A Guide to Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities

5 Steps to Prepare for an Emergency for a Person with Disabilities

Image: Group of people. Text: A GUIDE TO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Share with your friends and family to help keep them safe.Image: House with back-up power. Text: PLAN AHEAD Find backup power options. In case of a power outage, consider if a backup power source, such as an electric generator or uninterruptible power supply, is right for you. If you are unable to access backup power, identify a backup location where you can go if the power is out.Image: Graphic of medical ID bracelet and graphic of personal network. Text: Wear medical bracelets or alert tags with important information for emergency responders and healthcare providers. Build a network of people who / 2 + can support you in an emergency. Inform your support network of your medical or accessibility needs and medications, instructions for medical devices and the location of your emergency kit.Images: Graphic of contact book, ambulance, medicine jar, and medical files. Text: Create physical copies of important information including: The contact information of your support network. A list of the nearest hospitals and transportation options. Instructions for your medical devices and medications. Health records and insurance/medicare cards. Note: You should also store a copy of important medical information on secure cloud platforms and thumb drives.Text: BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT TO FIT YOUR NEEDS For a checklist of items to keep in a basic emergency kit, take this easy Emergency Kit Quiz!Graphic of plastic bag and stethoscope. Text: Store physical copies of your important medical and support information in a watertight container. Talk to your doctor about receiving an emergency supply of prescription medicines and store extra nonprescription medicines as needed.Images: Graphic of medicine jar, battery, and pet collar. Text: Have chemical ice packs and a cooler ready to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated. Pack an extra batterv for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated assistive devices. If you have a service or support animal, don't forget to include pet food, extra water. a collar with ID and medical records.Image: Graphic of computer. Text: STAY ALERT Sign up for the Medical Baseline Program if you or someone in your family has special energy needs M due to a qualifying medical condition to receive extra advance notification of a power outage. Qualifying customers are also eligible for a lower rate on their monthly energy bill.Graphic of phone. Text: Call 211 for help finding local health and social services. 211 is free and confidential-and offers 24/7 disaster support across 58 counties in California.Text: TO LEARN MORE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES, VISIT READY.GOV/DISABILITY