Emergency Preparedness

This conference, to be held on December 9-10, 2008 in San Diego, CA, will bring together Federal, State and local experts in emergency management to discuss the processes involved in the emergency management spectrum, and describe how special needs issues should be integrated into the four phases of emergency management. You may register online for this conference.

The Board is making its own evacuation plan for employees and visitors with disabilities publicly available, as well as summary on how it was developed, as a resource for other organizations who may implement or update their own plans.

Summarizes equal access requirements for people with disabilities as they relate to disaster care, housing and human services. This guide explains how applicable Federal laws relate to government entities and non-government, private sector and religious organizations. Read the complete guide by clicking here.

Resources for all service providers, including Just in Case: Emergency Readiness for Older Adults and Caregivers, and links to other federal departments and national relief agencies.

Whether a child has personally experienced trauma or has merely seen the event on television or heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur.

Comprehensive information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about bioterrorism agents (such as Anthrax), diseases and other threats.

The Interagency Coordinating Council on Individuals with Disabilities and Emergency Preparedness (ICC) is actively monitoring the potential arrival of several weather systems that may result in hurricanes impacting the U.S. For the most current information please visit the National Hurricane Center.

Homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profit organizations affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding can apply for disaster relief assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To apply by phone call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362)/1-800-462-7585 TTY for people who are speech- or hearing-impaired. The toll-free number is open 24 hours a day.

Tips from the American Red Cross to help individuals to be prepared for emergencies in order to reduce the fear, panic and inconvenience that surrounds a disaster. Document is in .pdf format.

U.S. Fire Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guide for facilities managers on the notification of an emergency situation and evacuation of a building involving individuals with disabilities.

Information from DisabilityPreparedness.gov on the critical roles played by individuals with and without disabilities in emergency preparedness. As more people and organizations come together to expand this work, people with disabilities, their family and friends, and the community as a whole will benefit.

Fact sheet from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding steps people with special needs can take to prepare for an emergency or natural disaster.

A guide for state, territorial, tribal and local emergency managers to use in the development of emergency operations plans (EOPs) that are inclusive of the entire population of a jurisdiction of any size. This guide specifically provides recommendations for planning for special needs populations. The entire document can be downloaded in text or .pdf formats.

General information on how to use NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) as an alerting tool for the deaf and hearing impaired.

Provides critical public safety information including weather forecasts, watches, warnings and advisories as well as links on weather safety and emergency preparedness.

Provides guidance to first responders on how best to perform a rescue using equipment and procedures for a safe evacuation of people with disabilities.

Information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on how to be prepared in case of a national emergency--including a possible terrorist attack. Includes information relevant to businesses, employees, families, individuals with disabilities and many others.

Provides information on self-help in coping after a disaster and what to do if additional help is needed.

The special-needs NOAA Weather Radio has recently been designed to adapt to the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Fact sheet examines three questions often asked by survivors: What symptoms can one experience as a result of disaster experiences? What factors increase the risk of readjustment problems? What can disaster survivors do to best recover from disaster stress?

Discusses how to speak to your children about terrorism.