As we know, emergencies can occur at any moment- especially during storm season. Disabilities regarding mobility, hearing, learning, vision, and more require specific needs in many situations. We want you and your loved ones to feel prepared for storms, for every person involved.
Identify your Support Network
Before emergency strikes, it’s important to prepare a personal support network who can help you prepare for disasters. These should be trusted individuals who you can count on to check on you during emergencies. Members of your network can provide necessary resources and assistance when needed.
- Make arrangements with your support network to know where and how to check on you immediately following a disaster.
- Exchange access requirements such as house keys and garage codes.
- Share the location of your emergency supplies.
- Agree on back up communication plans if cellphones do not work.
- Notify each other when going out of town & when returning.
Create a Personal Assessment
There are several important questions to answer and include in your “assessment”. Sharing this information with your network will prepare you, your trusted individuals, and save time in emergency situations. Be sure to describe you (or your family member’s) current capabilities and limitations to best receive the assistance needed.
Personal Care:
- Do you regularly need assistance with hygiene routines such as bathing, grooming, teeth brushing, etc.?
- Do you use bathing equipment such as a shower chair, tub bench, or any other equipment?
- Do you use particular utensils to assist with food preparation & eating independently?
- What is your plan if water service or heated water is unavailable for multiple days?
- How will you continue to use necessary equipment that requires electricity if it is cut off? Do you have a safe back-up power supply?
Environment:
- How will you cope with debris in your home or across your exit routes?
- Do you require specific transportation access or vehicles?
- Will you need assistance running errands such as picking up groceries, medications, or supplies?
Evacuation
- Do you need help to exit your home/office/etc.?
- Can you reach or activate an alarm?
- Are you aware of emergency exits if access to elevators is cut off?
- How will you call for help when needing to evacuate?
- Will you need assistance caring for your service animal?
Make Emergency Plan
After answering and taking note of all of these important questions, sit down with family members, personal caretakers, or building managers to formulate specific emergency plans.
- Practice escape routes and drills
- Prepare for a variety of hazards and limitations
- Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross to learn more about response plans within your community.
- Learn about the different emergency plans across your usual locations- work, school, care centers, etc.
- Ask about assistance programs.
It may feel frightening to discuss these important details, but it’s of utmost importance to be prepared for disastrous storms. There is always help available. We hope you and your loved ones stay safe during this storm season, and, as always, we are here for you, Florida!
For anyone who uses American Sign Language, please see this video from the American Red Cross. https://vimeo.com/449431097
For more information on preparing for storms with a disability, please visit Redcross.org.
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