness plan:

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About Bray Wheeler

Bray brings over a decade of experience in intelligence, crisis and reputation management, global risk, security operations, and public-private partnerships with Fortune 100 companies to his role as a Senior Consultant with Bryghtpath.

Prior to joining Bryghtpath, Bray spent fourteen years at Target Corporation where he worked in progressively responsible positions in assets protection, corporate security, crisis management, intelligence, and enterprise risk management. Bray spent the last two years leading the development of Target’s enterprise response management program.

In 2014, Bray led the private sector intelligence team, as a part of a broader public-private security partnership in support of the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Minneapolis. In this capacity, Bray worked with public and private sector partners to develop security support strategies and provide actionable intelligence to both corporate security teams and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Bray is a member of the Association of International Risk Intelligence Professionals and the Midwest Regional Analysts Roundtable.

Learn more about Bray in his biography