Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities and Special Needs


For People with Disabilities:
  • Create a support network to help in an emergency.
  • Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
  • Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
  • Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.
  • Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
  • If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
  • Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
  • Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
  • Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities:
    • Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies.
    • Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.
    • Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.
    • Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.
    • Medical insurance and Medicare cards.
    • List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.
Keep in mind a disaster can disrupt main service for days or even weeks. Consider direct deposit by calling the Go Direct toll-free helpline at (800) 333-1795 pr sign up at GoDirect.Gov. Sponsored by U.S. Department of th eTreasury and the Federal Reserve Banks, this option will ensure you get your social security or SSI payment on time each month.

Home