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People with disabilities and special needs often need additional time and assistance to prepare for a disaster.
This page provides some practical advice. More in-depth information and guidance can be accessed via the links at the bottom of this page.
If you have further questions or concerns you may also contact the New
Jersey Special Needs Advisory Panel (NJSNAP) at (609) 584-5000, ext. 5117, NJSNAP or lppgoepm@gw.njsp.org, or visit NJOEM's
NJSNAP Web page.
To create an Emergency Plan that works for you, start with the
NJOEM Basic Preparedness
page and then follow the instructions below:
- Create a Personal Support Network of friends, family and neighbors who can assist in disaster preparation and getting you to a safe place.
- Conduct an Assessment of Your Personal Needs and resources, and of the types of help you will need in case of a power outage, evacuation orother emergency.
- Register with local Office of Emergency Management and your local Police Department. Make sure they
keep a record of the special assistance you may need
during an evacuation, power outage or other emergency.
- If you are electric-dependent, register with your Utility Company. Make sure they, along with your Office of Emergency Management and Police, keep a record of the special assistance you will need during a power outage.
- Don't forget to create your Emergency Kit -pdf with the items that will keep you self-sufficient for three days. Be sure to keep a stock of any medicines you need.
- Create a list of your Emergency Health Information including medication doses, necessary equipment and emergency contacts. Post a copy on your refrigerator, and keep a copy with you at all times, especially during an evacuation.
- Tip: A medical alert tag or bracelet to identify your disability may be useful.
- Have an alternate means of communication, like a dry erase board or writing tablet and markers.
- Keep a flashlight, whistle or bell handy to signal your whereabouts to others.
- Don't forget to create your Personal Action Plan.-pdf
- Don’t forget to Registerwith your County OEM
and local Police Department. Remind them to keep a record
of the help you may need during an evacuation, power outage
or other emergency.
- If you have a Personal Care Attendant, work with that person to decide how you will communicate with each other, such as by cell phone, if you are separated during an emergency.
- Identify multiple escape routes from home and work. Ask your employer to include and test these plans.
- Consider getting a medical alert system that will allow you to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency. Most alert systems require a working phone line, so have a back up such as a cell phone or pager if the landlines are disrupted.
- Learn about devices such as PDAs, text radio, pagers, etc. that can help you receive emergency instructions and warnings from local officials.
- When calling 911, tap the space bar to engage the TTD system.
- Remember: CERT training is available to everyone, no matter their age or level of physical ability.
Every Special Needs Facility in New Jersey should have an All-Hazards
Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Special Needs Facility
directors may use the following templates, produced by Ed
Peloquin, Domestic Preparedness Coordinator of the New Jersey Association
of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging,
to develop or enhance their plans.
- "Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities,"
a 46-page booklet for anyone who has a disability or who
works with, lives with or assists a person with a disability.
Available on the NJOEM Web site or the Red Cross Web site
- "Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities"
is also available on Audio Casette. Local Red Cross
chapters can order as stock number A5091C for a nominal
fee. Click here for a directory of Red Cross chapters.
- "Checklist for People with Mobility Problems,"
a 4-page brochure. Local Red Cross chapters can order in
packages of 25 as stock number A4497 for a nominal fee.
Click here for a directory of Red Cross chapters.
- The Red Cross provides a wealth of further information
and tip sheets via the Prepare.org page for people with
disabilities. Also available in
Spanish.
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