Preparing people with disabilities for disaster situations

Abstract

Dealing with a disaster or emergency can pose special problems for people with disabilities or impairments. Knowing what to do, and being prepared, can reduce panic and fear for individuals and communities. This effective practice is from the Franklin County Emergency Management website (Pasco, Washington).

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Issue

Disaster preparedness for people with physical disabilities, or other impairments, may require special considerations.

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Action

According to a fact sheet prepared for the Franklin County Emergency Management website, the following steps should be implemented to ensure disaster preparedness:

• Check for hazards in the home
• Be ready to evacuate
• Have disaster supplies on hand
• Maintain a list of pertinent medical information
• Create a self-help network of relatives, friends or co-workers to assist in an emergency
• Contact your local emergency information management office now
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability
• Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment

The Preparedness Fact Sheet contains more in-depth information for people with specific disabilities as well as greater details pertaining to the bulleted list above.

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Context

Franklin County Emergency Management (FCEM) is responsible for coordinating and establishing emergency response plans to prepare Franklin County, Washington for emergencies involving Energy Northwest, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, all natural and manmade disasters, and the Pasco Airport.

Even though FCEM is not an emergency response agency, they work with a number of first responders such as the Pasco Police and Fire Departments, Franklin County Sheriff's Office and Dispatch Center, the Washington State Patrol, Franklin County Fire Protection Districts, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, American Red Cross, and a number of other federal, state, and local agencies.

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Outcome

Disaster preparedness is essential for all. Being prepared for emergencies can reduce the fear, panic, and inconvenience that surrounds a disaster.

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For More Information

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Preparing for a national security emergency
• Preparing seniors with disaster mitigation

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