Escambia County-Being Prepared for Emergencies

Preparedness For individuals and caregivers.

The best time to prepare for an emergency, is now! An emergency or disaster may present unique challenges for people with disabilities and/or special needs. If you, or someone you care about, has a disability or special need, you may need to take additional steps to prepare for the unexpected.

What you need to get ready for an emergency or disaster.

1. Form a Personal Support Network: These are people who should be involved in your emergency planning as they can help you during an event. Your network should include friends, neighbors, family, caregivers and co-workers. You may consider giving three, or more, of your trusted network members a key to your home. They should know where you store your emergency kit, and important papers. This is to ensure you have more than one person to call in the event of an emergency.

2. Complete a Personal Assessment. Make a list of your personal needs, and how to meet those needs, during a disaster. Think of what you are physically able to do for yourself, and what assistance you may need during and after the event.

*Things to consider: daily driving needs, personal care/personal care devices and electricity dependent equipment, debris clean up, transportation, possible blocked roads, and evacuation if necessary.

3. Get Informed. Know about hazards that may threaten your community (tornados, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, etc.). Be informed of your community disaster plans and warning systems. Florida citizens with disabilities and special needs should be registered with the county Emergency Management office.

4. Make a plan. Creating a plan for you and your family should only take about 30 minutes, and someone from the Lean on Me Project is here to help.

5. Create an Emergency Supply Kit. When a disaster strikes, you will not have time to shop for essential items. If you are evacuating or sheltering in place, there are basic items you need. Remember to review the contents of your kit at least once a year to replace any expired items.

6. Caregivers can help you prepare. Caregivers should consider the following when helping persons with disabilities or special needs prepare for a disaster situation:

• Equipment needed to support breathing (oxygen, CPAP)

• Equipment needed for feeding or eating (tubefeeding equipment, blender, special utensils)

• Special food for dietary needs

• Mobility aids (walker, wheelchair, cane)

• Regular medical treatments/ regimens (wound care, nebulizer)

• Personal monitoring equipment (glucose meter, pulse/oxygen meter, blood pressure meter)

• Personal care equipment (toilet booster, shower chair)

• Back-up energy sources for electricity-dependent equipment

• Step-by-step instructions and schedules for others who may have to step-in as caregiver