Disaster Preparedness - Alaska Department of Health and ...dhss.alaska.gov/dph/wcfh/Documents/PDF/Prepared4HealthCare.pdfDisaster preparedness for families of children and youth with

Disaster Preparedness

For families of children and youth with special health care needs

State of AlaskaSean Parnell, Governor

Department of Health and Social ServicesWilliam J. Streur, Commissioner

2

Introduction

Isyourfamilyprepared? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Howtousethisguide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section 1: Thinking ahead

Typesofdisaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Reflectonyourchild’sneeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Section 2: Disaster planning and preparation

Canyoucareforyourselvesandyourfamilymemberwithspecialhealthcareneeds,withoutoutsideassistance,for10days? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Disastersupplykit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Section 3: Response and recovery

Ifdisasterstrikes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Simpletipstohelpyousupportyourchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneedsduringdifficulttimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Section 4: Resources for families

Resourcesontheweb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

StateofAlaskaresources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Federalresources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Contactinformationforvitaldocuments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Appendixes and forms

AppendixA:FamilyEmergencyPlan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

AppendixB:EmergencyInformationCards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

AppendixC:AmericanAcademyofPediatricsEmergency

InformationformforChildrenwithSpecialNeeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Contents

1

Introduction

Tsunami,earthquakes,wildfires,volcaniceruption,heavysnowfall,actsofterrorismandfloodsaredisastersforemostinthemindsofAlaskanstoday .Eventhoughweallknowwhatcanhappen…areweprepared?Disastercanstrikequicklyandwithoutwarning .Canweprotectourselvesandourfamily?Dowehaveaplan?Wherewillyourfamilybewhendisasterstrikes?Theycouldbeanywhere—athome,atwork,atschoolorontheroad .Willyouknowifyourchildrenaresafe?Whatifyourchildhasspecialhealthcareneeds?

Inanemergency,weallhavetoplantobeselfsufficient,andpossiblyspendseveraldayswithoututilities,medical

aid,transportationorcommunications .ForAlaskafamiliesofchildrenwithspecialhealthcareneedsitcanbecomeevenmoredifficult .Planninghowyouwillrespondiscritical .Itmeansextraattentiontodetailandneedsthatotherfamiliesmaynothavetoworryabout .Thereistheneedtohavespecialequipmentonhand,medications,knowofspecialshelters,andconsulthealthcareprovidersjusttonameafew .

Familiescancopewithdisasterbypreparinginadvanceandworkingtogetherasateam .Beingpreparedisyourresponsibilityandbestprotection .

Apreparedfamilythinksaheadandknowswhattopreparefor .Thissectionwillassistyouinthinkingaboutpossibledisasters .

Planningiscriticaltokeepingyourfamilysafe .Familiesdealingwithspecialhealthcareneedsrequireextraplanning .Thissectionwillfocusonplanningandpreparation .

Planswillbeputtoatestwhenadisasterhits .Therearemanythingsforafamilytoconsiderwhenrespondingtoadisasterandbeginningtherecoveryprocess .Thissectionwillofferstrategiestoenablefamiliestomovefromthedisasterthroughtheresponseandrecovery .

Resourcesformoreinformationandeasy-to-accessformsforyourfamilytouseduringadisaster .

Is your family prepared?

This guide is organized to assist you and your family in being prepared and ready.

Disasterpreparednessforfamiliesofchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds|Introduction

Section one: Thinking ahead

Section two: Disaster planning and preparation

Section three: Response and recovery

Section four: Resources for families

2 2

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Disasterpreparednessforfamiliesofchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds:Thinkingahead

Section 1: Thinking ahead

Types of disasterWhendiscussingdisasterpreparation,mostAlaskafamiliesthinkaboutearthquakes .InfactAlaskansshouldprepareforavarietyofbothnaturalandman-madedisasters .Thisisalsoknownasplanningforan“allhazards”approach .

Naturaldisastersmightincludeanearthquake,wildfires,flooding,avalanches,volcaniceruption,epidemicdiseases,windstorm,blizzardorotherweatherrelatedevents .Otherdisasterscanincludecommunitypowerorutilityfailure,anoil/fuelspillorbetheresultofterrorismorbio-terrorism .

Alaskansshouldalsobepreparedforamajordiseaseoutbreak,causinglimitedaccesstohealthcare,forcingstricthandwashingandpreventionpracticesorextendedstayswithinthehomeorcommunitybecauseofquarantine .

Sincedisastercancomeinmanyforms—weather,utilitiesoutages(power,waterorcommunication)terrorism,diseaseoutbreak—itisimportantthatyourfamilyunderstandhowtoputadisasterplanintoactiontocoveravarietyofsituationsoran“allhazards”approach .Howwillyoucommunicatewithyourfamilyincaseofadisaster?Doyouhaveaspeciallyequippedvehicleoraccessibletransportationforyourchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds?Doyouhaveaccesstoanalternateelectricalorpowersource?Nowisthetimetothinkaboutallpotentialsituationsandmakesureyoucanadaptyourplantomeetyourfamily’sneeds .

Try to reflect on your child’s needs if there was:• Nowater,electricity,telephone,heat,or

refrigeration

• Alackoftransportation

• Confinementtohomeorevacuationtoashelterorelsewhere

• Separationfromfamilymembers

• Nomobilityaids

• Nolocalaccesstoprescriptionrefillsorhealthproductsupplies

• Limitedhealthcareaccessandemergencyrescueservices

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2Section 2: Disaster planning and preparation

Can you care for yourselves and your family member with special health care needs, without outside assistance, for 10 days?Preparationisthekeytosurvivingadisasterandmanagingthechaosthatoccursafterwards .Therearemanytipsforpreparingforadisasterthatareapplicabletoallfamilies .Inaddition,familieswithspecialhealthcareneedsmustbepreparedtomanagetheirneedsunderchallengingconditions .

Doyouhaveadisasterplanforyourfamily?Doesyourplanincludeemergencystrategiesifyourchildisawayatschool,childcareproviders,caregivers,orchurch?

Disasterpreparednessforfamiliesofchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds:Disasterplanningandpreparation

At home

� Teachchildrenhowandwhentocall9-1-1oryourlocalemergencymedicalservicesnumberforemergencyhelp .

� Haveanemergencyinformationformfilledoutonyourchild .Oneforhome,forschoolandotherchildcareproviders .

� Haveadisastersupplykitforyourfamily .

� Meetwithyourfamilyanddiscusswhyyouneedtopreparefordisaster .Explainthedangeroffireandsevereweathertochildren .Plantoshareresponsibilitiesandworktogetherasateam .

� Discussthetypesofdisastersthataremostlikelytohappen .Asafamilydiscusshowthiscanaffectallfamilymembersandhowyouwilladdressthespecialneedsofpersonswithadisability .Explainwhattodoineachcaseofdisaster .Discusspreparationforcommondisasters,suchaswhattodoinanearthquake(duck,cover&hold) .

� Discusswhattodoinanevacuationofyourhome,neighborhoodandschool .Practiceusingdifferentwaysoutofabuilding,especiallyifyouareabovethefirstfloorinabuildingwithmanystories .

� Drawafloorplanofyourhome .Ifpossible,marktwoescaperoutesfromeachroom .Discusswhowillberesponsiblefornon-mobilefamilymemberandwhoisresponsibleforthosewithoutchallenge .

� Discusswithfamilieshowtooperateyourgaragedoorwhenthereisnoelectricity .

� Picktwoplacestomeetintheeventyouareseparated .Youmightpickoutsideyourhomeincaseofasuddenemergencysuchasafire .Orifyoucan’treturnhome,youwouldpicksomeplaceoutsideofyourneighborhood .Discusswithfamilyandfriendsboththeaddressofthemeetingplaceandhowtocontactoneanother .

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� Considerdesignatinganout-of-statefamilymember,orclosefriend,thatallyourfamilycancalltocommunicate(sometimesitiseasiertomakeanoutofstatecallthantocallwithinthecityorstate .)Everyoneshouldcarryyourcontact’sphonenumberintheirwalletemergencycard .

� Showyoursmallchildrenpicturesofemergencyworkerscommontodisasterscenes(suchasworkersinuniforms,infiresuits,andworkerswearingprotectivefacegear) .Or,havecommunicationcardfornon-verbalchildren .

� Haveworkingsmokeandcarbonmonoxidedetectorsinyourhome .Havenecessaryresourcessuchasawaterhoseandfireextinguishers .

� Considernecessaryback-upsystemsorplansformedicalequipmentthatrequireselectricity .

� Ifplanningtouseagenerator,knowhowtosafelyengagetopreventinjurytopowercompanypersonnelworkingtorestorepower .

� Findthelocationofcutoffvalvesandswitchesforutilitiessuchasgasandelectricity .Becomefamiliarwithhowtooperatethem .

� Checkyourhomeformaterialsanditemsthatmayposeahazardduringadisaster(don’tforgettheoutside) .

� Knowyourneighbor’sspecialskills(suchasmedicalandtechnical)andhowtohelpthosefamilieswithspecialhealthcareneeds .

� Meetwithyourneighborstoplanhowyoucanworktogetherafteradisasteruntilhelparrives .Setupasystemwithyourneighborsto“signal”forneededhelp .

� Teachyourchildrenwhointheneighborhoodcanhelpthemintheeventthereisadisasterandyoucannotgethome .

� Planhowtotakecareofyourpetsandyourserviceanimal .

� Makesureyouhaveanextrasetofkeysforhome,car,etc .

Child care, school, church


� Findamethodforcommunicationandtransportationforyourchildwithspecialhealthcareneeds .Determinewhowillcommunicatewithpersonnelifthereisnointerpreter .Makesureyourchild’sschool,childcareproviderorothercaregivershavemorethanonecontactforyourchild .

� Postemergencytelephonenumbersbyphones(fire,police,ambulance,hospital,healthcareprovider,poisoncontrol,etc) .

� Askhowemergencymessagesorinstructionswouldbesenttoyouincaseofadisaster .Includeintheplanwhereandwhentopickupyourchild .

� Assistyourchild’sschool,childcareproviderorothercaregiversindevelopinganemergencycareplanforyourchild .Somequestionsyouwanttoaskinclude:

� Doestheschoolhaveadisasterplanthatincludesmeetingtheneedsofstudentswithspecialhealthcareneeds?

� Doestheschoolhavedisastersupplykits?

� Doestheschoolhaveemergencycontactinformationincaseofadisaster?

� Doestheschoolhavetherightmedicalequipmentandmedicationforyourchild?

� Dotheyhaveextramedicalequipmentandextramedicationifyourchildhadtostayovernight?

� Dotheyhaveback-upsystemsorplansformedicalequipmentthatrequireelectricity?

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Community

Find out whether your community has plans for persons with special health care needs.

� Notifythenearestfirestation/emergencymedicalservicesorpolicedepartmentofyourchild’sspecialhealthcareneeds .

� Talkwithotherfamilieswhohaveachildwiththesameconditionasyourchild .Shareideasandtips .

Consult your child’s health care provider

� Ifyourchilddependsondialysis,ventilationorotherlifesustainingtreatment,talkwithyourchild’sdoctorregardingthebestplaceforhimorherintheeventthereisadisaster .Findoutthefacilityplansforemergenciesandhowyourchildwillgettreatmentandmedication .

� Obtainalistofmedicationsfromyourchild’shealthcareprovider .

� Obtainatwo-weeksupplyofmedicationsandsuppliesforyourchild .Haveextramedicationandsuppliesforyourchild’sschoolandotherchildcareproviders .Talktoyourchild’shealthcareproviderorpharmacistaboutwhatyoushoulddoifyoudonothaveenoughmedicineafteradisaster .

Personal kit for child

Items your child should have at all times:

� Medicalalertbracelet

� Contactinformationtoreachparents

� Ifdarknesssuchasblackoutsordisasterdrillsinareaswithpoorlightingpresentsacommunicationproblemforyourchild,theyshouldcarryapersonalcommunicationkitatalltimes:

� Communicationcard

� Flashlight

� Paper

� Pencil

Travel items

Have a disaster supply kit in your car, boat, or airplane. Don’t forget to include these items:

� Extraclothingandsturdyshoes

� Coatsorjackets

� Hats,mittens,andscarves

� Sleepingbagsorwarmblankets

� Firstaidkitandmanual

� Flashlightandextrabatteries

� Fluorescentdistressflagorroadflares

� Booster/jumpercables

� Bottledwaterandnon-perishablefoodssuchasgranolabars


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Disaster supply kit

For families of children and youth with special health care needs

Onewaytoprepareisbymakingadisastersupplykit .Whenadisasterhits,youwon’thavetimetoshoporsearchforsupplies .Butifyou’vegatheredsuppliesinadvance,youandyourfamilycanhandleanevacuationorhomeconfinement .

Alwaysbepreparedtoevacuate .Keepalloftheitemsthatyoumostwilllikelyneedduringanevacuationinaneasy-tocarrycontainersuchasabackpackordufflebag .Keepthebaginaneasytoreachplaceneartheexityoumostoftenuseatyourhome .

*Itemsshouldbepackedinpreparationforanevacuationtoashelter

Water

Storewaterinplasticcontainersthathavenothadotherliquidsstoredinthem .Avoidcontainerssuchascardboardmilkcartonsorglassbottles .Apersonneedstoplanforonegallonperpersoneachday .Children,nursingmothers,andmanypersonswithspecialhealthcareneedswillrequire

more .Thisamountwillallowforaboutahalf-gallontodrinkandahalf-gallonforpersonalcleanlinessandcooking .Markthewatercontainersandchangethewatereverysixmonths .

� Keepatleastathree-daysupplyofwaterperperson(onegallonperpersonperdayforeachpersoninyourhouseholdfordrinking,foodpreparationandsanitation) .*

Food

Storeatleastathree-daysupplyofnon-perishablefoodperpersonperday .Selectfoodsthatrequirenorefrigeration,preparationorcooking,andlittleornowater .If

youmustheatfood,packacanofsterno .Selectfooditemsthatarecompactandlightweight .Identifythestoragedateandreplacestoredfoodeverysixmonths .

� Ready-to-eatcannedmeats,fruits,andvegetableswithpoptops

� Cannedorboxedjuices

� Staples(salt,sugar,pepper,spices,etc .)

� High-Energyfoodssuchasraisins,peanutbutter,orgranolabars*

� Foodforinfants*

� Foodthatmeetsdietsofindividualswithspecialhealthcareneeds(suchaspedialyte)*

First aid supplies

Puttogetherafirstaidkitforyourhomeandconsideroneforthecar .Abasicfirstaidkitshouldinclude:

� Sterileadhesivebandagesinassortedsizes(band-aids)

� Assortedsizesofsafetypins

� Cleaningagent/soapincludingwaterlessalcoholbasedhandsanitizer/wipes

� Latexorvinylgloves(2pairs)

� Cottonballs

� 2-inchand4-inchsterilegauzepad(4-6)

� Triangularbandages(3)

� 2-inchor3-inchsterilerollerbandages(3rolls)

� Eyedressingpads

� Scissors

� Tweezers


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� Needlesandthread

� Moistenedtowelettes/wipes

� Antiseptic

� Thermometer

� Tongueblades(2)

� Tubeofpetroleumjellyorotherlubricant

� Hotandcoldcompress,orplasticbagforsnoworice

� Non-prescriptionmedicationsinageappropriatedosesforallfamilymembers:

� Aspirinoraspirinfreepainreliever

� Anti-diarrheamedication

� Antacid(forupsetstomach)

Sanitation (two week supply)

� Toiletpaper,towelettes

� Soap,liquiddetergent(waterless,antibacterial)

� Femininesupplies

� Personalhygieneitems

� Plasticgarbagebags,ties(forpersonalsanitation)

� Plasticbucketwithtightlid

� Disinfectantorhouseholdchlorinebleach

Supplies for special health care needs

� Twoweeksupplyofalldisposablesuppliessuchasdressingmaterials,nasalcannulas,orsuctioncatheters*

� Twoweeksupplyofallmedications,prescription,andnon-prescription*

� Generatororbatterybackupforallelectricalmedicalequipment

� Copiesofprescriptionsformedicalequipmentandmedications*

� Extracontactlensesandsuppliesorglasses(andcopyofyourprescription)*

� Extrabatteriesforhearingaidsandcommunicationdevices*

� Specialdietaryfoodsandsupplies*

� Manualwheelchairsandothernecessaryequipmentasneeded(cane,walker,etc .)*

� Extramedications,prescription,non-prescription&suppliesfortheschool

� Pairofextraheavygloves

Askyourphysicianorpharmacistaboutstoringprescriptionmedicationsthatmustberefrigerated .Haveacoolerandiceonhandforthispurpose .

Infants and children (two week supply)

� Formula-readytoeatorwithsterilewaterformixing*

� Diapersandwipes*

� Bottles*

� Powderedmilk*

� Medications*

� Pacifiers*

� Favoriteblanketortoy*

Tools and emergency supplies

� Cups,plates,andplasticutensils

� Emergencypreparednessmanual

� Battery-operatedradiowithextrabatteries

� Flashlightwithextrabatteries

� Non-electriccanopener

� Utilityknife

� Fireextinguisher-smallcanisterABCtype

� Tubetent

� Pliers



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� Ducttape

� Matchesinawaterproofcontainerorlighter

� Aluminumfoil

� Plasticstoragecontainers

� Signalflare

� Paper,pencil,marker

� Needlesandthread

� Shut-offwrench,toturnoffhouseholdgasandwater

� Whistletohelpsignalforhelp

� Plasticsheeting

� Compassandmapofthearea(withshelterlocations)

� Nonelectriccookingutensils

� Charcoal(foroutsideuseonly)

� Helmet,gogglesandmasks

Clothing and bedding

� Includeatleastonecompletechangeofclothingandfootwearperpersonappropriatefortheseasonandconditions*

� Longpantsandlongsleeveshirt

� Sturdyshoesorworkboots*

� Jacketorcoat

� Raingear

� Sleepingbagsorwarmblankets

� Hat,mittensandscarf

Entertainment

� Games(cardorboardgames)*

� Booksforallages*

Copies of the following documents (stored in waterproof container)

� Insurancepolicies*

� Contracts&deeds*

� Passports*

� SocialSecuritycards*

� Immunizationrecords*

� BankAccountnumbers*

� CreditCardaccountnumbersandcompanies*

� Familyrecords(birth,marriage,deathcertificates)*

� Stocksandbonds*

� Will*

� Currentphotographofeachpersonlivinginthehousehold*

Other important items

� Cash,traveler’schecks,andchange*

� Extrasetofkeys(car,house,etc)*

Pet supplies

� Medicationsandmedicalrecords(storedinawaterproofcontainer)*

� Currentphotosofyourpetsincasetheygetlost*

� Informationonfeedingschedules,medicalconditions,behaviorproblems,andthenameandnumberofyourveterinarianincaseyouhavetofosterorboardyourpets*

� Sturdyleashes,harnesses,and/orcarrierstotransportpetssafelyandensurethatyouranimalscan’tescape*

� Food,potablewater,bowls,catlitterandpan*

� Petbedsandtoys,ifeasilytransportable*



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3

Disasterpreparednessforfamiliesofchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds:Responseandrecovery

Section 3: Response and recovery

• Stay calm.Checktheareaaroundyouforsafety .

• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.

• Check (smell) for gas leaks, starting at the water heater.Ifyousmellgasorsuspectagasleak,turnoffthemaingasvalve,openwindows,andgeteveryoneoutsidequickly .Shutoffanyotherdamagedutilities .Donotturnoffthegasunlessyousmellit,asyoumaynotbeabletoturnitbackon .Theutilitycompanywillneedtoturnitbackonforyou .

• Stay away from downed power lines.

• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other inflammable liquids immediately.

• Have injuries treated by a medical professional.

• Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.

If disaster strikes….• Evacuate, if advised to do so. Returnonlywhen

localauthoritiesadvisethatitissafetodoso .

• Check for damage in your home.

• Use flashlights.Donotlightmatchesorturnonelectricalswitchesifyouthinktheremaybedamagetoyourhome .

• Call your family contact.Donotusethetelephoneagainunlessitisalife-threateningemergency .

• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.

• Put your pets in a safe place as they will be confused and scared and may be dangerous.

• Don’t get caught up in the “HYPE.”Constantexposuretocrisisordisasterpictures,news,andinformationcancauseseriousemotionalissuesforchildren .Limityourfamily’stimeinfrontofthetelevisionandtuneinforregularupdatesandalerts .

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Simple tips to help you support your children and youth with special health care needs during difficult times

• Have a plan and know what you will do. Itistheunknownthatfrightensmostpeople .Mostchildrenandyoutharemoredisturbedaboutwhattheythinkmighthappenthanbyreality .Planningmakestheunknowneasierforchildren .

• Talk on a level that your child can understand.Childrenofallageswillknoworsensethatsomethingiswrong .Olderchildrenshouldbeincludedindevelopingthefamilyplan .Theyshouldalsobeencouragedtodeveloptheirownplanaboutthingsimportanttothem .Youngerchildrenmaynotunderstand,buttakethetimetoholdthemandtellthemhowmuchyoulovethemandthatyouwillalwaysdoyourbesttocareforandprotectthem .Singingandplayinggamestheyrecognizecanhelpcalmthem .

• Give them information they need.Whenachildaskshowbadtheexpecteddisastercanbe,suchasanearthquake,youcancompareittootherstheymayhaveexperienced .Iftheyseedevastationontelevisionexplaintothemwhatyouwilldoifitisthatbad .Havethemtalkaboutwhattheythinktheycoulddohelpprotectthemselvesandtheirbelongings .Talkabouttheplanandwhereyouwillbe .Practicetheplantomakeeveryonefeelmorecomfortable .Havepracticedrillsfor“Duck,Cover,Hold”andfireevacuation .

• Keep routines and regular schedule.Routinesreinforcetochildrenthatthingswillbestayingthesameforawhile .Theyarecomfortedbydoingwhattheyareusedtodoing .Thishelpsthemunderstandthat“lifegoeson .”Explainwhyandhowtheroutineischanging .

• Children with chronic medical conditions suchasasthma,allergies,orimplanteddevicesshouldhaveamedicalalerttag .Thisisespeciallyimportantiftheyhaveaneedthatmaynotbeobvious,suchasdiabetes .Teachyourchildtoanswerquestionsabouttheirconditionandtreatmentassoonastheyareoldenough .Thiswillhelpensurethatotherscancarefortheminyourabsence .Also,keepahealthhistoryinformationformonyourchildandmakecopiestokeepwithyou .

• Children with cognitive limitations mayrespondtotraumaticeventsbasedmoreontheirobservationsofadultandpeeremotionsratherthantheverbalexplanationsthattheymayreceive .Discussionswiththemneedtobespecific,concreteandbasic;itmaybenecessarytousepicturesinexplainingeventsandimages .Thesechildrenwillneedconcreteinformationtohelpthemunderstandthatimagesofsufferinganddestructionareinthepast,andthattheyarenotgoingtohurtthem .


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• Children with visual, hearing or physical limitations willunderstandattheirlevelofdevelopment,whatishappeningandmaybecomefrightenedbythelimitationstheirdisabilityposesonthem .Theyneedtoknowthattheyaregoingtobesafeandthattheycanfindasafeplaceinanemergency .Whenexplainingplansthatmaytakethemintounfamiliarterritory,provideverysimpleandexplicitexplanations .

Childrenwithvisualimpairmentswillneedtohavetheareacarefullydescribedtothem,whilechildrenchallengedbyphysicalorhearingimpairmentsmayneedvisualaidsastowhattheyhavetodoandwheretheyhavetogo .

• Forhearingimpairedchildrenwithcommunicationneeds,itisimportanttohaveasignerorinterpreternearthem .Theyneedtoknowthatsomeonewillbethereforthem .Fororalcommunicators,distancemaybeanissueastheymayexperiencedifficultywithlipreading .Darknesssuchasblackoutsordisasterdrillsinareaswithpoorlighting,presentsproblemsforchildrenwithcommunicationneeds .Yourchildshouldalwayscarrytheirownpersonalkitincludingflashlight,pencilandpaper .Makesureyourchildknowswheretheyarekept .

• Make sure children know what to do if you are not around.Ifyourchildisoldenoughtotalk,theyshouldbetaughtyourname .Olderchildrenshouldbetaughttheiraddress,phonenumber,andyourcellphonenumber .Makesureyourchildrenhavesomeidentificationonthemeveniftheyarewithyou;suchasthosesoldforshoelacesoraninformationcardintheirpocketonhowtogetaholdofyoushouldyoubeseparated .Ensurecaregiverswhomaybeinchargeofchildrenwithspecialhealthcareneedsknowtheemergencyplanintheeventyouareunabletoreturnhome .

• Teach your children to recognize and accept help from emergency officials.Makesureyourchildrencanrecognizeemergencyofficials,suchaspolice,RedCross,firemen,andothers .Helpthemunderstandthatiftheyarealonetheycangotothesepeopleforhelp .ItisimportantthattheylearntoNOTbeafraidandhidefromemergencyofficials .Thiscanmakelocatingthemiftheyareseparatedfromyoumoredifficult .Childrenwithspecialhealthcareneedsshouldcarryapersonalemergencykitwhichincludesaflashlightandawhistle .


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4

Disasterpreparednessforfamiliesofchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds:Resourcesforfamilies

Section 4: Resources for families

Resources on the webhttp://www.alaska211.org2-1-1isaneasy-to-remembertelephonenumberthatconnectscallersatnocosttoinformationaboutcriticalhealthandhumanservicesavailableincommunitiesaroundAlaska .

http://www.ak-prepared.com/ThissitemanagestheStateofAlaska’sroleindisasterpreparednessandresponse .Alsoprovidesemergencypreparednessinformationtoresidents,includingdailysituationreportsandadvisories,disasterpreparationchecklists,mitigationinformation,andlinkstoinformationaboutpandemicillnessesandotheremergencies .

http://www.fema.gov/TheFederalEmergencyManagementAgencywebsitehasinformationincurrentandpastdisasters,applyingforassistance,maps,andlibrariesofinformationandresourcesfordisasterplanning,response,andrecovery .Theyalsohaveaspecialwebsite(http://www .fema .gov/kids/)justforkids .

http:/www.ready.gov/america TheHomelandSecurityofficehostsawebsitetoassistAmericansinpreparingforandrespondingtodisastersofallkinds .Thesitehaskits,tools,forms,andresourcesavailablefordownloading .

http://www.alaska.redcross.orgTheRedCrosswebsiteishometoabroadbaseofinformationrelatingtoplanningandresponsetodisasters .Thesitehasresourcesaswellasspecificinformationforcommunitiesafteradisasterstrikes .

http://www.aap.org/AnofficialwebsiteoftheAmericanAcademyofPediatrics—anorganizationof60,000pediatricianscommittedtotheattainmentofoptimalphysical,mental,andsocialhealthandwell-beingforallinfants,children,adolescents,andyoungadults .

http://www.cshcn.orgTheCenterofChildrenwithSpecialNeeds’missionistoimproveandpromotethehealthandwellbeingofchildrenwithspecialhealthcareneedsandtheirfamilies .Theyfocusonprovidinginformationtofamiliesandhealthcareprofessionals .

http://www.nasponline.orgTheNationalAssociationofSchoolPsychologistsisthepremiersourceofknowledge,professionaldevelopment,andresources,empoweringschoolpsychologiststoensurethatallchildrenandyouthattainoptimallearningandmentalhealth .

http://ready.alaska.gov AlaskaHomelandSecurity&EmergencyManagement(DHS&EM)

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/nfip/nfip.htm DepartmentofCommerce,CommunityandEconomicDevelopment(DCCED),StateofAlaskaFloodplainManagement

http://www.flood.alaska.gov FloodinformationforAlaskans

http://www.floods.org/AssociationofStateFloodplainManagers

http://aprfc.arh.noaa.govAlaska-PacificRiverForecastCenter(APRFC)

http://ambcs.orgNaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS),AlaskaSnow,WaterandClimateServices

http://www.arh.noaa.gov/NationalWeatherService(NWS),AlaskaRegionHeadquarters

http://akweathercams.faa.gov/ FederalAviationAdministration(FAA),AlaskanRegion’sWeatherCameras

http://fire.ak.blm.gov/U .S .DepartmentoftheInterior—BureauofLandManagement(BLM),AlaskaFireService

http://www.aidea.org/aea/index.html AlaskaEnergyAuthority(AEA)

http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/dca/commdb/CF_COMDB.htmDepartmentofCommerce,CommunityandEconomicDevelopment(DCCED),CommunityProfiles

http://www.dps.state.ak.us/fire/TEB/ruralfireprotection .aspxAlaskaDepartmentofPublicSafety,RuralFireTrainingOffice

http://www.state.ak.us/dec/ DepartmentofEnvironmentalConservation(DEC)

http://pafc.arh.noaa.gov/ice.php NationalWeatherService,ForecastOfficeAlaskaIceDesk

http://www.sba.gov/localresources/disasteroffices/focwest/index .htmlSmallBusinessAdministration

http://www.alaska211.org

http://www.ak-prepared.com/

http://www.fema.gov/

http://www.fema.gov/kids/

http://www.fema.gov/kids/

Http://www.aap.org/

http://www.cshcn.org

http://www.nasponline.org

13

State of Alaska resources

Alaska Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

StateEmergencyCoordinationCenter(SECC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-428-7100or1-800-478-2337

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

DisasterResponseEmergencyCoordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-376-1850/1865or1-800-478-9300AnchorageOffice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-269-3063FairbanksOffice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-451-2121JuneauOffice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-465-5340

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-5511AnchorPoint . . . . . . . . . . . . .235-8239Aniak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .675-4398Bethel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .543-2294Cantwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 768-2202ColdBay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532-2440Coldfoot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 678-5211CooperLanding . . . . . . . . . . 595-1233Cordova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424-3184CrownPoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . .288-3346DeltaJunction . . . . . . . . . . . 895-4800Dillingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 842-5641DutchHarbor . . . . . . . . . . . . 581-1432Emmonak . . . . . . . . . 1-866-949-1303Fairbanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451-5100Galena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 656-1233Girdwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .783-0972Glennallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822-3263Haines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 766-2552Healy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .683-2232Hoonah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .945-3620Iliamna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571-1871Juneau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465-4000

Ketchikan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225-5118KingSalmon . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-3307Klawock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 755-2918Kodiak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 486-4121Kotzebue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442-3222Mat-SuWest . . . . . . . . . . . . .373-8300McGrath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524-3052Nenana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 832-5554Ninilchik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .567-3660Nome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443-2835Northway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 778-2245Palmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 745-2131Petersburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 772-3983Sitka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 747-3254Soldotna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-4453St .Marys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438-2019Talkeetna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .733-2256Tok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 883-5111Unalakleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 624-3073Valdez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .835-4307Wrangell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 874-3215Yakutat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .784-3206

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

Hotline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-478-1818or907-561-1818

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development

FloodplainInsuranceandManagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-269-4583/67AlaskaEnergyAuthority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-771-3025


14

Federal resources

American Red Cross

Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-646-5400/5407/5409Tollfree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-451-8267

Army Corps of Engineers

Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-753-2513

National Weather Service

Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-266-5105Fairbanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-458-3708Juneau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 907-790-6824


15

Contact information for vital documents

Driver’slicense—Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles: ___________________________________________907-465-4361or907-269-5551

GovernmentissuedID—Contact the local issuing authority: ________________________________________

Insurancepolicies—Your insurance agent:_____________________________________________________

Militarydischargepapers— 1-800-827-1000orTDD/TTY1-800-829-4833Department of Veterans Affairs: _________________________________________

202-955-0430(24hours)Passports—Passport Services (State Department): ________________________________________________

Birth,deathandmarriagecertificates—Bureau of Records in the issuing state: ____________________________

1-800-772-1213orTDD/TTY1-800-325-0778SocialSecurity,MedicaidorMedicarecards—Local Social Security office:_______________________________

CreditCard:Contact issuing companies as soon as possible

MasterCard—Contactissuingfinancialinstitute:__________________________________

VISA—Contactissuingfinancialinstitute:_______________________________________

1-800-528-4800 AmericanExpress: ________________________________________________________

1-800-DISCOVER(1-800-347-2683),TDD/TTY1-800-347-7449 Discover:_______________________________________________________________

Titlestodeeds—Local record department: _____________________________________________________

Stocksandbonds—Issuing company or your broker: ______________________________________________

Wills—Your attorney:____________________________________________________________________

Incometaxrecord—The IRS center (1-800-829-1040), or your accountant: _______________________________

1-800-375-5283Citizenshippapers—Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services: __________________________________

Mortgagepapers—Your lending institution: ____________________________________________________


16 Disasterpreparednessforfamiliesofchildrenandyouthwithspecialhealthcareneeds:Resourcesforfamilies



Appendix A: Family Emergency Plan

Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.

http://www .aap .org/

Appendix B: Emergency Information Cards

Give to each family member of your family to make sure they know who to call and where to meet in case in an emergency.

http://www .ready .gov/

Appendix C: American Academy of Pediatrics Emergency Information form for Children with Special Needs

WorkwithyourHealthcareProvidertocompletetheform .Makesuretokeepacopyforyourself .

http://www .ready .gov/

Family Emergency Plan

http://www .ready .gov/ 17

Appendix A: Disaster preparedness for families of children and youth with special health care needs

Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster.

Neighborhood Meeting Place: Phone:

Out-of-Neighborhood Meeting Place: Phone:

Out-of-Town Meeting Place: Phone:

Fill out the following information for each family member and keep it up to date.

Name: Social Security Number:Date of Birth: Important Medical Information:






Write down where your family spends the most time: work, school and other places you frequent. Schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings should all have site-specic emergency plans that you and your family need to know about.

Work Location One School Location OneAddress: Address:Phone: Phone:Evacuation Location: Evacuation Location:

Work Location TwoAddress:Phone:Evacuation Location:

Work Location ThreeAddress:Phone:Evacuation Location:

Other place you frequentAddress:Phone:Evacuation Location:

School Location TwoAddress:Phone:Evacuation Location:

School Location ThreeAddress:Phone:Evacuation Location:

Other place you frequentAddress:Phone:Evacuation Location:

Name Telephone Number Policy Number

Dial 911 for Emergencies

Family Emergency Plan

http://www .ready .gov/18

Appendix B: Disaster preparedness for families of children and youth with special health care needs

Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Fill out these cards and give one to each member of your family to make sure they know who to call and where to meet in case of an emergency.

<FOLDHERE >

<FOLDHERE >

Family Emergency PlanEMERGENCY CONTACT NAME:TELEPHONE:

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT NAME:TELEPHONE:

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING PLACE:TELEPHONE:

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES

:

TION: ANT PHONE NUMBERS & INFORMA T ADDITIONAL IMPOR


















TION ANT PHONE NUMBERS & INFORMA T ADDITIONAL IMPOR

http://www .aap .org/ 19

Appendix C: Disaster preparedness for families of children and youth with special health care needs

Emergency Information Form for Children With Special Needs

Name: Birth date: Nickname:

Home Address: Home/Work Phone:

Parent/Guardian: Emergency Contact Names & Relationship:

Signature/Consent*:

Primary Language: Phone Number(s):

Physicians:

Primary care physician: Emergency Phone:

Fax:

Current Specialty physician: Emergency Phone:Specialty:

Fax:

Current Specialty physician: Emergency Phone:Specialty:

Fax:

Anticipated Primary ED: Pharmacy:

Anticipated Tertiary Care Center:

Diagnoses/Past Procedures/Physical Exam:

1 .

2.

3.

4.

Synopsis:

Baseline physical findings:

Baseline vital signs:

Baseline neurological status:

Date form Revised Initialscompleted Revised InitialsBy Whom

Last name:

*Consent for release of this form to health care providers

Management Data:

Allergies: Medications/Foods to be avoided and why:

1.

2.

3.

Procedures to be avoided and why:

1.

2.

3.

Common Presenting Problems/Findings With Specific Suggested Managements

Problem Suggested Diagnostic Studies Treatment Considerations

Immunizations

Dates

DPT

OPV

MMR

HIB

Dates

Hep B

Varicella

TB status

Other

Antibiotic prophylaxis: Indication: Medication and dose:

Diagnoses/Past Procedures/Physical Exam continued:

Medications:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Significant baseline ancillary findings (lab, x-ray, ECG):

Prostheses/Appliances/Advanced Technology Devices:

Comments on child, family, or other specific medical issues:

Physician/Provider Signature: Print Name:

Last name:

© American College of Emergency Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics. Permission to reprint granted with acknowledgement.

http://www .aap .org/20

Appendix C: Disaster preparedness for families of children and youth with special health care needs

FundingforthispublicationwasprovidedbytheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC) .ItwasproducedbytheAlaskaDepartmentofHealthandSocial

Servicesandprintedatacostof$ .70percopyinAnchorage,Alaska .ThiscostblockisrequiredbyAS44 .99 .210 .

Thisdocumentisavailableonline:http://www .hss .state .ak .us/dph/wcfh/pdf/Prepared4HealthCare .pdf

Formoreinformationaboutthisdocumentortorequestcopies,contact907-269-3400 .

August,2011