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Easy Disaster Preparedness Steps
for Everyone
Tricia Fleming
Communications and Public Relations Manager
United Cerebral Palsy of New York City
The events of September 11th have caused many
of us to think about our preparedness should another
disaster strike. Having a disaster plan in place
and being prepared can reduce fear and panic.
This is especially true for individuals with disabilities.
For maximum preparedness, some basic rules apply
for everyone. First, know the types of disasters
that can occur in your area. Check with local
authorities to determine the likelihood of certain
natural disasters (hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes,
etc.) and know whom to contact for assistance
and information.
Have a plan in place.
Everyone needs to have a plan in place in the
event that a disaster occurs. This includes evacuation
procedures, possible meeting places and contact
information. Establish a network of support that
includes family, friends and other resources that
are local, as well as a contact out of the immediate
area. Often local telephone service is disrupted
but long distance lines are still active. Any
disaster plan should have specific components
for each type of disaster. It is also important
to make alternative plans in the event that a
major form of transportation is unavailable or
services are not restored within 72 hours.
The key to disaster preparedness is familiarity
with the plan.
Routinely discuss the plan with family members
and friends. Evacuation plans should be thoroughly
designed with alternatives and practiced frequently.
It may be necessary to turn off utilities such
as gas, water and electricity before leaving your
home, if time permits. Become familiar with long-term
needs in the event that a disaster causes you
to be evacuated from home for an extended period
of time. An additional, and important, component
of preparedness is being familiar with the evacuation
plan for the building where you work and any other
site where you spend a significant amount of time.
Communication is paramount in any plan.
Any changes to the plan should be immediately
communicated to everyone involved. Be sure to
designate how and when family and friends will
be notified of your whereabouts in the event of
an evacuation. It is important to carry an emergency
health card in your wallet at all times because
you may be away from your home or work place when
a disaster strikes.
People with disabilities and mobility concerns
also need to be prepared.
Here are a few steps you can take to become more
prepared in the event of a disaster:
- Work with family and friends to develop an
evacuation plan from your home. Also, learn
about specific arrangements to evacuate a person
with a disability from the workplace.
- Contact your local police and fire departments,
as well as additional emergency management offices
to be added to a register. In the event of a
disaster, local authorities will have a listing
of where additional assistance may be needed.
- For those with a severe speech, language or
hearing disability, store a pencil and paper
to communicate with others, keep a flashlight
nearby to signal your location to others, remind
family and friends that you cannot hear warnings
or emergency instructions, and remember that
when you dial 9-1-1, you can tap the space bar
to indicate a TDD call.
Remember, practice your evacuation plans, update
contact names and phone numbers periodically,
and replace your preparedness kit as needed. For
more information, guides, evacuation plans and
checklists, visit the Federal Emergency Management
Agency's Web site at FEMA
or call (800) 480-2520.
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