Disaster-Preparedness Tips for People With Disabilities

Practice getting out of the house, line up supplies for service animals, experts say

By Robert Preidt

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

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WEDNESDAY, June 6 (HealthDay News) -- People with disabilities need to be prepared to quickly escape their homes in the event of emergencies such as fires, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, a Mayo Clinic expert says.
Preparations for people with disabilities are more complicated than those for able-bodied people.
"As we learned during Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters, persons with disabilities need to consider a number of different factors, such as identifying who is in their support system, special transportation needs and what supplies to include in their emergency-preparedness kits," clinical nurse specialist Lisa Beck said in a Mayo news release.
Beck worked with disabled patients to design patient-education materials, and she offers the following tips for people with disabilities:

Practice getting out of the house quickly at least twice a year.
Discuss any special needs with a local emergency-medical-services provider.
Plan where to go for shelter and how to get there, and who may need to provide you with assistance.
Compile an emergency-preparedness kit that can last 24 to 48 hours. It should include items such as medication lists, contact numbers, medications, catheter supplies and a first-aid kit.
Think about shelter and supplies for your service animal.

SOURCE: Mayo Clinic, news release, May 30, 2012

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Disaster Preparation and Recovery: MedlinePlus

Disaster Preparation and Recovery

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Preparing for a disaster can reduce the fear, anxiety and losses that disasters cause. A disaster can be a natural disaster, like a hurricane, tornado, flood or earthquake. It might also be man-made, like a bioterrorist attack or chemical spill. You should know the risks and danger signs of different types of disasters. You should also have a disaster plan. Be ready to evacuate your home, and know how to treat basic medical problems. Make sure you have the insurance you need, including special types, like flood insurance.
No matter what kind of disaster you experience, it causes emotional distress. After a disaster, recovery can take time. Stay connected to your family and friends during this period.

Federal Emergency Management Agency