SRPMIC Special Needs Resources Program
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness for Seniors and Special Needs Population
Although everyone needs to prepare for emergencies, those individuals that may have some special needs during a disaster because of a medical condition, disability, or just strictly because of their physical limitations because of age, need to take some extra steps to prepare.
People with special needs should take the basic steps that we encourage everyone to do before the disaster strikes (prepare an emergency Kit, have a family plan) but in addition, the following are some additional steps that they should consider.
- Create a support network to help you plan for an emergency. Consider family, neighbors, friends, people who provide services to you, faith-based and community groups. Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies. Give at least one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.
- If you receive dialysis or other life sustaining medical treatment, identify the location and availability of more than one facility and work with your provider to develop your personal emergency plan.
- Show others how to operate your wheelchair or other assistive devices.
- Work with local transportation and disability services to plan ahead for accessible transportation if you may need that for evacuation or other reasons during a disaster.
- Battery chargers and extra batteries for hearing aids, motorized wheelchairs, or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices
- Copies of medical prescriptions, doctors orders, and the style and serial numbers of the support devices you use
- A list of personal contacts, family and friends that you may need to contact in an emergency
- A laminated personal communication board, if you might need assistance with being understood
- If possible, extra medicine, oxygen, insulin, catheters, or other medical supplies you use regularly
- If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a light weight manual chair available for emergencies. Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
Included in this packet of information is a checklist to help you prepare further. If you have additional question on you or your family’s emergency preparedness needs, please feel free to contact the Community’s Emergency Manager at 480-362-7927 or at cliff.puckett@srpmic-nsn.gov