Emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and power outages can strike suddenly, and people with disabilities may face additional challenges during these situations. Being prepared with a tailored plan ensures you can evacuate safely, shelter effectively, and access necessary resources.
Plan & Prepare
1. Create a Personalized Emergency Plan
Your emergency plan should consider your specific needs, including mobility, medical equipment, or communication aids. Consider the following steps:
- Identify Trusted Contacts: Choose at least two people—such as neighbors, friends, or family members—who can assist you during an emergency and consider giving them a key. Share your emergency plan with them.
- Medical Needs: Make a list of your medications, medical supplies, and any assistive devices you rely on. Include copies of prescriptions and important medical information in your emergency kit.
- Accessibility Considerations: If you have a mobility impairment, make sure your evacuation routes are accessible (ramps, elevators, etc.).
- Backup Power for Medical Equipment: If you rely on powered medical devices, such as a ventilator or wheelchair, plan for power outages. Keep backup batteries or consider an emergency generator and register with your utility company to receive priority service.
- Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting to a medical clinic. Identify your local or private accessible transportation options.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets.
- Plan for children with disabilities and people who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.
2. Sign Up for Alerts
- Make sure you’re signed up for El Dorado County Emergency Alerts to receive notifications about evacuations, power outages, and other emergencies. Visit RAVE to register for El Dorado County’s emergency alert system.
- Stay informed with real-time Evacuation zones from PerimeterMap.com, a trusted source for evacuation zones, road closures, and shelter locations.
3. Build an Emergency Kit with Special Considerations
Along with the standard items in an emergency kit, such as food, water, and flashlights, you may need additional supplies depending on your specific needs. Ensure your kit includes:
- Medical Supplies: A week’s supply of medications, extra oxygen, insulin, syringes, catheters, or any other medical necessities.
- Assistive Devices: Backup mobility aids (cane, walker, manual wheelchair), hearing aids, glasses, and a portable charger for communication devices.
- Personal Care Items: Incontinence products, special dietary items, and personal hygiene products.
- Comfort Items: If you have a sensory disability, consider adding items that provide comfort, such as noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or fidget tools.
4. Prepare your Home
- Exit Routes: Make sure your home’s exits are accessible. If needed, install ramps or handrails. Consider relocating to a room on the ground floor if stairs are a concern during an emergency.
- Sheltering in Place: Know how to shelter in place if needed. Ensure you have enough medical supplies to last at least three days.
- Communication Needs: If you have a hearing or visual impairment, consider investing in specialized alert systems that use flashing lights, vibrating beds, or voice-activated devices to notify you of danger.
During an Emergency: Act and Evacuate
1. Follow Evacuation Orders
- Evacuate Early: If possible, evacuate early to avoid road congestion and ensure you have enough time to travel safely. Notify your trusted contacts and emergency services of your plans.
- Accessible Transportation: Plan in advance how you will evacuate. If you do not drive or need specialized transportation, identify accessible transportation services or organizations that can assist in your evacuation.
- Emergency Communication: If you have communication needs, such as a hearing or speech impairment, ensure you have a method for contacting emergency services, such as text-to-911 where available.
2. Bring your Go Bag
- Take your emergency kit, along with any mobility aids, medications, and communication devices. Ensure your bag includes:
- Medical Alert Information: If you are unconscious or unable to communicate, make sure your emergency contacts and health conditions are visible to first responders. Wear medical alert bracelets or carry a card with essential medical details.
- Chargers for Devices: Bring portable chargers or extra batteries for any assistive devices, such as hearing aids or mobility aids.
3. Shelter in an Accessible Location
- Mass Care Shelters: Look for accessible shelters that can accommodate people with disabilities. Some shelters are equipped with medical staff, backup power for medical equipment, and assistive services for communication or mobility needs.
- Notify Shelter Staff: When arriving at a shelter, notify the staff of your disability and any specific medical needs so they can provide necessary assistance.
After an Emergency: Recovery and Assistance
1. Return Home Safely
- Follow Official Guidance: Do not return home until local authorities declare it safe. Be aware that power outages, road closures, or structural damage may still exist.
- Check for Hazards: Upon returning home, assess any damage to ensure your living space is safe and accessible. Report hazards like downed power lines or gas leaks.
2. Get the Assistance You Need
- Disaster Assistance Programs: Many organizations offer assistance to people with disabilities following a disaster. FEMA, the American Red Cross, and other local agencies can provide temporary housing, medical equipment replacement, and mental health support.
- Accessible Housing: If your home is damaged, reach out to housing assistance programs that provide accessible housing for displaced individuals with disabilities.
3. Emotional and Mental Health Support
- Reach Out for Help: Emergencies can be traumatic, especially for individuals with disabilities who may face additional stress. Many relief organizations offer mental health services for disaster survivors, including those with special needs.
Additional Resources for People with Disabilities
Visit Ready.gov/Disability for more tips and resources for people with disabilities.
Sign up for Alerts.
For real-time emergency information, including accessible shelter locations and evacuation routes, visit PerimeterMap.com.