When planning ahead for a disaster, we recommend that families take deliberate steps to anticipate the special needs of those with disabilities. There are many resources on the Internet. To get started, click here to view the FEMA/American Red Cross brochure, Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Special Needs. It lists a number of considerations and suggests how you can reduce hazards and make advance preparations.
Other resources include the American Red Cross website, Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities, the CDC website, Emergency Readiness for People with Disabilities, and FEMA’s website, Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs, which opens with the statement, “For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, sensory or cognitive disabilities, emergencies such as fires, floods and acts of terrorism present a real challenge. The same challenge also applies to the elderly and other special needs populations. This booklet will help people with disabilities prepare and emergency plan to protect themselves, family, friends, personal care assistant and others in the support network in the event of an emergency. Post the plan where everyone will see it, keep a copy with you and make sure everyone involved in your plan has a copy.”