For those Special Needs families being effected by the Black Forest fire this is from the Colorado Springs Emergency Preparedness and Saftey Guide- Planning for People with Disabilities and Special Needs Millions of Americans have physical, medical, sensory or cognitive disabilities that cause emergencies to present a great challenge. Similar challenges may also apply to infants, elderly persons or other individuals such as being a single working parent, speaking with limited English proficiency or having limited access to a private automobile. This section of the guide provides additional information to consider as you build your emergency supply kits and develop your plans. By evaluating your own personal needs and making plans, you can be better prepared for any situation. If you or someone close to you has a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. Create a support network One of the most important actions you can take to prepare for emergencies and disasters is to build a personal support network. Your network might include family, friends, co-workers or caregivers. Develop a written emergency plan and share it with everyone in your network. If you need assistance creating the plan, ask someone to help or see the following list of resources for additional information. Planning considerations: • Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs. • Check for hazards in your home. Items that can move, fall, break or cause fire are hazards. Look at your surroundings for anything that could block your escape path during a disaster. • Plan to be self-sufficient for at least three days. • Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available, such as medical supplies, pharmaceuticals and other specific items you will need. • Make sure everyone in your support network knows how you plan to evacuate your home or workplace and where you will go in case of a disaster. • Make sure that someone in your local network has an extra key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies. 9 • Teach the individuals who will help you how to use any lifesaving equipment and how to administer medicine in case of an emergency. • Practice your plan with the people in your network. • Ensure pets are included in your evacuation plan. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. • Consider sheltering alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. • 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. • Make arrangements to prepare for scheduled or unpredictable power outages if you are on electricpowered life support systems by calling Colorado Springs Utilities at (719) 448-4800 and asking about the Life Support Notification Program. Medications and medical supplies: • If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for one to two weeks. • Make a list of prescription medicines including dosage, treatment and allergy information. • Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you need to prepare. • Talk to your service provider about their emergency plans if you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, Work with the providers to identify back-up services and incorporate them into your personal support network. • Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen. Additional emergency documents: • Have copies of your medical insurance and Medicare cards readily available. • Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices or other life-sustaining devices and include copies of the owner’s manual. • Include the names and contact information of your support network, as well as your medical providers. • Be sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you if you have a communication disability. • Make sure that a friend or family member has copies of the documents. • Keep the documents in a waterproof container for quick and easy access. Plan to evacuate: • Have a plan for getting out of your home, worksite or building. ▪▪ Have an escape chair and ensure multiple family members, neighbors and coworkers are trained on its use and are able to assist you. ▪▪ Ask property management to mark accessible exits clearly and to arrange to help you leave the building. • Plan two evacuation routes because roads may be closed or otherwise impassible during an emergency event. • Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions, food for service animals and any other items you might need. • Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration. • Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require. • Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability. Additional resources for people with disabilities and special needs: • Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs (FEMA 476). Provides disaster preparedness information specific to people with disabilities and other special needs, including the elderly. • DisabilityInfo.gov. Find links to additional preparedness information, grants, assistance, government policies, initiatives and much more. • Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities. Available from the American Red Cross or FEMA. For the full guide visit: springsgov/units/fire/oem/Colorado%20Springs%20Emergency%20Preparedness%20and%20Safety%20Guide.pdf
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:20:49 +0000
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