natural self-reliance

    The onset of a disaster for most of us is an extremely confusing chain of events, resulting in the situation slowly becoming less stressful. It's a different story for the millions of people dealing with a disability, it could be just the beginning of a much larger struggle. People with a hearing loss will have a hard time communicating, people with loss of sight can become easily confused in an evacuation event. Service dogs can become disoriented and confused. People with disabilities

Accept assistance when it is offered if
you need it.  

become accustomed to ramps, handrails, handicapped restrooms and similar aides for mobility. When rapid movement and quick communications are needed disabled persons are at a distinct disadvantage. Many times the needs of disabled people are not addressed in emergency response planning. Some of the critical needs during emergencies are access to transit, the ability to arrive at a safe shelter, and evacuation transportation that may or may not be available. If a disabled person is a relative, neighbor or friend they are in need of special planning and precautions during an evacuation event. (Click here for information.)
    Assistants to the disabled: Remain calm, do not get stressed and if you are don't show it, fear and panic are contagious.
    Visually disabled persons: It is reasonable to assume that during an evacuation event a visually impaired person will become confused and disoriented. If there is a service dog involved the animal will most likely be confused as well. The dog will have to be taken care of, and the disabled person will need someone to guide their way to safety.
    People with a hearing disability: Will not be able to hear warning sirens, knocks on the door, explosions or calls from emergency response teams. They will need to be physically awakened and assisted to safety, a written emergency response plan can be shown to them for a fast explanation of what is happening.
   

The service dog will need help as well.

Mobility disadvantaged people: At best have a hard time walking and the most in need of help are those who are not mobile at all. Some will need a lot of assistance, others minimal, the needs must be described in detail in the emergency preparedness plan. It will have to be decided in advance if wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other devices will be needed or will even be able to be used. Some of the decisions will be made during the crisis. If the person is completely immobile they may have to be carried, it must be written into the plan and advance planning is mandatory.
    People with intellectual disabilities: Pre-Planning and rehearsals are essential, confusion will be the order of the day, everyone will be disoriented. The intellectually challenged may be more confused, however practicing what is in the preparedness plan regularly will breed familiarity and people will act according to how they practice. Every person will have different and unique needs.
    People with dementia: Will have a need for more direction than normal, they will have to be lead to safety.
    A few other needs:
    If in an apartment building make sure the exits are clearly marked and make arraignments for help to leave the building. Make sure emergency doors and lights are in working order, if they are not talk to the apartment manager for repairs.
    Make sure to wear alert tags or bracelets that identify disabilities. Have all medications in an emergency evacuation kit. If there is a need for special facilities such as dialysis machines or refrigeration for special medications make arraignments in advance and have more than one facility available.
    Check with emergency response capabilities of the local community, register with them and become familiar with their procedures and requirements for evacuation. Some will not evacuate pets, be certain to make arraignments for them, some disabled people will not leave them behind. Pets must be in the planning checklist and arraignments for them must be made for long term care in the event the owner has to live in a special facility for a while.

Yes it is important. 

    The creation of a network of relatives, neighbors, friends and emergency response units will aid in the emergency. Be certain someone knows how to operate essential equipment. Be certain to have included in the emergency response kit all medications and medical supplies that are needed, there may be just a few minutes to get to safety.
    With planning and rehearsing your plan and emergency will be more manageable and second nature than responding "cold turkey".  (Planning templates are available here.)
    Thanks for reading, I welcome all comments I would like to hear them and suggestions. Thanks!

jimandkate  emergencykitsplus.com   Emergency Disaster Kits