DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

SUMMARY CHECKLIST FOR PERSONAL DISASTER PREPARATION

There are many parts to a personal disaster plan. Fortunately, they do not have to be completed all at once. As you finish each part of your preparation, note the date in the space provided below. Review and update this plan regularly.

Date Completed

• ________ Make an emergency information list. Include:
  • Medical and emergency contact information.
  • Emergency out-of-town contacts.
  • Names and numbers of everyone in your network.
  • Name and number of a relative or friend who lives more than 100 miles away from you.

• ________ If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.

• ________ Fill out a medical information list. Include information about:
  • Medical providers.
  • Medications you use.
  • Adaptive equipment and/or body system support equipment you use.
  • Allergies and sensitivities.
  • Communication or cognitive difficulties.

• ________ Attach copies of health insurance cards and related information to your medical information list.

• ________ Keep at least a seven-day supply of essential medications with you at all times.

• ________ Have extra copies of prescriptions.

• ________ Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should do if you do not have enough medicine after a disaster. Also, find out the shelf life of your medication and the storage temperature it needs.

• ________ Determine how often you should replace stored medication.

• ________ Identify safe places to go to during a/an:
  • Earthquake
  • Tornado
  • Hurricane
  • Flood
  • Fire

• ________ Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, outside sleeping areas.

• ________ Find the location of utility cutoff valves and switches. Become familiar with how to operate them.

• ________ Identify as many exits as possible (but at least two) from each room and from the building you are in.

• ________ Make a floor plan of your home. You may want your network to help you do this. Include your primary escape routes.

• ________ Practice using different ways out of a building, especially if you are above the first floor in a building with many stories.

• ________ Decide what type of equipment you will need for assistance during an evacuation.

• ________ Be ready to give brief, clear, specific instructions and directions to rescue personnel.

• ________ If you do not drive, talk with your network about how you will leave the area if authorities advise an evacuation.

• ________ Ask your local emergency management office if transportation services are available to persons with your disability during an emergency evacuation. Find out how to arrange to get this service.

• ________ Become familiar with the emergency or disaster evacuation plan for your office, school, or any other location where you spend a lot of time.

• ________ Choose an alternate place to stay.

• ________ Have a care plan for your pet.

• ________ Have a care plan for your service animal.