Disability Integration in Emergency Management

Are We Prepared?

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

The Office of Disability Integration

• A Division of the Office of Outreach Services • Provides day to day leadership, advice and guidance to

all offices of MEMA • Ensuring that individuals with disabilities of all ages are

provided equal access in emergency management and; • That individuals with disabilities receive timely and

appropriate services and; • That we are fully integrated into planning, response

and recovery activities in a disaster

Be Informed

• Know what type of disasters are likely to affect us in Mississippi:

• Tornadoes

• Floods

• Hurricanes • Earthquakes

• Chemical spills

• Terrorist attacks

Gulfport- After Katrina

Easter Flood of 1979

Hattiesburg Tornado January 21, 2017

HAVE A PLAN

• Develop a plan (and a back-up plan)

• Consider accessibility for you ( it may not be perfect… but it must work for you)

• Consider your need for electricity – Wheel chairs – Assistive technology devices – Communication devices

• Be sure everyone KNOWS the plan!

• Get CASH – ATMs may not work!

Create a Support Network

• Plan how you will contact family members

• Have an out of town contact person

• Let people know about your emergency plan

• Be sure those who will be helping you understand your equipment

OPTIONS: • Evacuation

– Know alternate routes

– Leave early

• Shelter in Place

– Have supplies

– Protect property as much as you can

• Disaster Shelters

– Know the locations of shelters in your area

– Have kit ready to go

Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Where Do You Go????

How Do You Go??

What are your transportation options? • Personal vehicle?

• Is it gassed up and running well?

• Family Member/Friend • Does their vehicle meet your needs? • Is there room for your equipment and supplies needed for 3 days?

• Public Transportation

• Do you have a reservation? • Do you know where they are taking you?

If you do not drive or have a personal vehicle you must arrange your own transportation to get out! Please do not depend on first responders to rescue you. They may not know you are there!

Collect Contact Information

• Keep a list of family and friends and the best way to reach them

• Keep a list of organizations that may help

• Phone numbers for doctors, pharmacies, and medical facilities you use.

• Copies of medical prescriptions and doctor’s orders for assistive devices… – Where did you get the devices? – See if your pharmacy will give you a list of prescriptions

Additional Considerations

• Make copies of medical insurance cards, Medicare or Medicaid cards – Keep them dry and safe in Ziploc bags

• Medical Information

– Get contact information for physicians – Make a list of any allergies you have – Keep a record of your general health history – If you have a medical alert tag or bracelet, wear it! – If you are on dialysis, work with your provider on a

plan.

Service Animals and Pets

What supplies might you need for your service dog or Pet?

– Leash

– Vaccination records

– Food

– Treats

– Medications

– Blanket or pet bed

– Identification?

Personal Care Services

• Do you receive Personal Care Assistance or other services to live independently? If so consider:

– Work with your case manager or home health agency to develop a plan

– Discuss options with your private care giver

– Check with Meals-on-Wheels or any other services you receive

Your Disability

• Be ready to discuss your disability-related needs

• If this is a problem, write a brief description down on paper!

• Be open and honest

• We must take personal responsibility for ensuring that others know how to help us!

Get Your Go Kit Ready!

• 1 gallon of water per person per day for 3 days

• 3 day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery powered or hand crank radio or NOAA weather radio with tone alerts

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First Aid Kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust Mask

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags

• Maps

What items do YOU need to live independently?

• Durable medical equipment

• Assistive devices

• Food for special diets

• Prescription medications

• Diabetic supplies

• Hearing aids and batteries

• Manual wheel chair

Personalize the Go Kit

Insurance Coverage

• Know your insurance coverage and be sure it is in force

• Have policy information available

• Know who to contact in case of damage

• Take PHOTOS of your home and property

Alerts and Apps on your Cell Phone

• The Weather Channel

• Local Station Apps

• MEMA App

• Weather Underground

• Code RED

Consider a mobile charger for your cell phone and KEEP IT CHARGED!

Get Involved!

People with disabilities must become more actively involved in their communities!!

WHY?? • You have a lot to offer in time, talent, energy and expertise

• If service providers in the community know you are there, they

can offer assistance.

• If you are involved, then your specific needs and the needs of the disability community will be known.

HOW?? • Go visit your local first responders – local law enforcement

precinct, local fire station, etc.

• Find out who your county emergency manager is and where their office is located

• Volunteer!

• Consider being a MEMA reservist

• Serve on local task forces and emergency planning coalitions

Response And Recovery for Everyone (RARE)

Response And Recovery for Everyone is an Advisory Committee established to ensure that individuals with disabilities and those with access and functional needs in Mississippi receive accessible, appropriate and timely services in all aspects of emergency management. Initially developed for guidance to MEMA, RARE is available to work with any entity on emergency plans

Emergency Management Strategic Plan

GOAL # 1 – Find People Objective – Individuals with disabilities and/or access and functional needs

living independently in the community are located within 24 hours of a disaster in their area.

Strategies: • Develop a cadre of DIA Reservists statewide • Conduct personal preparedness training with an emphasis on relationship

building to members of the disability community • Develop resource directory

Goal # 2 – Get People Out

Objective – Individuals with disabilities and/or access and

functional needs can be evacuated in the event of an emergency and no one is left behind due to a lack of transportation or planning.

Strategies: • Develop a database of current transportation options • Determine who is responsible for transportation and

evacuation plans for each county • Training for County Emergency managers

• Make them aware of ALL transportation providers in their area and help them develop relationships with them for emergency evacuation.

Goal # 3 – House People

Objective – Individuals with disabilities and access and

functional needs are fully accommodated in shelters and all needs are met

Strategies: • Recruit Reservists to work in shelters • MEMA Disability Integration Advisor develops “Just in Time’

training for reservists working shelters. • Brief ADA introduction • Contacts they will need • Using database for enhanced or additional services

needed

Goal # 4 – Return individuals with disabilities back to their own homes and

communities through accessible and appropriate long term care recovery options.

Objective – Ensure that long term recovery options in housing, support services and

community based rebuilding meet the needs of everyone and are fully compliant with all applicable laws.

Strategies: • Recruit reservists interested in working long term solutions for housing options • Develop a directory of available resources

General Resources on Disaster Preparedness

• http://www.msema.org/be-prepared/ - MEMA

• https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1549-20490-2111/basic_preparedness.pdf - FEMA

• http://www.ready.gov/kit

Contact Information

Christy Dunaway Disability Integration Advisor Office of Outreach Services 1 MEMA Drive Pearl, MS 39208 (601) - 933-6848 (office) (601) – 506-6454 (cell) cdunaway@mema.ms.gov