People with Special Needs or Disabilities

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People with Disabilities 
FEMA
Red Cross
Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities.
Personal Emergency Action Planner
Created by National Grid for special needs customers.

In an emergency or disaster, the elderly and people with special needs are very vulnerable and make up a high percentage of the victims. Planning for their safety and health during a disaster must be specific to their individual, unique needs.  It is also important to have back-up plans.

One of the first steps to take is to create a personal support network that consists of friends, relatives or neighbors who are willing to check in on the senior or person with special needs in an emergency to make sure they are safe. It may also be necessary to provide assistance at that time, so the support individuals need to be prepared to do that.

Resources

• Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors was created by a group of senior citizens in Monroe County, NY after a severe ice storm.  Sponsored by the American Red Cross Rochester-Monroe Co. Chapter.
• Ready.gov provides information for:  Seniors and individuals with disabilities 
• Accessible Emergency Information – 18 emergency preparedness topics formatted for people who have impaired vision or are deaf or blind.
• “Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs”  – FEMA in partnership with the American Red Cross.
• Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility for Your Safety is a guide for people with disabilities and other activity limitations created by the Center for Disability Issues & the Health Professions (2002)
• Personal Preparedness Planning – Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities

Additional Information

• What do we mean when we say “people with special needs?” -Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters (CARD)
• Heat Stress in the Elderly – People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to heat stress. CDC fact sheet describing heat stress signs and symptoms and practical prevention measures.