Special Needs Information
For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, sensory or cognitive disabilities, emergencies such as fires, floods and acts of terrorism present a real challenge. The same challenge also applies to the elderly and other special needs populations. Communities should be mindful that certain individuals may have different needs in preparing for and responding to disaster. A significant portion of the population will either be unwilling or unable to respond for various reasons. People with disabilities may need more time than others to make necessary preparations in an emergency. Also the needs of older people often mimic those of persons with disabilities.
People who are audiably impaired may not receive early disaster warnings and emergency instructions because disaster warnings are often given by audible means such as sirens and radio announcements. Mentally disabled persons may be unable to understand the emergency and could become disoriented or confused about the proper way to react. People with epilepsy, Parkinsons disease and other conditions often have very individualized medication regime's that cannot be interrupted without serious consequences. Some may be unable to communicate this information in an emergency. Some people who are blind or visually-impaired, especially older people, may be extremely reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation comes from a stranger.
Create a Personal Support Network
A personal support network can help you prepare for a disaster. Members of your network can be roommates, relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. They should be people you trust and who can check to see if you need assistance. They should know your capabilities and needs, and be able to provide help within minutes. They can do this by helping you identify and get the resources you need to cope effectively. Network members can also assist you after a disaster happens. Organize a network that includes your home, school, workplace, volunteer site, and any other places where you spend alot of time. Do not depend on only one person. Include a minimum of three people in your network for each location where you regularly spend a lot of time since people work different schedules and are not always available.
Planning for Disaster
Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during, and after a disaster. To complete a personal assessment, make a list of your personal needs and your resources for meeting them in a disaster environment. Learn about devices and other technology available to assist you in receiving emergency instructions and warnings. Prepare clear, specific and concise instructions for others who may be providing assistance who are not familiar with your needs.
If Disaster Strikes
If you are instructed to take shelter immediately, do so at once
If you are instructed to evacuate
Should you need to leave, your first option and plan should always be to family or friends first; they can accommodate you, your pets, and help you be most comfortable in a stressful situation. Emergency public shelters will be available, and can provide a safe place to stay and meals while you are there. However, they do not provide personal health care. If you require the care of a personal attendant and choose to go to a shelter, bring the attendant with you. Confirm upon arrival at an emergency shelter that it can meet your special care needs. Inform members of your support network of your location and status.
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.
| Disability/Special Need | Additional Steps |
| Visually Impaired | May be extremely reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation comes from a stranger. A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster. |
| Hearing Impaired | May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings. |
| Mobility Impaired | May need special assistance to get to a shelter. |
| Non-English Speaking persons | May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed. |
| People without vehicles | May need to make arrangements for transportation. |
| People with special dietary needs | Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply. |
| People with medical conditions | Should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment. |
| Mentally Disabled persons | May need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter. |
| People with dementia | Should be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program |
Download FEMA 476 - Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs for more information
Pacific Disability & Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC)
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Provides training, information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and accessible information technology (IT) to individuals and entities in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and the Pacific Basin (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau). Toll Free Technical Assistance Hotline |
Enablemart Assistive Technology Solutions
| Assistive technology products designed to collectively meet the needs of individuals across a wide-range of disabilities—blindness, learning difficulties, etc. as well as temporary or permanent problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Allows an individual with a disability or functional limitation to independently use his/her personal computer—even if they can’t see the monitor, type on the keyboard or move/click the mouse. |
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WebbIE is a web browser for blind and visually-impaired people, especially those using screen readers. It comes with the Accessible programs, letting you access news and audio on the Internet in a simple and accessible way, allowing you to use podcasts, listen to the radio and read RSS and news with your screen reader or other access solution. Together they provide a way to access websites and other great things online - and they are all free! Learn more about WebbIE.
Assisting People With Disabilities In A Disaster
People with disabilities who are self-sufficient under normal circumstances may have to rely on the help of others in a disaster. Be ready to offer assistance if disaster strikes: If a disaster warning is issued, check with neighbors or coworkers who are disabled. Offer assistance whenever possible.
Prepare an emergency plan
Work with neighbors who are disabled to prepare an emergency response plan. Identify how you will contact each other and what action will be taken.
Evacuation
Be able to assist if an evacuation order is issued. Provide physical assistance in leaving the home/office and transferring to a vehicle. Provide transportation to a shelter. This may require a specialized vehicle designed to carry a wheelchair or other mobility equipment.
Self-Help Networks
Discuss with relatives, friends or co-workers who has a disability what assistance they may need. Urge them to keep a disaster supplies kit and suggest that you keep an extra copy of the list of special items such as medicines or special equipment that has been prepared. Talk with about how to inform them of an oncoming disaster and see about getting a set of house keys so you can provide assistance without delay.
