Image of four dots Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities Best Practices
Image of four dots ADA Homepage - Dept. of Justice
Image of four dots Americans w/ Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Image of four dots Arizona Disabilities Rights Information
Image of four dots Arizona & National Resources
Image of four dots Emergency Planning Checklist
Image of four dots Meet Our Staff
Image of four dots Trainings Available
Image of four dots Sample Accommodation Forms
Image of four dots Home
Image of four dots Log In

 
Emergency Preparedness Checklist
for Those with Disabilities
Plan Ahead:
______ Customize an emergency health information card.
Keep copies in your wallet or purse and emergency supply kits. Contact our office for a sample.
______ Develop a "buddy" system.
Plan with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers. Plan how you will help each other in an emergency.
______ Prepare an emergency "Go Kit."
Have a bag or case that you can grab and take with you if there is a need to evacuate. Include necessary medications, basic toiletries, special sanitary aids and emergency contacts.
______ Make a list of your medications.
Indicate if you have allergies or special equipment and don't forget to include your doctor's phone numbers and emergency contact information. People who have difficulty with communication should have other important information written out, such as special tailetry needs or how to lift or move them. Give a copy to each buddy, keep a copy with you and put a copy in your Go Kit (above).
______ Designate an out-of-state and a local friend or relative as contacts.
A contact can be used by family members or others to call if you are separated from each other. Identify a location where you can reunite.
______ Maintain a seven-day supply of essential medications.
______ Master the skill of giving quick information on how best to assist you.
Plan Your Escape:
______ Determine at least two usable exits.
Find exit locations from rooms and buildings.
______ Make a plan with your personal care attendant.
If you use an attendant from an agency, see if the agency has special provisions for emergencies.
______ Conduct an "ability self-assessment."
Can you operate a fire extinguisher, turn off water, gas, etc.?
______ Learn what to do in case of power outages and personal injury.
Know how to connect or start a back-up power supply for essential medical equipment.
______ Learn your community's warning procedures, evacuation plans and shelter locations.
Tips for Service Animals and Pet Owners:
______ Make sure your animal's I.D. tags and licenses are current.
______ Have an animal care plan.
Who will care for your pet if you are evacuated? Pets, unlike service animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters.
______ Be prepared to function without assistance from service animal.
Identify alternate mobility cues.
  Assemble your service animal's emergency kit.
Don't forget to include a bowl for water and extra food.
. The Most Important Things to Have:
______ Bottled water.
Supply three gallons per person in small, easy open bottles.
______ Flashlights.
Keep one by the bed and others around the house when electricity is out.
______ Medicines.
Keep a one week supply of medicines with instructions for use -- dosage, frequency, doctor's name and phone. Rotate the supply regularly. Post this information on your refrigerator under the heading EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIOONS.
______ First aid kit.
______ Shoes under the bed.
Have shoes handy to protect your feet from broken glass from windows, lamps, etc.
______ Fire extinguisher.
Know how to operate your extinguisher.
______ Smoke alarm.
Check alarm battery once a year. For people who are hard of hearing, consider a flashing light alarm.
______ Battery operated radio or TV.
Keep batteries fresh to receive information regarding a disaster.
______ Whistle or loud bell.
In some cases a noise is needed to attract attention.
______ Wrench for gas turn-off.
Use only if you or someone else smells gas.
______ Garbage bags.
For personal waste.
Other Important Things You May Need:
______ Non-perishable, ready to eat foods.
Keep a supply of canned goods, juices, dried fruit and crackers.
______ Can opener.
Provide a manual can opener since electricity may not be available.
______ Extra eye glasses, hearing aid, mobility aids, etc.
If you own spares and remember the batteries.
______ Extra blankets.
______ Paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates and personal hygiene supplies.
______ Pet food and extra water for pets or service animal.
Other Good-to-Have Supplies:
______ Rubber or heavy gloves.
You may need to clean up broken glass.
______ Duct tape or masking tape.
______ Money.
Image of four dots
Image of four dots