Disaster Prep for Disability

8/13/2019 Disaster Prep for Disability

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PreparednessDisasterFOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES


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Disaster Preparedness for People

With Disabi li tieshas been designedto help people who have physical,visual, auditory, or cognitive disabil-itiesto prepare for natural disastersand their consequences.

In 1984, the Los Angeles Chapterof the American Red Cross createda booklet titled Disaster Preparednessfor the Disabled and Elderl y.Thatbooklet, which is no longer inprint, served as the foundation

for material contained here. Inthe last 12 years, new informationhas been published about disasterpreparation for people with disabil-ities, and relevant documents,guidelines, and other materialshave been reviewed and added,as appropriate, in this updatedbooklet.

Anyone who has a disability oranyone who works with, lives withor assists a person with a disabilitycan use this booklet. It containsinformation that can help youorganize a personal disaster planand includes plans for the care ofservice animals and/or pets duringa disaster.

This booklet is designed withchecklists and extra space for youor your helper to use to organize

information that will help youprepare for a disaster. You maycopy these pages from the bookletas needed to distribute or postsomewhere handy.

If you have questions about any ofthe content or recommendationsin this booklet, please contact youlocal American Red Cross chapter.

PREFACE


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The American Red Cross thanks thefollowing organizations and individualsfor their assistance in developing and

reviewing this booklet:

Primary volunteer consultant for content

development:

Heidi Kramer, volunteer, SanDiego/Imperial Counties Chapter,American Red Cross, San Diego,California.

Project intern:

Tonya Davis, Department ofAdministration & Planning,University of North Texas, Denton,Texas.

Reviewers:

Kathy Bauch, The Humane Society ofthe United States, Washington, D.C.

Karen Bonnie, volunteer, Santa CruzChapter, American Red Cross, SantaCruz, California.

Dusty Bowencamp, disaster healthservices coordinator, Los AngelesChapter, American Red Cross,Los Angeles, California.

Alan Clive, Federal EmergencyManagement Agency, Washington, D.C.

Nolan Crabb, American Councilof the Blind, Washington, D.C.

Violette Eash, volunteer consultant,Huntington, West Virginia.

Terri Giles, disaster specialist, Seattle/King County Chapter, American RedCross, Seattle, Washington.

Kathryn Holub, National MultipleSclerosis Society, New York, New York

Wilson Hulley, Presidents Commis-sion on People With Disabilities,Washington, D.C.

Elga Joffee, American Foundation forthe Blind, New York, New York.

June Kailes, disabilities consultant,Playa Del Rey, California.

Donna Placzankis, Cleveland ChapteAmerican Red Cross, Cleveland, Ohio

Helen Rader, United Cerebral PalsyAssociation, Washington, D.C.

Sandy Ross, director/programs,Houston Area Chapter, AmericanRed Cross, Houston, Texas.

Pat Snyder, volunteer, Los AngelesChapter, American Red Cross,Los Angeles, California.

Trevor Storrs, Galluadet University,Washington, D.C.

Ralph Swisher, family disasterpreparedness program manager,Federal Emergency ManagementAgency, Washington, D.C.

Gregory C. Wilder, Administrationon Aging, Washington, D.C.

Paid and volunteer staff from thefollowing departments at the AmericaRed Cross national headquarters:Disaster Services, Health and SafetyServices, National Office of VolunteerOffice of General Counsel, and RiskManagement Division.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


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Introduction

Understanding Disasters

Creating a Personal Support Network

Completing a Personal Assessment

Personal Disaster Preparation

Disaster Supplies

Making Your Home or Office Safer

Glossary

Appendixes

A. Disaster Supplies Kits and Other Essential Supplies

B. Disaster Supplies Calendar

C. Important Lists

TABLE OF CONTENTS


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INTRODUCTION

D

isasters can happen any-time, anywhere, andsometimes without warn-

ing. Your American Red Cross andyour local government agencieswill respond when a disasterthreatens and after a disasterstrikes. However, they cant beeverywhere at once. Being readyfor a disaster is a part of main-taining your independence.Although you may not knowwhen a disaster will strike, if you

are prepared ahead of time, youwill be better able to cope withthe disaster and recover from itmore quickly.

When a disaster occurs, the firstpriority of disaster relief organiza-tions and government agencies isto provide basic needsfood,water, and safe shelterto every-

one who needs them. Yourpersonal needs, such as replacingmedications, replacing adaptiveequipment, restoring electricityfor power-dependent equipment,and restoring your regular ways ofsupport for daily living activitiesmay not happen right away. It isimportant for everyone to be pre-pared to meet his or her own basic

needs by storing food and waterfor a minimum of three days ormore. You should also be readyto meet your specific disability-related needs by storing sufficientoxygen, medications, batterypower, etc., for at least seven daysafter a disaster.

Knowing about disaster threatsand their aftermath and beingprepared are critical for stayingself-sufficient after a disaster. Thisbooklet covers some issues thatpeople with disabilities may facewhen a disaster strikes. The book-let also has information abouthow you can get to a safe placeand how you can meet yourneeds after the disaster.

The best way to cope with a

disaster is to learn about thechallenges you might face if youcould not use your home, office,and personal belongings. You canmeet your basic personal needsby preparing beforehand. Youalso may have to deal with aservice animal that is unable towork or is frightened, or petsthat need care and assistance.

The information in this bookletwill help you discover what youneed to do to prepare for a disasterso that you will be ready whenone strikes. Self-confidence basedon knowledge, preparation, andpractice will give you, your family,and your community the bestchances for recovery from adisaster.

As you review the informationin this booklet, be sure to referto the glossary on page 36 forthe definitions of terms that areunfamiliar to you.


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After a disaster, your

environment may bevery different. Exits

may be blocked,

sidewalks may be

impassable.

If you are prepared

ahead of time, you

will be better able to

cope with the disaster

and recover from it

more quickly.


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T

o find the best ways to pre-pare for a disaster, considerthe following questions:

What kinds of disasters mayoccur in your area?

How are residents informed ofpossible disasters?

What are the effects of disasterson you and your community?

Contact your local American RedCross chapter, your city/county

emergency management office, oryour local fire department. You canget information about the kinds ofdisasters that happen in your areaand how often they occur. Checkwith your insurance agent aboutwhether your insurance policiescover the types of disasters thatcan happen where you live. Forexample, regular insurance does

not cover floods. You must havea flood insurance policy to coverflood damages.

Know the difference between awatch and a warning

The National Weather Service givesinformation to the public aboutsome severe weather events, suchas thunderstorms, winter storms,hurricanes, floods, flash floods,and tornadoes. Listen or watchfor these terms:

Watch: A watch means thatsevere weather is threatening andmay occur in your area. Continueto listen to the radio or watch tele-vision for information and advice.

Warning:A warning means thatthe event is happening now; it isimminent or has been seen onweather radar. This is the time toimmediatelyprotect yourself.

Some events happen very quickly,so warnings may not be issued oryou may not receive them. Alwayspay attention to the weather arounyou. Take action when you thinksevere weather may be movinginto your area, even if no official

warning is given on the radio ortelevision.

Know what your environmentis likely to look like after thedisaster

Disasters have many effects. Someare predictable and others are not.

You should know what can happenand what your environment may

be like after the disaster. It is ourgoal to help you deal with the hardshipsof a disaster. And you can.But first we must take a realisticlook at what can happen duringa disaster. Consider the followingcircumstances:

In disasters that have high windand during earthquakes, a great

deal of shaking may take place.This can break things and scattedebris. Hanging objects, such asplants, mirrors, and pictures, arelikely to fall. Books may be flunfrom bookcases and the book-cases may fall. In your office, filecabinets, computers, and otherunsecured items may fall. Acoustica

UNDERSTANDING DISASTERS

Watch

A watch

means that

severe weather

is threatening

and may occur

in your area.

Continue to

li sten to the

radio or watch

television for

information

and advice.

WarningA warning

means that

the event is

happening now;

it is imminent

or has been

seen on weather

radar. This isthe time to

immediately

protect yourself.


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ceiling tiles and all of the dustbehind them may drop. Largeand heavy furniture, such ascouches, chairs, beds, and dressers,may move and block your path-way completely or in part.

Floods, earthquakes, and winterstorms can cause sidewalks androadways to crack or becomeimpassable. Roads and sidewalksmay be covered by mud, water,

or debris, so you

may not be ableto tell where theybegin and end.Mud, sand, andother materialsmay be leftbehind for longperiods. In floods,the water may bemoving veryrapidly. This cankeep you fromleaving an area.

There could be so much debrison the streets that it would takeweeks to clear it away. This couldleave you stranded at home andkeep caregivers from reachingyou.

Familiar landmarks you use to

help guide you may move or bedestroyed, both indoors and out.

If you have a service animal,such as a guide dog, hearingdog, or personal-care monkey,the animal may be hurt ortoo frightened to work aftera disaster.

Your home may be destroyedor isolated. Or, it could haveenough damage to make itunlivable for a long time.

Your usual ways of gettinggroceries, medications, and

medical supplies may bedisrupted. It may take severaldays before stores reopen, soyou may not be able to readilyreplace even basic items relatedto your disability, like hearing-aid batteries and prescriptionmedications.

You may not be able to carry ouyour daily activities as you did

before the disaster. You may have a hard time reach

ing or getting help from policeand fire departments, ambulancservices, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, veterinarians, markets,personal assistants, and otherhome health providers.

Utilities like electricity, water,

gas, and phone service may bedisrupted for a long time.

In a disaster, roads and sidewalks may be

covered by mud,water, or debris.You may

not be able to tell where roads and sidewalksbegin or end.


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You may not be able to do thefollowing: Cook.

Cool or heat your home.

Make or receive phone callsto or from your doctor, firedepartment, ambulance ser-vice, support network, andothers. You may not be ableto use telephone relay systemsand/or teletype equipmentbecause systems may be over-

loaded or destroyed. Light your home. You may

have to move or communi-cate in the dark.

Receive emergency informa-tion from your television orradio.

Use equipment dependent onpower, such as battery charg-

ers, oxygen, suction devices,or home dialysis equipment.

Access cash through an auto-matic teller machine (ATM).Also, banks may be closed.

Fill vehicles with gas sincepumps may not be working.

Know some other effects ofa disaster

Public transportation may not bworking. Routes and schedulesmay be changed. Public andprivate wheelchair transportservices or paratransits maynot be operating.

Roads may be damaged orblocked. Road signs may bedown. Traffic lights and walkingsignals used to cross the street

may not be working properly,or at all. This can disrupt cuesused to cross the street. Traveltime may be longer because ofdetours and added traffic.

Noisy surroundings, like a sheltemay interfere with how well youhearing aid functions. Also, thevibratory cues you are used to mabe disturbed. A noisy environmen

can be very disorienting for peoplwith visual impairments, as wel

You may need temporary housinfor pets.



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Know how disaster-related stress may affect your disability

Experiencing a disaster can be overwhelming. Stress makes many medical

conditions worse. Everyone affected by a disaster may experience one orseveral of the following symptoms:


Psychological and Emotional

Anxiety

Irritability, restlessness, overexcitability

D epression, moodiness, crying

Anger, blaming

Feelings of apathy, diminished interest

in usual activities

Feelings of isolation, detachment,estrangement

Feelings of guilt about surviving

D enial or constriction of feelings

Flashbacks or unwelcome memoriesof the disaster

An exaggerated reaction to beingstartled

Recurrent nightmares about the disas-ter or about other traumatic events

Inability to fall or stay asleep

Sleeping excessively

Thought

Poor concentration

M ental confusion

Slowness of thought Inability to express yourself verbally

or in writing

Forgetfulness

Inability to make judgments anddecisions

Loss of ability to think of alternatives

or prioritize tasks

Physical

Headaches

Weakness

N ausea, upset stomach, othergastrointestinal problems

M uscle soreness

Hot or cold spells; sweating or chills

N umbness or tingling in body parts

Heavy feeling in arms and/or legs

Feeling a lump in your throat

Chest pains

Trouble catching your breath; rapidbreathing

Tremors

Fatigue

Increase in allergies, colds, or flu

Heart palpitations

Behavior

Hyperactivity

O utbursts of anger or frequentarguments

Loss of objectivity

W ithdrawal, social isolation, distancingyourself from others

Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, orother drugs

Avoidance of activities or places thatremind you of the disaster

Family problems


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If any of these symptoms affect yourability to function, seek medicalattention from your doctor or amental health provider familiar withthe effects of disasters. Some peoplemay never have a reaction. Othersmay have delayed reactions that canshow up days, weeks, or even monthsafter the disaster happens. Not every-one has reactions right away. Thesesymptoms may go and then comeback again when something makesyou think about the disaster.

After a disaster, be sure to talk tosomeone about how you are feeling:a member of the clergy, a counselor,or someone in the Employee Assis-tance Program provided by youremployer. Also, the Red Cross hasdisaster mental health professionalswho can help you deal with the stressrelated to your disaster experience.

Remember that service animalsmay also suffer emotional trauma.Get their daily routine back tonormal as soon as possible. Thiswill make it easier for them toserve you as before.

Know how a disaster may affectyour independence

You are used to being in a certain

environment. However, a disastercan change your ability to deal withthis environment. It is importantthat you anticipate for your lowestlevel of functioning for your per-sonal disaster plan. Your conditionmay become worse because ofphysical or emotional reactions tostress. For example, people who do

not need the aid of devices on adaily basis may need a wheelchairafter a disaster.

After a disaster, you may need to asfor help to do things you usuallywould have done independently.Understandably, this may make yofeel especially vulnerable. You mayneed help putting your home backin order, filling out forms, or providingdocumentation and informationto disaster relief agencies. This can

add to the stress you may be feelingA personal support network thatknows your needs may anticipatesome of them and make yourrecovery easier and less stressful.

Know how to reduce the impactof a disaster on you

Now that you know what mayhappen, what can you do to reduc

the effects of the disaster and todevelop a personal disaster plan?

Start by considering the followingactions: Create a personal support networ

(page 12). Complete a personal assessment

of your needs (page 15). Collect information and take

actions that will help you meet

your needs during evacuationsand after the disaster happens(page 20).

Gather essential supplies youwill need during and after a dis-aster, especially those specific toyour disability (page 28).

Make your home or office safer(page 35).

After a disaster,

you may need

to ask for help

to do things you

usually wouldhave done

independently.


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A

personal support network(sometimes called a self-help team, but referred

to only as a network in thisbooklet) can help you prepare fora disaster. They can do this byhelping youidentify and getthe resourcesyou need to copeeffectively witha disaster. Yournetwork can help

you practice vitalactivities, likeevaluating yourhome or workplace.Network memberscan also assist youafter a disasterhappens. Youshould puttogether your

network beforeyou assess whatyour needs will be during and aftera disaster. First consider the waysto develop your personal supportnetwork, then turn to page 11 forsuggestions on how you can preparefor a disaster.

Organize a network for your

home, school, workplace, volun-teer site, and any other placewhere you spend a lot of time.Members of your network can beroommates, relatives, neighbors,friends, and co-workers. Theyshould be people you trust andwho could check to see if you

need assistance. They shouldknow your capabilities andneeds, and offer help withinminutes.

Do not depend on only oneperson. Include a minimum of

three people inyour network foeach locationwhere you regu-larly spend a lotof time during

the week.Think of what

your needswould be duringa disaster anddiscuss thesewith each ofyour networks.Complete awritten assess-

ment of yourneeds with yournetwork in the space provided inthefollowing section (page 15).

This can help your networkmembers learn the best ways toassist you and offer additionalideas for you to think about.

Give your network memberscopies of your emergency infor-

mation list, medical informationlist, disability-related supplies andspecial equipment list, evacuationplans, relevant emergency docu-ments, and personal disasterplan when you complete them(pages 4648).

CREATING A PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK

Do not dependon only one

person. Include

a minimum of

three people in

your network

for each location

where you

regularly spend

a lot of time.

Organize a network for your home,school,

workplace,volunteer site, and any other

place where you spend a lot of time.


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Arrange with your network tocheck on you immediately iflocal officials give an evacuationorder or if a disaster occurs. Dothis before an emergency happensso that your network memberscan help you when you needthem. Also, ask your network tonotify you of anemergency youmay not knowabout. For exam-ple, if a siren

or loudspeakersystem notifiesa neighborhoodof a disaster andyou are Deaf orhave hearingloss, be sure thatyour networkknows to give youthis information.

Ask them to giveyou any otherdisaster-relatedinformation thatis not already inwriting, such asradio informationabout the disaster or the locationof shelters.

Agree on how you and your

network will contact each otherduring an emergency. Do notcount on the telephones working.Also, choose a signal for helpthat you both understand. Signalscan be shouting, knocking onthe wall, or using a whistle, bell,or high-pitched noisemaker.

Visual signals could includehanging a sheet outside yourwindow.

Give the members of your net-work all the necessary keys theymay need to get into your homecar, etc.

Show your net-work how tooperate andsafely move theequipment you

use for yourdisability, ifnecessary. Askthem to prac-tice with anyof your specialequipment.

This will helpthem feel morecomfortable whe

using it duringan emergency.

Make sure yourservice animalknows the peopin your network

This will makeit easier for the animal to acceptcare from someone other thanyourself.

Explain to your network anyassistance for personal care thatyou may need. Give them writteninstructions on how best to assisyou and your animals.


Agree on

how you and

your network

will contact

each other

during an

emergency.

Do not

count on the

telephones

working.

Your network should know your capabili-

ties and needs and offer help within

minutes.


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Label your equipment and attachinstruction cards on how to useand move each item. Laminatethe instruction cards for addeddurability.

Inform your network about anyareas on your body where youhave reduced feeling. Have themcheck these areas for injuriesafter a disaster if you cannotcheck them yourself.

Practice your plan. Based on

your knowledge of the disastersin your area, simulate any prob-lems or obstacles you mayexperience. Have the membersof your network practice how tohelp you, and familiarize themwith any adaptive equipmentyou may need.

Choose an emergency meetingplace you are familiar with

where you and others canreunite after exiting a building.

You should select a meetingplace for each area where youspend a lot of time.

Select with your network a signathat you can use to let themknow you are okay and have leftthe site.

Give your network your traveldates if you will be traveling.

Review and revise your personalassessment and disaster planregularly, or as your conditionchanges. Your network shouldhelp in this review as well. Youwill also find that as you and

your network practice, all of youwill find problems and solutionyou have not thought of before.

The trusting relationship youdevelop with the members of yournetwork should be mutual. Learnabout each others needs and howto assist each other during anemergency.



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Y

ou should decide what youwill be able to do for your-self and what assistance

you may need before, during,and after a disaster. This will bebased on the environment afterthe disaster, your capabilities, andyour limitations. To complete apersonal assessment, make a listof your personal needs and yourresources for meeting them in adisaster environment. Consider

the following information as youmake your personal assessment.

Think about the following questionand note your answers in writingor record them on a tape cassettethat you will share with your net-work. These answers should describboth your physical capabilities righnow and the assistance you will needduring the time that the disasterdisrupts your normal routine. Baseyour plan on your lowest anticipated

level of functioning.

COMPLETING A PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Daily Living

Personal Care D o you need assistance with personal care, such as bathing andgrooming?D o you use adaptive equipment to help you get dressed?

My Capabilities Today Assistance I Need Because of Disaste

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Water Service W hat will you do if water service is cut off for several days, or ifyou are unable to heat water?

My Capabilities Today Assistance I Need Because of Disaste______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________


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Personal Care Equipment D o you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench, or

other similar equipment?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Adaptive Feeding Devices D o you use special utensils that help you prepare oreat food independently?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Electricity-Dependent Equipment How will you continue to use equipmentthat runs on electricity, such as dialysis, electrical lifts, etc.?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________


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Getting Around

Disaster Debris How will you cope with the debris in your home following

the disaster?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Transportation Do you need a specially-equipped vehicle or accessible transportation


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Errands D o you need to get groceries, medications, and medical supplies?Thinkabout what you will do if you depend on only one person to shop or run errands

for you.W hat if your assistant cannot reach you because roads are blocked or

because the disaster has affected him or her as well?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________



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Evacuating

Building Evacuation D o you need help to leave your home or office?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Building Exits If the elevator is not working or cannot be used, are there otherexits?( Include using a window as an alternate escape.)


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Getting Help How will you call for the help you will need to leave the building?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________


Refer to page 23 formore informationabout evacuatinga building duringa disaster.

Use the informationfrom your personalassessment to planhow you will preparefor a disaster.


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Mobility Aids W hat will you do if you cannot find your mobility aids, or cannot

find or use equipment necessary for your service animal?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Ramp Access W hat will you do if your ramps are shaken loose or becomeseparated from the building?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

Service Animals/Pets W ill you be able to care for your animal (provide food,shelter, veterinary attention, etc.) during and after a disaster?D o you have another

caregiver for your animal if you are unable to meet its needs?


______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________

______________________________ _______________________________



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H

ow well you prepare andhow much you practicebefore a disaster occurs

will determine how successfullyyou deal with and recover fromdisasters. Your personal disasterpreparation is a continuing process.It helps you and your networkidentify, get, develop, manage, andmaintain theinformationand resourcesyou will need

to deal with adisaster whenit happens.

Prepare your-self based onthe capabili-ties andlimitationsyou believe you

will have after thedisaster. Also keep in mindthat your usual ways of supportand assistance may not be availableto you for some time during anevacuation and after the disasterhas occurred.

Make a personal disaster plan. Thiswill help you organize informationyou will need and activities you

will do during and after a disaster.Refer to page 22 for a summaryof these activities. Key items in apersonal disaster plan are describedbelow. Keep copies of your disasterplan in your disaster supplies kit,car, wallet (behind drivers licenseor primary identification card),

wheelchair pack or at work, etc.Also, share your disaster plan withyour network.

Emergency Information List

Make an emergency informationlist that you and your network canuse. This list will let others know

whom to callif they findyou uncon-scious, unable

to speak, or ifthey needto help youevacuatequickly.Besidesemergencyout-of-towncontacts, yourlist should

include thenames andnumbers ofeveryone inyour network

Ask a relative or friend who livesmore than 100 miles away fromyou to be your contact person.Keep in mind that a caller is morelikely to connect with a long-dis-

tance number outside the disasterarea than with a local numberwithin it. In fact, all family mem-bers in a disaster area should callthe contact person and give theirlocation and condition. Once thisis done, have the contact persongive messages to your other friend

PERSONAL DISASTER PREPARATION

Make a personal

disaster plan.This wi ll help

you organize

information you

will need and

acti vit ies you will

do during and

after a disaster.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION LIST

Please complete thi s form and di stri bute copies to your emergency contact people as well as to each member in

your network.

N ame: Birth date:

Address:

Telephone number: Social Security number:

Local emergencycontact person: Emergencycontact personsnumbers:

N etwork members: N etwork membershome/work numbers:

O ut-of-town contact: O ut-of-town contactsnumbers:

How best to communicate with me:

Use the formon page 46 to fillout emergencyinformation.


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and relatives who live outside thedisaster area. This will help reducecalling into and out of the affectedarea once the phones are working.

If you have a communication dis-ability, make sure your emergencyinformation list notes the best wayto communicate with you. Thismay be bywriting notes,pointing toletters, words,

or pictures, orfinding aquiet place.

MedicalInformationList

Complete amedical infor-mation list that you

and your network can use.The list should have informationabout your medical providers.Also include the names of medica-tions you take and their dosages,when you take a medication, thecondition for which you take amedication, the name of thedoctor who prescribed it, andthe doctors phonenumber. It is

important to record any adaptiveequipment you use, your allergiesand sensitivities, and communica-tion or cognitive difficulties youmay have. Keep this list attachedto your emergency informationlist (described above).

Attach copies of health insurancecards and related information tothe medical information list. Keepat least a seven-day supply ofessential medications with you atall times. Work with your doctor(sto get extra supplies of medicationand extra copies of prescriptions.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacisabout whatyou should doif you do nothave enough

medicine aftea disaster andcannot immediately getwhat youneed. Besure you askabout theshelf life ofyour medica-

tions and thetemperaturesat which theyshould bestored. Deter-

mine how often you should replacstored medication. This helpsensure that a medicines effective-ness does not weaken because oflong storage time.

Note: If you take medications(such as methadone, chemotherapyor radiation therapy) administeredto you by a clinic or hospital, askyour provider how you shouldprepare for a disruption causedby a disaster.


I f you have acommunication

disability,

make sure your

emergency

information

list notes the

best way to

communicatewith you.

MEDICAL INFORMATION LIST

Please complete this form and di stribut e copies to your emergency contact people as well as to each member i n your network.

Pri mary physician: Telephone number:

Address:

Hospital affiliation: Type of health insurance: Policynumber :

Blood type: A llergies and sensitivities:

M edicationsand dosagesbeing taken:

Specific medical conditions:

Physical limitations:

Adaptive equipment and vendors phones:

Communication difficulties:

C iti diffi lti

Use the formon page 47 tofill out medicalinformation.


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What You Can Do to Preparefor a Disaster

Identify safe places to go to duringa disaster.

Earthquake:Identify asturdy tableor desk toget under ineach room.

This isimportant

becausewhile theearth isshaking, themovementof the ground will probablymake it difficult or impossiblefor you to move any distance.If you cannot safely get undera desk or table, move near aninside wall of the buildingand cover your head and neckas best you can. Decide howyou will get there when theearthquake begins. Lock yourwheels if you are in a wheel-chair. In bed, pull the sheetsand blankets over you anduse your pillow to cover andprotect your head and neck.

Tornado:The lowest floor orbelow-ground area of yourhome or workplace is safest.If there is no basement or youcannot get there, choose aroom without windows, suchas a bathroom or closet. Iden-tify where this safe place isand how you would get there.

Hurr icane or f lood:If localofficials have not told you toleave the area, stay upstairs

and in the middlof the building,away from win-dows. Avoidgoing to the low-est floor becausehurricanesoftencause flooding. Ifyou are Blind orvisually impaired

use a long cane inareas wheredebris may havefallen or furnituremay have shifted

This is recommended even ifyou do not usually use a caneindoors.

For information about how tprepare for disasters that arespecific to your area, contactyour local Red Cross chapter.

Keep your service animals withyou in a safe place at home, ortake them with you to a shelter.

Install at least one smoke detec-tor on each level of your home,outside sleeping areas. If you areDeaf or have hearing loss, instal

a system that has flashing strobelights to get your attention. Ifyou have battery-operated detec-tors, replace batteries at leastonce a year, such as on yourbirthday, New Years Day, etc.

Test smoke detectors once amonth by pushing the test button


If you are in a wheel-

chair when the

earthquake begins, lock

your wheels.

During an earthquake, get under a desk or

table, or cover your head and neck with a

sturdy object.


23/48

Find the location of main utilitycutoff valves and switches inyour home. Learn how and whento disconnect them during anemergency. Try to do this yourself(do not practice shutting off thegas). If you cannot practice alone,arrange for your network to help.

Turn off utilities only if localofficials tell you to do so or ifyou believe there is an immediatethreat to life. For example, if yousmell gas, see or hear sparking

wires, or see water gushing frombroken pipes, you should turnoff utilities immediately. If youturn gas off, only a professionalshould turn it back on. If youcannot use the proper tools toturn utilities off at the mainvalves or switches, turn off thevalves under sinks and by thestove. Also turn off all electrical

switchesin every room. Be surethat the members of your net-work know the followinginformation:

Where to find each utilityshutoff valve.

How to turn off each utility.

Whether you have the propertools and where they are

located, or if your networkmembers need to bring toolswith them.

Identify as many exits as possiblefrom each room and from thebuilding you are in. Be sure toinclude the windows as exits.

Make a floor plan of your homeYou may want your network toassist you with it. Include yourprimary escape routes. On thefloor plan, mark the roomswhere you spend a lot of time.Also, mark where your disastersupplies kit is located. Give acopy of the floor plan to yournetwork. This will help themfind you and your supplies, ifnecessary.

When traveling, know the typesof disasters that threaten the areyou will be visiting. Let the hoteor motel front desk know ofyour possible needs in case ofan emergency. Describe the typeof help you may need. Remembeto let your network members knowyour travel plans: when you willleave and when you will return.

Prepare an evacuation planbefore a disaster happens. If you have to leave your hom

or workplace, you may needsomeones help to evacuatesafely, especially down stair-wells. If you need assistanceduring an emergency andyour network is not availablefind helpers and tell them

about your condition. Givethem instructions on whatyou need and how they canhelp you evacuate.


I f you have to

leave your home

or workplace,

you may need

someones help

to evacuate

safely, especially

down stairwells.


24/48

Practice using different waysout of a building, especially ifyou are above the first floorin a building with many stories.Remember, the elevator maynot work or should not beused. Decide what type ofequipment you may need forassistance during an evacuation.If you cannot use stairs, talkwith your network about howyou should be evacuated.

They may want to take the

Red Cross First Respondercourse or other training. Thiscan teach them the properand safe way to lift and carryyou without injuring you orthemselves.

If you need devices for anemergency escape, think aboutyour physical capabilitiesbefore making a purchase.Store devices nearby, whereyou can get to them easily.

This may mean having morethan one emergency escapedevice available.

Advocate for yourself. Practicehow to quickly explain topeople the best way to guideor move you and your adaptive

equipment, safely and rapidly.Be ready to give brief, clear,and specific instructions anddirections to rescue personnel,either orally or in writing. Forexample, say or write theseinstructions:

Please take my

Oxygen tank.

Wheelchair.Gamma globulin fromthe freezer.

Insulin from therefrigerator.

Communication devicefrom under the bed.

Please do not straighten

my knees. They are fusedin a bent position.

I have had a brain injury.Please write down allimportant instructions andinformation.

I am Blind/visuallyimpaired. Please let megrasp your arm firmly.

I am Deaf. Please writethings down for me.

When needed, ask for anaccommodation from disasteresponse personnel. Forexample, let a responder orrelief worker know if youcannot wait in lines for longperiods for items like water,food, and disaster relief assis-

tance. Practice how to explainclearly and briefly why youneed this assistance. You mayalso want to write the expla-nation down ahead of time.


Advocate for

yourself. Practice

how to quickly

explain to people

the best way

to guide or

move you and

your adaptiveequipment,

safely and

rapidly.


25/48

Keep your automobile fueltank more than half full at alltimes. Also, stock your vehiclewith a small disaster supplieskit (refer to Disaster Supplieson page 28 for more informa-tion). If you do not drive, talkwith your network about howyou will leave the area if theauthorities advise an evacua-tion. In some communities,local government agenciesoffer transportation for persons

needing assistance during anevacuation. Ask your localemergency management officeif these services are availablein your area for persons withyour disability.

Become familiar with theemergency or disaster/evacua-tion plan for your office, school,or any other location whereyou spend a lot of time. If thecurrent plan does not makearrangements for people withdisabilities, make sure themanagement at these sitesknows your needs. Be surethat you are included in theoverall plan for safety andevacuation of the building.

Choose an alternate placeto stay, such as with friends,family, or at a hotel or moteloutside your area if you havebeen told to leave your home

You may have enough earlywarning time (as with a slowrising flood or hurricane) toleave before the disaster occur

This is especially important ifyou live in a mobile home ortrailer. Find out if there arepredesignated shelters in you

area and where they are.

Have a care plan for your petPlan for the care of your petsif you have to evacuate yourhome. Pets, unlike serviceanimals, will not be allowedinto emergency shelters. So,it is best to decide now whereyou will take your pet if youmust leave. Contact your locaRed Cross chapter or HumanSociety for more information

Have a care plan for yourservice animal. Service animaare allowed in hotels or moteand Red Cross shelters. How-ever, these places cannot carefor your animal. When youleave your home, remember

to take a collar, harness,identification tags, recordsof vaccinations, medications,and food for your serviceanimal with you.


Choose an

alternate place

to stay, such as

with friends,

fami ly, or at a

hotel or motel

outside your

area if you

have been

told to leaveyour home.


26/48

Summary Checklist for Personal Disaster Preparation

There are many parts to a personal disaster plan. Fortunately, they do not

have to be completed all at once. As you finish each part of your prepara-tion, note the date in the space provided below. Review and update thisplan regularly.


Date Completed

M ake an emergency information list.

Include

M edical and emergency contact information.

Emergency out-of-town contacts.

N ames and numbers of everyone in your network.

N ame and number of a relative or friend who lives more

than 100 miles away from you.

If you have a communication disability, make sure your

emergency information list notes the best way to

communicate with you.

Fill out a medical information list.

Include information about

M edical providers.

M edications you use.

A daptive equipment and/or body system support

equipment you use.

A llergies and sensitivities.

Communication or cognitive difficulties.

A ttach copies of health insurance cards and related

information to your medical information list.

Keep at least a seven-day supply of essential medications

with you at all times.

Have extra copies of prescriptions.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you should

do if you do not have enough medicine after a disaster. A lso

find out the shelf life of your medication and the storage

temperature it needs.

D etermine how often you should replace stored medication


27/48

Date Completed

Identify safe places to go to during an

Earthquake.

Tornado.

Hurricane.

Flood.

Fire.

Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your

home, outside sleeping areas.

Find the location of utility cutoff valves and switches. Becomfamiliar with how to operate them.

Identify as many exits as possible (but at least two) from

each room and from the building you are in.

M ake a floor plan of your home.You may want your networ

to help you do this. Include your primary escape routes.

Practice using different ways out of a building, especially if

you are above the first floor in a building with many stories.

D ecide what type of equipment you will need for assistance

during an evacuation.

Be ready to give brief, clear, specific instructionsand direction

to rescue personnel.

If you do not drive, talk with your network about how you

will leave the area if authorities advise an evacuation.

Ask your local emergency management office if transportation

services are available to persons with your disability during

an emergency evacuation. Find out how to arrange to get

this service.

Become familiar with the emergency or disaster evacuation

plan for your office, school, or any other location where you

spend a lot of time.

Choose an alternate place to stay.

Have a care plan for your pet.

Have a care plan for your service animal.



28/48

A

disaster supplies kitcontains food, water,tools, and other things

you and your service animal willneed immediately after a disasterstrikes. Your kit should have enoughfood and water supplies to sustainyou and those you live with for at

least three days,preferably sevendays or more.

Note:You do

not need tocollect all theitems for yourdisaster supplieskit all at once.First, pick outthe suppliesyou alreadyhave and putthem in your

kit. Next, as youplan your weeklyor monthly

budget, try to include a few itemsfor your kit. See the Disaster SuppliesCalendar, Appendix B, page 41 fora suggested weekly shopping list.

Talk with your personal physicianabout how you can collect andstore a seven-day supply of neces-

sary prescription medications.

There are different types of disastesupplies kits you should assemble.Combine the following kits as youneed them, and store them some-where that is easy for you to get to.

Basic disaster supplies kit(includes a first aid kit)

Portable disaster supplies kit

Disaster supplies kit for your car

Disability-related supplies andspecial equipment

Service animal and pet supplies

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Make a disaster supplies kit thatcontains your basic disaster suppliefor homeand your disability-relatesupplies. You should keep enoughbasic supplies to maintain you inyour home for at least three days,preferably seven or more. Supplies

you need related to your disabilityshould last a minimum of sevendays. Remember any special dietaryneeds you may have when plan-ning your disaster food supplies.Refer to Appendix A, page 37, fora list of basic disaster supplies.

DISASTER SUPPLIES

Refer to Appendix A,page 37,for a list ofbasic disaster supplies.

Gather your basic disaster supplies and store them

somewhere that is easy for you to get to.


29/48

Refer to Appendix A,page 40,for a list ofdisability-related andportable disastersupplies.

First Aid Kit:Put together a firstaid kit. This will go in your basicdisaster supplies kit. Include anAmerican Red Crossfirst aid textbook.Enclose sanitarysupplies, extraglasses (an oldpair) and a case,and solution forcontact lenses, ifyou wear them.Refer to Appendix

A, page 37, for a listof items to includein your first aid kit.

Disability-RelatedSupplies andSpecial EquipmentList the specialsupplies and equip-ment you mayneed. Be sure tonote the placeswhere they arestored.

Refer to AppendixA, page 40, for a list of disability-related supplies and specialequipment. This list is extensiveand you may use only a few of theitems listed here.

Keep mobility aids near you at alltimes. If you have extra aids (suchas a cane), have them available inseveral locations.

Disability-related supplies can bepart of both your basic and your

portable disaster supplies kits. Ifyou must leave your home for anyreason, your disability-related

supplies will beavailable to takewith you. If youare confined toyour home, thesesupplies will beavailable along wityour basic disastersupplies kit.

Portable DisasterSupplies Kit

Get a drawstringbag, a pouch withlots of pockets, afanny pack, or asmall backpackand keep it withinreach, by or on you

chair, wheelchair,scooter, or otherassistive device.

Your portabledisaster supplies

kit should include a copy of youremergency information list andother lists; a small flashlight; awhistle or noisemaker; water;extra medication and copies of

prescriptions; an extra pair ofglasses; a hearing aid; sanitarysupplies; a pad and pencil or othewriting device; and a pair of heavywork gloves for wheeling over glasand debris.

At night, keep these portablesupplies either next to or underyour bed.

Disaster Supplies

Your disability-related supplies canbe part of both your basic and your

portable disaster supplies kit.

Keep your portable disaster supplies kit

within easy reach at all times.


30/48

Disaster Supplies for Your Car

Beside the basic disaster supplieslisted in Appendix A, page 37, youshould also carry other disastersupplies in your car. Store severalblankets; an extra set of mittens orgloves, wool socks, and a wool cap;jumper cables and instructions; asmall sack of sandor kitty litter fortraction; a smallshovel; a set of tirechains or tractionmats; a red clothto use as a flag;and a CB radio orcellular telephonein any vehicle youuse regularly.

Service Animaland Pet Supplies

Like your disabil-ity-related supplieskit, the service animal and petsupplies can be part of your basicdisaster supplies kit or your portabledisaster supplies. This will dependon whether you evacuate or areconfined to your home.

Your service animal and pet suppliesshould include food; water; a leash

or harness; a collar; and identifica-tion tags. Dogs and cats shouldwear a collar and tags. Dogs shouldbe led with a leash or harness; catsshould be moved in a pet carrier.Keep an extra harness

with your disaster supplies for eacanimal. Ask your veterinarian forfirst aid information and a list ofsupplies you will need for youranimals.

Make sure that identificationtags, licenses, and vaccinations arecurrent for your service animal or

pet. Identificationtags should listboth your hometelephone numbe

and that of yourprimary out-of-town contactperson.

Power-DependenEquipment

Some people mayuse a fuel-operatedgenerator to pro-

duce electricity ifpower will be out for a long time.If appropriate and feasible, get agenerator listed by UnderwritersLaboratories (the generator willcarry a label with the letters ULcircled on it).

Some generators can be connectedto the existing wiring systems of

a house. But contact your utilitycompany beforeyou connect a generator to house wiring. Connectina generator is specifically prohibiteby law in some areas, so you mustcheck with your local utility or firedepartment first. To run generatorin an emergency, fuel must be safe

Disaster Supplies

Refer to AppendixA,page 40,for a listof car and serviceanimal and petsupplies.

Store basic disaster supplies and other

emergency items in your car.


31/48

stored. Generators need to be oper-ated outdoors to guarantee goodventilation. If you get a generator,be sure your network is familiarwith how to operate it.

If you use a battery-operatedwheelchair, life-support system, orother power-dependent equipment,discuss with your power companythe type of backup power you planto use. Some utility companies offera priority reconnection service

for people with disabilities whouse power-dependent equipment.Many utility companies keep a listand map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of anemergency. Contact the customerservice department of your localutility company(ies) to learn if thisservice is available in your commu-nity. Some utility companies may

require a referral from your physi-cian to qualify you for this service.However, even with this priorityreconnection service, your powercould still be out for a long timefollowing a disaster. Providingalternatives for your power-depen-dent equipment is still essential.

Additional Information on

Equipment and Supplies

I f you use a wheelchai r or scooter

Keep a patch kit and can ofseal-in-air product in yourportable disaster supplies kit torepair flat tires, unless these arepuncture-proof. Also, keep anextra supply of inner tubes.

Keep a pair of heavy gloves inyour portable disaster supplieskit to use while wheeling ormaking your way over glassand debris.

In areas prone to earthquakes,keep the wheelchair wheelslocked and the wheelchair closeto your bed at night to be sureit does not move or fall over.

I f you use a motori zed wheelchai r

or scooter

Have an extra battery. A carbattery also can be used witha wheelchair but will not last aslong as a wheelchairs deep-cyclebattery.

Check with your vendor to knowif you can charge your battery byeither connecting jumper cablesto a vehicle battery or connectin

batteries to a converter that pluginto a vehicles cigarette lighter.Caution:Charge only one batteryat a time.

If available, store a lightweightmanual wheelchair for backup.

I f you are Blind or have a visual

disability

Store a talking or braille clock o

large-print timepiece with extrabatteries.

Have at least one extra whitecane.

Mark your disaster suppliesitems with fluorescent tape,large print, or braille.

Disaster Supplies

Some uti li tycompanies offer

a pri ori ty

reconnection

service for

people wi th

disabilities

who use

power-dependent

equipment.


32/48

Mark your gas, water, and electricshutoff valves with fluorescenttape, large print, or braille.

Store extra magnifiers.

Have an extra pair of glasses ifyou wear them.

Make photocopies of your infor-mation lists from this booklet.

I f you are Deaf or have a hearing

loss

Consider getting a small portable

battery-operated television set.Emergency broadcasts maygive information in AmericanSign Language (ASL) or opencaptioning.

Keep pads and pencils in yourhome disaster supplies kit andwith your car disaster supplies.Keep them with you at all timesfor communication.

Keep a flashlight, whistle orother noisemaker, and pad andpencil by your bed.

Keep a card in the disaster sup-plies kits (in your home andcar), and with you at all timesthat indicates that you are Deaf.Include any other appropriatecommunication information

such as, I do (or do not) knowAmerican Sign Language (ASL),or, My service animal maylegally remain with me.

I f you have a speech-related or

communicati on disabil i ty

Consider buying a power converteif you use a laptop computer tocommunicate. A power converteallows most laptops (12 voltsor less) to be operated from thecigarette lighter on the dashboardof a vehicle.

Be sure to have pencil and paperwith you as a backup communi-cation resource.

If you use an augmentativecommunication device (suchas an electronic communicatoror artificial larynx) that allowsyou to communicate by voice,be sure to keep it close to youat night in a safe place.

Store copies of a word or letterboard and preprinted keyphrases you would use in caseof an emergency in all of yourdisaster supplies kits, yourwallet, purse, etc.

I f you use sel f-admi ni stered medica

treatments

Keep in mind that traffic delaysand/or severe weather hazardscan happen when you do notexpect them. Be sure to carry the

equipment and fluids (tempera-ture controlled) you will needwhen traveling.

Disaster Supplies


33/48

I f you have a cogni t ive disabil i ty

Keep a copy of any instructions

or information you think youwill need. Also, keep a copy ofthis information in the disastersupplies kits you keep both athome and in your car. Preparethis information in a way that iseasy for you to understand. Youmay want to break down theinformation into a step-by-stepoutline. This format will help

you remember what to do dur-ing the confusion of a disaster.

Have a pencil and paper ready tokeep track of any new instructionsor information you may receive.

Storing Supplies

Store emergency documents insealed plastic freezer bags in yourbasic disaster supplies kit. Copies

of lifesaving information (i.e.,specifications for adaptive equip-ment or medical devices) shouldbe stored in your basic disastersupplies kits and with your disabil-ity-related supplies, portablesupplieskit, car supplies, and supplies youkeep at work.

Keep other emergency documents

in your disaster supplies kit forhome so you can get to them in anemergency. (For a list of theseitems, see Appendix A, page 39,Important Family Documents.)If you get benefits from SocialSecurity (SSI or SSD),

put a copy of your most recentaward letter with these documentsas well. (Note: financial assistancefrom the American Red Cross andother disaster recovery resourceswill not cause a reduction in yourmonthly grant.) Be sure to sendcopies of these documents to yourout-of-town contact person (sealand mark them open in an emer-gency for [name] only).

Store your disaster supplies kit in

safe, dry place that is easy for youto get to. This place should also beeasy for your network, or anyonewho comes to assist you, to identifyIf you are going to put the kit ona shelf, be sure to secure it sothat it does not fall and becomeinaccessible when you need it.

Replace your supply of food andwater every six months. Also,check the expiration dates ofstored prescription medications.Replace items in your supplies kitthat are old or outdated. Remembeto do this by putting new purchasein the kit and using the old kit itemyou purchased earlier. However, donot borrow items from the kit withthe intention of replacing themlater. You may forget to do so.

Disaster Supplies

Store your disaster

supplies ki t in a

safe, dry place

that is easy for

you to get to.

This place should

also be easy for

your network,

or anyone who

comes to assist

you, to identi fy.


34/48

Summary Checklist for Disaster Supplies

Date Completed

Put together a basic disaster supplies kit for your home.

It should have food, water, and other essential items you

would need for at least three, but preferably seven days.

O btain a first aid kit and put it with your basic disaster

supplies kit for home.

Collect items for a disaster supplies kit containing items

you need that are related to your disability.

Put together a portable disaster supplies kit in a drawstring

bag or pouch to carry with you at all times.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car or van.

Assemble disaster supplies for your service animal and pet( s

O btain a UL-listed generator if you have equipment that

runs on electricity and needs backup power.

Ask your utility company if a priority reconnection service

is available in your area.

G et a patch kit and canned air for wheelchair tires.

Put heavy gloves in your portable disaster supplies kit if

you use a wheelchair.Wear these gloves when wheeling

over debris.

Keep an extra battery available for a motorized wheelchair.

Disaster Supplies


35/48

O

ne of the best ways toreduce the damages froma disaster and avoid possi-

ble injuries is to prepare fordisasters ahead of time. This willmitigate, or lessen, the effects of adisaster. Here are some suggestionson how you can make your homeor office safer before a disasterstrikes.

Check hallways, stairwells, door-ways, windows, and other areas

for hazards that may keep youfrom safely leaving a buildingduring an emergency. Secure orremove furniture and other itemsthat may block your path. Thiswill allow you to have severalunblocked passages to travelafter a disaster.

Keep emergency lights pluggedinto electrical wall outlets. These

lights automatically turn on ifthere is a power outage and mayhelp light your escape paths foryou or your network. Emergencylights will remain lit for four tosix hours; however, you can turnthem off by hand during thedaytime to save their batterycharge.

In the event of an earthquake

Bolt pictures, mirrors, curio cabi-nets, and other heavy objects towall studs using the appropriatehardware.

Bolt bookcases to wall studs. Usebungee cords or a strip of woodnailed to the edge of the shelf tokeep books from falling off.

Strap your water heater andother large appliances to wallstuds using strap iron (some-times called plumbers tape).

Use latches on cabinets so thattheir contents do not fall outwhen the building shakes.

Use hook-and-loop fasteners(such as Velcro) to secure type-writers, computers, oxygenequipment, and other heavyitems to sturdier objects.

Additional Information

Call your local American Red Crosto learn about the resources avail-able to help you, your family, andfriends prepare for a disaster. YourRed Cross chapter can also helpyou find out about other local programs and services offered to thepublic.

All Red Cross disaster assistance isfree of charge. This is made possi-ble by the generous contributionsof the American peoples time,money, and skills. The Red Cross inot a government agency. Financiasupport of your local Red Crosshelps make copies of this bookletand other disaster education mate

rials available to your communityas well as to communities nation-wide. Your support is appreciated.

MAKING YOUR HOME OR OFFICE SAFER

For additional copiesor an audiocassetteversion of this booklet,contact your local RedCross chapter.

Visit the AmericanRed Cross Web siteat http://www.redcross.orgfor more

nformation.
http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/http://www.redcross.org/


36/48

Adapti ve Equipment: Equipmentthat helps a person move, groom,or eat independently, such asmobility aids, grooming aids, feed-ing aids, and similar devices usedto offset functional limits.

Augmentative Communication

Device: A device used to help aperson communicate by voice.

Blindness/Visual D isabi li ty: A visualcondition that interferes with a

persons ability to see or resultsin the absence of all sight.

Cogni ti ve Impairment: A medicalcondition or injury that affects apersons ability to understandspoken or written information.

Communication D isabi li ty: Amedical condition or injury thatinterferes with a persons ability to

communicate by using ones voice.Deafness/H earing D isabi li ty: Amedical condition or injury thatinterferes with a persons abilityto hear sounds.

Evacuation Assisti ve Equipment:

Equipment or devices used to helppeople leave a building in anemergency.

Mobil ity Disabil ity: A medical con-dition or injury that impedes apersons ability to walk or move.

Personal Assessment: A written list ofyour needs and your resources formeeting these needs in an environ-ment affected by a disaster.

Personal Care Assistance:The helpyou accept from someone to meetyour daily personal needs(bathing, dressing, grooming,cooking, feeding).

Personal Support Network/Self-Help

Team: A group of people who willhelp you at your home, school,workplace, volunteer site, or anyother location in which you spenda lot of time. Members of yoursupport network can include

roommates, relatives, neighbors,friends, and co-workers you trust.

Your network must be able tocheck if you need assistance, knowyour capabilities and needs, and bable to help you within minutes.

Power-Dependent Equipment: Equipment that requires electricity tooperate.

Service Animal: A specially-trainedanimal used by a person witha disability to help with dailyliving. These animals are allowedby law to accompany their ownersanywhere.

Warning: A warning means thatthe event is happening now, isgoing to happen, or has been

observed on weather radar. Youmust act immediatelyto protectyourself.

Watch: A watch means thatsevere weather is threatening andmay occur in your area. Listen tothe radio or watch television forinformation and advice.

GLOSSARY


37/48

APPENDIX A: DISASTER SUPPLIES KITS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

There are six basics you should stock for your

home: 1) water, 2) food, 3) first aid supplies, 4)

clothing and bedding, 5) tools and emergencysupplies, and 6) special items. Keep the items

that you would most likely need during an

evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

Essentials

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

D o not include candles. Candles cause more fires

after a disaster than anything else.

Water

Store water in plastic containers, such as large

soft drink bottles.Avoid using containers that will

decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass

bottles.A person who is generally active needs to

drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot

environments and intense physical activity can

double that amount. Children, nursing mothers,

and ill people will need to drink even more.

Store three gallons of water per person (one gallonfor each day and for each person) .

Keep at least a three-day supply of water ( two

quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation

and sanitation) for each person in the household.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable

food. Select foods that require no refrigeration,

preparation, or cooking and little or no water. If you

must heat food, pack a can of Sterno and matches.Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

Include a selection of the following foods in your

disaster supplies kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats

Canned fruits, dried fruits, and nuts

Canned vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for

each car.A first aid kit should include the following:

Sterile, adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Cleansing agent/soap

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Sunscreen

2-inch sterile gauze pads (46)

4-inch sterile gauze pads (46)

Triangular bandages (3)

2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

Scissors

Adhesive tape

Tweezers

N eedle

M oistened towelettes

Antiseptic

Rubbing alcohol

Thermometer

Tongue blades (2)

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Extra eye glasses


38/48

APPENDIX A

Nonprescription Drugs

A spirin or nonaspirin pain reliever

A ntidiarrheal medication

A ntacid ( for stomach upset)

Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if

advised by the Poison Control Center)

Laxative

A ctivated charcoal (use if advised by

the Poison Control Center)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes

Soap, liquid detergent

Feminine hygiene supplies

Personal hygiene items

Plastic garbage bags, ties ( for personal

sanitation uses)

Plastic bucket with tight lid

D isinfectant

Household chlorine bleach

Facial tissues

Clothing and Bedding

O ne complete change of clothing and

footwear per person

Sturdy shoes or work boots

Rain gear

Blankets or sleeping bags

Hat and gloves

Thermal underwear

Sunglasses

Tools and Supplies

M ess kits or paper cups; plates and

plastic utensils

Cash or travelers checks, coins.

N onelectric can opener, utility knife

Pliers, screwdriver, hammer, crowbar, assorted

nails, wood screws

Shutoff wrench, to turn off household

gas and water

Tape, such as duct tape

Compass

M atches in a waterproof container

A luminum foil

Plastic storage containers

Signal flare

Paper, pencil

N eedles, thread

M edicine dropper

Adhesive labels

Safety goggles

Heavy work gloves

W histle

Heavy cotton of hemp rope

Patch kit and can of seal-in-air

Videocassettes

D isposable dust masks

Plastic sheeting

M ap of the area (for locating shelters)


39/48

APPENDIX A

For Baby

Formula

D iapers/wipes

Bottles

Powdered formula, milk, or baby food

M edications

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof,portablecontainer:

Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds,

stocks and bonds

Copy of passports, Social Security cards,

immunization records

Record of credit card accounts

Record of bank account numbers, names,

and phone numbers

Inventory of valuable household goods,

important telephone numbers

Family records (birth, marriage, death

certificates)

Copy of Supplemental Security Income

award letter

Medical Needs

Heart and high blood pressure medication

Insulin

Prescription drugs

D enture supplies

Contact lenses and supplies

Items for Service Animals/Pets

Food

Additional water

Leash/harness

Identification tags

M edications and medical records

Litter/pan

Entertainment

G ames and books

Other Disaster Supplies

A ssemble the supplies listed on page 40 in addition

to your basic disaster supplies kit. Combine these

with your disaster supplies kit as you need them,

and store them somewhere that is easy for you

to get to.


40/48

APPENDIX A

Disability-Related Supplies and SpecialEquipment

Check items you use, and describe item type

and locat ion.

G lasses: _________________________________

Eating utensils: ____________________________

G rooming utensils:_________________________

D ressing devices: __________________________

W riting devices:___________________________

Hearing device: ___________________________

O xygen:_________________________________

Flow rate:________________________________

Suction equipment: ________________________

D ialysis equipment: ________________________

Sanitary supplies: __________________________

Urinary supplies: __________________________

O stomy supplies:__________________________

W heelchair :

W heelchair repair kit: ______________________

M otorized:_______________________________

M anual: _________________________________

Walker: _________________________________

Crutches:________________________________

Cane(s) :_________________________________

D entures:________________________________

M onitors:________________________________

O ther: __________________________________

Service Animal and Pet Supplies

Food

Extra water

Leash/harness

Collar

Identification tags

M edications

Vaccinations and medical records

Portable Disaster Supplies Kit

Emergency information list/other lists

Small flashlight

W histle/other noisemaker

Water

Extra medication

Copies of prescriptions

Extra pair of glasses

Hearing aid

Sanitary supplies

Pad and pencil or other writing device

Car Supplies

Several blankets

Extra set of mittens or gloves, wool socks, and

a wool cap

Jumper cables and instructions

Small sack of sand or kitty litter for traction

Small shovel

Set of tire chains or traction mats

Red cloth to use as a flag

CB radio or cellular telephone


41/48

This Disaster Supplies Calendar is intended to help you prepare for disasters before theyhappen. Using the calendar, you can assemble a disaster supplies kit in small steps over afive-month period. Check off items you gather each week. Remember to change andreplace perishable supplies (such as food and water) every six months.

APPENDIX B: DISASTER SUPPLIES CALENDAR

* Purchase one for each member of the household.

WEEK 1

Grocery Store

1 gallon water* 1 jar peanut butter 1 large can juice* 1 can meat* Hand-operated can

opener

Permanent markingpen

A lso, pet food, diapers,

and baby food, if needed.

To Do

Find out what kinds ofdisasters can happen

in your area.

D ate each perishablefood item using

marking pen.

WEEK 2

Hardware Store

Heavy cotton orhemp rope

D uct tape 2 flashlights with bat-

teries

M atches in water-proof container

A lso, a leash or carrier

for your pet.

To Do

Complete a personalassessment of your

needs and your

resources for meetingyour needs in a

changed disaster

environment.

WEEK 3

Grocery Store

1 gallon water* 1 can meat* 1 can fruit* Feminine hygiene

supplies

Paper and pencil M ap of the area Aspirin or nonaspirin

pain reliever

LaxativeA lso, 1 gallon of water

for each pet.

To Do Create a personal

support network who

can help you identify

and obtain the

resources you will

need to cope effec-

tively with disaster.

WEEK 4

Hardware Store

Patch kit and can ofseal-in-air product for

the tires of mobility

aids

Signal flare CompassA lso, extra medications

or prescriptions marked

emergency use.

To Do

D evelop a personaldisaster plan.

G ive copies of thefollowing lists to yournetwork: emergency

information list,

medical information

list, disability-related

supplies and special

equipment list, and

personal disaster plan

O riginal Material for Appendix B:D isaster SuppliesCalendar supplied by Chevron Real Estate M anagement C ompany 1994.


42/48

APPENDIX B


WEEK 5

Grocery Store

1 gallon water* 1 can meat* 1 can fruit* 1 can vegetables* 2 rolls toilet paper Extra toothbrush Travel size toothpasteA lso, special food for

special diets, if needed.

To Do

M ake a floor plan ofyour home including

primary escape

routes.

Identify safe places togo to in case of fire,

earthquake, tornado,hurricane, and flood.

Practice a fire drill,tornado drill, and

earthquake drill with

your network.

WEEK 6

First Aid Supplies

Sterile adhesivebandages in assortedsizes

Safety pins Adhesive tape Latex gloves Sunscreen G auze pads Sterile roller bandagesA lso, extra hearing aid

batteries, if needed.

To Do

Check with childs daycare center or school

to find out about their

disaster plans.

Ask your local emer-gency management

office if emergency

transportation services

are available in case

of evacuation.

WEEK 7

Grocery Store

1 gallon water* 1 can ready-to-eat

soup (not concen-

trated)*

1 can fruit* 1 can vegetables* Sewing kit D isinfectantA lso, extra plastic baby

bottles, formula, anddiapers, if needed.

To Do

Establish an out-of-town contact to call

in case of emergency.

Share this informationwith your network

so they know whom

to call.

M ake arrangementsfor your network

to check on you

immediately after

an evacuation order

or a disaster.

WEEK 8

First Aid Supplies

Scissors Tweezers Thermometer Liquid antibacterial

hand soap

D isposable handwipes

N eedles Petroleum jelly or

other lubricant 2 tongue bladesA lso, extra eyeglasses,

if needed. Put in first

aid kit.

To Do

Place a pair of sturdyshoes and a flashlightby your bed so they

are handy in an

emergency.

If Blind, store atalking clock and

one or more extra

white canes.

If Blind, mark yourdisaster supplies

in braille or withfluorescent tape.



43/48

APPENDIX B


WEEK 9

Grocery Store

1 can ready-to-eatsoup*

Liquid dish soap Household chlorine

bleach

1 box heavy-dutygarbage bags with ties

Antacid ( for stomachupset)

A lso, saline solution anda contact lens case, if

needed.

To Do

Familiarize your net-work with any areas

on your body where

you have reduced

sensation.

Choose a signal withyour network that

indicates you are

okay and have left

the disaster site.

If you have a commu-nication disability,

store a word or

letter board in your

disaster supplies kit.

WEEK 10

Hardware Store

W aterproof portableplastic container ( withlid) for important

papers

Battery-poweredradio

W rench(es) neededto turn off utilities

To Do Take your networkon a field trip to

the gas meter and

water meter shutoffs.

D iscuss when it is

appropriate to turn

off utilities.

A ttach a wrench nextto the cutoff valve of

each utility meter so

it will be there when

needed.

M ake photocopiesof important papers

and store safely.

WEEK 11

Grocery Store

1 large can juice* Large plastic food

bags

1 box quick energysnacks

3 rolls paper towels M edicine dropper

To Do

Store a roll of quar-ters for emergency

phone calls.

G o on a hunt withyour family to find

a pay phone that is

close to your home.

Test your smokedetector( s) . Replace

the battery in eachdetector that does

not work.

WEEK 12

Animal Care Store

Extra harness, leash,ID tags, and food foryour service animal

and/or pets

Litter/pan Extra water

Veterinarian

O btain currentvaccinations andmedical records

of your animal(s)

M edications

To Do

D evelop a pet careplan in case of disaster

M ake photocopies ofall vaccination records

and put them in your

disaster supplies kit.

Put extra animalharness, leash, and

identification tag(s)

in your disaster

supplies kit.

O riginal M aterial for A ppendix B: D isaster SuppliesCalendar supplied by Chevron Real Estate M anagement C ompany 1994.


44/48

APPENDIX B


WEEK 13

Hardware Store

W histle Pliers Screwdriver Hammer Perforated metal tape

(sometimes called

plumbers tape or

strap iron)

Crow bar

To Do

Take a first aid/CPRclass from your local

Red Cross.

Arrange to have yourwater heater strapped

to wall studs using

perforated metal tape.

WEEK 14

Grocery Store

1 can fruit* 1 can meat* 1 can vegetables* 1 package eating

utensils

1 package paper Cups

To Do M ake sure your net-work and neighbors

know what help you

may need in an emer-

gency and how best

to assist.

Practice using alternatemethods of evacuation

with your network.

WEEK 15

Hardware Store

Extra flashlightbatteries

Extra battery forportable radio

Assorted nails Wood screws Labels for your

equipment and

supplies

To Do

M ake arrangementsto bolt bookcases and

cabinets to wall studs.

Label equipment andattach instruction

cards.

WEEK 16

Grocery Store

1 can meat* 1 can vegetables* 1 box facial tissue 1 box quick energy

snacks

D ried fruit/nuts

To Do

Find out if you havea neighborhood

safety organization

and join it.

D evelop a disastersupplies kit for your

car or van.



45/48

APPENDIX B


WEEK 17

Grocery Store

1 box grahamcrackers

A ssorted plastic con-tainers with lids

D ry cereal

First Aid Supplies

Antidiarrhealmedication

Rubbing alcohol Antiseptic Syrup of ipecac and

activated charcoal

To Do

A rrange for a friendor neighbor to help

your children if youare not able to

respond or are at

work.

WEEK 18

Hardware Store

Child proof latchesor other fasteners foryour cupboards

D ouble-sided tape orhook-and-loop fasten-

ers (such as Velcro )

to secure moveable

objects

Plastic bucket withtight lid

Plastic sheeting

To Do

Arrange for someoneto install latches on

cupboards and secure

moveable objects.

Put away a blanket orsleeping bag for each

household member.

WEEK 19

Grocery Store

1 box quick-energysnacks

Comfort foods(such as cookies,

candy bars)

Plastic wrap A luminum foilA lso denture care items,

if needed.

To Do

Review your insurancecoverages with your

agent to be sure you

are covered for the

disasters that may

occur in your area.

O btain additional

coverage, as needed.

Purchase and haveinstalled an emergency

escape ladder for

upper story windows,

if needed.

WEEK 20

Hardware Store

Camping or