Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

Events of recent years, including the destruction of the World Trade Center towers and the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, hammered the point that accessibility for people with disabilities has flip side -- getting in is not enough. Getting out, and leaving no one behind, is essential too.
 
A recent federal study found that while most of the country is reasonably well prepared to handle a disaster situation, certain areas, including populations with special needs, were in need of “significant attention.”

The disability and public health communities have embraced the concept of emergency preparedness for populations of vulnerable people, including those in nursing homes. Through outreach, education, and awareness, people with disabilities themselves have been active in the planning, training and response activities being undertaken at the community level, working with preparedness officials before, during, and after an emergency.

Much work remains to assure the safety of all citizens in a disaster situation. Here are some suggestions from the National Organization on Disability, which has developed great expertise in emergency preparation.
 
Assessment: Learn about hazards that may impact your community (blizzards, earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, floods, etc.).

Support Network: Create a network of trusted individuals, such as family, friends, co-workers, personal attendants, etc. who can assist you during an emergency.

Evacuation: If you believe the weather or other hazard directly threatens you, leave your home or workplace.

Evacuation Devices: Several companies make products to assist evacuation of wheelchair users or others with severe mobility disabilities. If your building has not purchased evacuation devices, take responsibility to educate the facility’s manager.
 
Fire: No disaster is more frequent or deadly than fire for a person with a mobility disability. Understand the risk and make an escape plan at home and work.