Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities

June 2008

If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

If you have special needs, find out about special assistance that may be available in your community and register with 2-1-1 so needed help can be provided in the event of a disaster.

CHECK FOR HAZARDS IN YOUR HOME

During and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire is a home hazard. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or overhead lights that could fall in an earthquake or a flood and block an escape path.

BE READY TO EVACUATE

Have a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or friends for assistance, if necessary). Also, plan two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.

• • Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
• • Discuss your needs with your employer.
• • 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 and to make arrangements to help you leave the building.
• • Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
• • Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
• • Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
• • Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
• • Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.

Visit the following websites for more information about disaster preparedness for persons with disabilities or special needs.

Disability911.org
Ready.gov

Harris County
Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management
6922 Old Katy Road
Houston, TX 77024

Main Phone Number: (713) 881-3100
FAX: (713) 881-3077
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD): (713) 881-3099