Matrix Suggests Steps For People With Special Needs
Part of a series on Hurricane Preparedness in Texas
Release Date: May 3, 2006
Release Number: 1606-207
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Rita
AUSTIN, Texas -- If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests considering the possibilities in the chart below:
| 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. |
| Single working parent | May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies. |
| 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. |
| People with mental retardation | 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 |
If you have special needs, find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. You may want to contact your local emergency manager coordinator or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.
Additional Resources
Visit the Web site www.disabilityinfo.gov to find links to additional preparedness information, grants, assistance, government policies, initiatives and much more.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-May-2006 10:24:04