NEWS RELEASE

ARE YOU READY?

Part II

Last week we talked about developing a plan for various types of emergencies or disasters. We talked about making sure we included everyone in the planning process. In order to do that we must think about those in our community with special needs.

If you are someone with special needs, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, you can help them with these extra precautions. Some things to think about include the following:

· Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements to receive a warning.

· Mobility impaired may need assistance in getting to a shelter.

· Households with a single working parent may need help from others both in planning for disasters and during an emergency.

· Non-English speaking people may need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies.

· People without vehicles may need to make arrangements for transportation.

· People with special dietary needs should have an adequate emergency food supply.

If any of these situations apply to you or someone you know, you may want to consider the following steps:

1. Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.
2. Discuss your needs with your employer.
3. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building.
4. Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.
5. Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies.
6. If you are a care-giver for a person with special needs, make sure you have a plan to communicate if an emergency occurs.

While these are not all the things you can do, by following these tips, you will be better prepared to deal with emergencies and disasters that may occur. Next week we will look at Disaster Kits and what needs to be in them. Until then remember the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared”.