Earthquakes: People With Disabilities - Disaster Safety

If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself in an emergency. If you have family, friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. People with disabilities often require assistance and additional lead time in order to prepare for a disaster.

The following list, while not exhaustive, provides some practical tips for those with special needs. 

• Establish a personal support network. This network of friends, family and neighbors can assist in disaster preparations and getting you to a safe place.

• Post emergency instructions on the refrigerator to include medication dosages, necessary equipment and emergency contacts. 

• Register with local emergency management and fire departments or volunteer centers.

• Identify multiple evacuation routes at home and at work. Ask your employer to include and test these plans. 

• Carry emergency health information and emergency contacts with you at all times. A medical alert tag or bracelet to identify your disability can prove helpful. 

• Have an alternate means of communication, like a dry erase board or writing tablet and markers. 

• When calling 911, tap the space bar to engage the TDD system. 

• If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair. 

• If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly. 

• Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need. 

• Stock additional emergency supplies, such as batteries, blankets, cash, medications, non-perishable foods, water and a weather radio. Install fire safety devices in the home such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light.

• Consider also installing an alarm with strobe light outside the home to alert neighbors.

• Test alarms and extinguishers regularly and replace smoke alarm batteries every six months. 

• Keep a flashlight, whistle or bell handy to signal your whereabouts to others. For more information on how to prepare children with special health care needs, visit www.aap.org