Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency Preparedness and Accessibility
Q: What are some of the needs of individuals with disabilities in emergency situations?
It is important to realize that people with disabilities, even more than other demographic segments of the population, are not a homogeneous group. There is no single answer to this question. Each individual, their needs and their abilities are different and emergency conditions are different. Location may also make a difference. The disaster message for people with disabilities is exactly the same as that for the general population: be prepared. The difference is that an individual with a disability is in the best position to know his or her level of ability and the gap that needs to be filled during an emergency, and that more preparedness steps and/or assistance levels might be necessary during the response and recovery phases.
Source: Elizabeth Davis, Emergency Preparedness Initiative, National Organization On Disability
Q. What Can Persons with Disabilities Do To Prepare?
To be better prepared as a nation, we all must do our part to plan for disasters. All individuals, with or without disabilities, can decrease the impact of a disaster by taking steps to prepare BEFORE an event occurs. You are in the best position to know your abilities and needs before, during, and after a disaster. There are many sample planning templates and checklists available to guide you. However, your plans must fit your own unique circumstances.
- Know what kinds of disasters could happen in your area and consider what your environment might look like after one occurs. Certain resources or utilities may not be available and conditions could hamper your independence.
- Complete a personal assessment. Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during and after a disaster (based on the disrupted environment, your capabilities and your limitations).
- Create a personal support network of family, friends, relatives, neighbors, roommates and co-workers who could assist you at a moment's notice. Discuss your special needs with them, including evacuation plans and medical information lists.
- Make an emergency information list so others will know whom to call if they find you unconscious, unable to speak or if they need to help you evacuate quickly. Include the names and numbers of out-of-town contacts, as well as everyone in your network.
- Compile a medical information list that contains the names and numbers of your doctors, your medications, dosage instructions, and any existing conditions. Make note of your adaptive equipment, allergies, and any communication difficulties you may have.
- Keep at least a seven-day supply of medications on hand. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what you should do if you cannot immediately get more. If you undergo treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, ask your provider how to prepare for a disruption caused by a disaster.
- Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and test them once a month. Know the location of main utility cutoff valves and learn how and when to disconnect them during an emergency. Identify evacuation routes and safe places to go during a disaster.
- Complete a summary checklist to make sure that your personal disaster plan is comprehensive. Be sure to include your medical needs, evacuation routes, care plans for your service animals, an alternative place to stay, etc.
- Keep a disaster supply kit(s) in your home, car, workplace and anywhere you may spend your time. Include such items as food, water, a first aid kit, adaptive equipment, batteries, and supplies for your pets or service animals.
- Make your home or office safer by checking hallways, stairwells, doorways, windows and other areas for hazards that may keep you from safely leaving a building during an emergency. Secure or remove furniture and objects that may block your path of travel.
Source: National Organization on Disability: Emergency Preparedness Initiative and The American Red Cross
Q. May an employer ask employees whether they will require assistance in the event of an evacuation because of a disability or medical condition?
Yes. Some employees may need assistance because of medical conditions that are not visually apparent. Others may have obvious disabilities or medical conditions but may not need assistance. Employers, therefore, are allowed to ask employees to self-identify if they will require assistance because of a disability or medical condition.
Source: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
