Shelter-in-Place - SupervisionMany people need supervision for their daily needs. These people may have Alzheimer's disease, psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or depression, and mental disabilities. Children and the elderly may also need help. This help often comes from family members or paid caregivers. An event that requires sheltering-in-place may separate people from the care they need. Therefore, plans should outline ways to find emergency support well before an event occurs. Partner with service groups. There may be local groups for people who need caregiver supervision. Planners should connect with these groups. Planners should think about how a group's services could help the planning process. - For example: Planners may suggest to people with Alzheimer's that they register in the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program. The Safe Return program is an identification and support program. Safe Return can help a person with Alzheimer's disease if he or she wanders off and becomes lost. Registration may include contact information, important medicines, and doctor information. Planners should contact groups like Safe Return before an event. During an event, planners should also use these groups to quickly find those who need help.
Mobilize local support. Community groups may be able to help set up support networks and mobilize volunteers. In some events, emergency workers may be able to reach those with disabilities by using PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). If so, volunteers could assist people who have lost their caregivers. Determine where the needs of a community are ahead of time. Knowing what is needed where will help prioritize limited resources. Ask the community to be prepared. Being prepared is very important for events involving sheltering-in-place. Planners should ask community members to: - Build an emergency kit. See ready.gov for more information. The kit should have food, water, and medicines. It should also include supplies to seal off a house or room for sheltering-in-place.
- Set up personal support network in case the caregiver is absent in an emergency.
- Make sure that other people in a support network have medical history, medications and physician information for the person.
- Make sure that extra medications are easy to reach and contain directions for their use.
Case Study: In 1997, New York City held an urban terrorism drill called the Interagency Chemical Exercise (I.C.E.).The drill included disability issues to give first responders a realistic situation. The goal was to teach response agencies how to improve plans. The drill showed that there was no way to identify victims. If people who need supervision are not identified, it will be hard to notify next of kin or care providers. This could delay important decisions like medical care and transport.
Lesson Learned:Although this exercise did not involve a shelter-in-place emergency, it demonstrated the need for planners to develop a system to quickly identify and track victims. This type of system might also be useful in reaching those who need supervision in their place of shelter. |
Back to Top Planners need to remember that many people with supervision needs may be uncomfortable with emergencies. Changes in routine may cause stress and confusion. Planners should find ways to limit this as much as possible. Include caregivers in plans. Communications plan should include caregivers. They will be able to help respond to instructions on how to shelter in place. Have volunteers to help sheltering-in-place. Planners can consider sending out volunteers to help people with disabilities. Planners should work with community groups for this task. Back to Top
People who have sheltered-in-place with their caregivers may have an easier time with the recovery process. Planners should find ways to support those who do not have support. Planners should also plan to provide mental health support. Provide assistance with supervision needs. Planners should find ways to connect an individual with someone that can help. This is crucial for someone has lost their care support. Planners should work with care facilities, churches, charitable organizations, and other community groups for support. Plans might include sending volunteers or health professionals to residences after the event. Provide mental health support. Planners should offer access to mental health support after an event. The extra stress of an event and a change in routine may worsen a person's condition. Planners should look for ways to provide long-term crisis counseling programs. These programs will be important for people with chronic mental health needs. Back to Top Draft After Action Reports. After an event, planners may draft after action reports (AAR). The AAR may include information on what support people required and if needs were sufficiently met during the disaster. The report may also include lessons learned to revise and improve plans. If the plan did not offer adequate supervision for people, consider ways to improve the plan. The report should include feedback from caregivers and people with supervision needs. Back to Top - Basic Tips in Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and People with Disabilities, Bay Area Emergency Preparedness Coalition For Seniors and People with Disabilities
This website lists tips for before, during, and after a disaster particularly related to what supplies to have on hand and how to prepare one's house for disaster.
Access this file at http://www.preparenow.org/ba-eprep.html
- Caring for Someone with Dementia in a Disaster, FEMA
This website provides useful tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The website lists useful items to keep in an emergency kit.
Access this file at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/dementia.shtm
- Essential Plan Elements for External Disaster Plans in California Long Term Care Facilities, California Hospital Association
This document makes a number of recommendations for long term care facilities including addressing transportation, sheltering in the facility, and evacuation plans.
Access this file at http://www.calhealth.org/public/press/Article%5C107%5CEssentialElementsforExternalDisasterPlans.pdf (PDF - 27 KB)
- Guide for Including People with Disabilities in Disaster Preparedness Planning, Connecticut Developmental Disabilities Network
This guide has several questionnaires designed for people with disabilities. Completing these questionnaires will help people with disabilities prepare better for shelter-in-place emergencies. Caregivers may need to complete these questionnaires.
Access this file at http://www.ct.gov/ctcdd/lib/ctcdd/guide_final.pdf (PDF - 1,320 KB)
- Know When and How to Shelter-In-Place, California Department of Health Services
This website lists the steps to take during an emergency requiring shelter-in-place. The website also provides tips for chemical, radiological and biological emergencies as well as in the workplace.
Access this file at http://bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/EPO/BePrepared/IndividualsAndFamilies/Shelter-in-Place.htm
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