![\"Disabled](\"http://www.cdc.gov/features/emergency-preparedness-disabilities/emergency-preparedness-disabilities_456px.jpg\")
For the millions of Americans living with disabilities, an emergency can present a unique set of challenges and concerns. It\u2019s important to make sure everyone\u2019s needs are taken care of when the unexpected happens \u2013 especially if you or someone you know has a disability.
Emergency preparedness is not \u201cone size fits all.\u201d Each of us is different, and emergency plans should be tailored to meet specific needs. People with disabilities, communities, and public health professionals can work together to be prepared.
\nHere are some general tips for people with disabilities, communities and emergency managers:
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- Those who take medications should keep an adequate supply on hand, along with copies of their prescriptions. \n
- People who need power for medical or other assistive devices should keep extra sets of batteries, and consider a generator for home use if a power outage may jeopardize health or safety. \n
- People with dietary needs should have an emergency food supply. \n
- Emergency managers can send emergency alerts and warnings in an accessible form for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. \n
- Prepare for service animals. People with service animals should make sure they have an emergency kit for their service animals. Local shelters are required by law to admit service animals during emergencies. \n
Community groups and responders should be prepared to offer appropriate assistance to people with disabilities. It is critical that emergency planners \u2013 like shelter managers, hospitals, and service providers \u2013 take a \u201cwhole-community\u201d approach when considering the needs of people with disabilities before, during and after a crisis.
\nNational PrepareAthon! Day
\nNot everyone faces the same risks in emergencies, but everyone can benefit from being prepared. On Friday, September 30, all federal agencies will come together for National PrepareAthon! Day. Learn more, and join others around the country to practice your preparedness!
\nKnowledge is Power
\nCDC, through the Disability and Health Branch at the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, funds state programs to promote the health and quality of life of people with disabilities. Over the years, this funding has supported emergency preparedness and response activities for people with disabilities.
\nThe branch has developed a new online catalog, Emergency Preparedness: Including People with Disabilities, that brings together materials developed by State Disability and Health Programs and their partners. These resources can help public health professionals, emergency personnel, and community members learn about considerations for people with disabilities and emergency preparedness, create emergency and response plans, and help people with disabilities develop their own personal readiness plans.
\nMore Information
\nMore Information
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- Disability and Health \n
- Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) \u2013 Disability \n
- Guidance on Integrating People with Access and Functional Needs into Disaster Preparedness Planning for States and Local Governments \n
- Effective Emergency Preparedness Planning: Addressing the Needs of Employees with Disabilities \n
- Family Disaster Plan \n