Emergency Preparedness
This website is the result of Executive Order 13411, which requires the government to simplify the process of identifying and applying for disaster assistance. The site includes information about more than 40 kinds of disaster assistance. You can apply for assistance with a single, online application.
Access Board Emergency Evacuation Procedures
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.
Accommodating People With Disabilities In Disasters: A Reference Guide To Federal Law
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.
Administration on Aging (AoA) Emergency Preparedness & Response Information
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.
After a Disaster - A Guide for Parents & Teachers
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.
Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN) Project
Developing a Family Communications Plan
Disability Preparedness Center
Disaster Assistance for People Affected by Recent Flooding
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.
Disaster Preparedness Tips for Emergency Management Personnel
Information on communicating during emergencies with people with limited speech. For more resources visit the Web site of the Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers.
Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
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.
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors
Emergency Management Research & People With Disabilities: A Resource Guide
Emergency Preparation & People with Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness Conference Materials
Emergency Preparedness Initiative Guide for Emergency Managers, Planners & Responders
Emergency Preparedness for Older Americans
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities & Other Special Needs
Emergency Procedures for Employees with Disabilities in Office Occupancies
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.
Fire Safety for People with Disabilities
Getting Involved in Emergency Preparedness in Your Community
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.
Individuals with Special Needs - Preparing & Planning for Emergencies
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.
Interim Emergency Management Planning Guide for Special Needs Populations
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.
National Center on Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities
National Organization on Disability (NOD) Emergency Preparedness Information
National Weather Radio (NWR) for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
General information on how to use NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) as an alerting tool for the deaf and hearing impaired.
National Weather Service (NWS)
Provides critical public safety information including weather forecasts, watches, warnings and advisories as well as links on weather safety and emergency preparedness.
Orientation Manual for First Responders on the Evacuation of People with Disabilities
Provides guidance to first responders on how best to perform a rescue using equipment and procedures for a safe evacuation of people with disabilities.
Planning for an Emergency - Neighborhoods & Apartments
Prepare Yourself - Disaster Readiness Tips for Owners of Pets or Service Animals
Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans
Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities & Special Needs
Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities & Other Special Needs
Preparing the Workforce for Everyone: Accounting for the Needs 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 others.
Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning
Self Care & Self-Help Following Disasters
Provides information on self-help in coping after a disaster and what to do if additional help is needed.
Special Needs NOAA Weather Radio for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Individuals
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?