Preparedness Tip for Individuals with Access and Functional Needs

AFN preparedness

Natural disasters and human-caused disasters can be devastating. People who may have access and functional needs may have an even harder time during a crisis. When you have an illness, interruptions in treatment and medications can be quite troublesome. The CDC recommends that you talk to your primary healthcare provider or pharmacist about how you can stock up on some medications in case of an emergency.   

Below are recommended steps to take in preparing for an emergency. There are also recommended items to include in an emergency kit for individuals with access or functional needs. 

Along with your basic emergency supply kit, here are some other things to consider.  

• Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit and on your electronic devices. The following form, from ready.gov, is a great resource for emergency contact information: Family Communication Plan. 
• Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies.
• Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your municipality to identify appropriate accessible options. This Commuter Emergency Plan can help you identify alternate routes before an emergency happens. 
• If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you. 
• Talk to your primary healthcare provider or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medications. Have a cooler and chemical ice pack available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated. 
• If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed. 
• Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation. 
• Keep extra batteries and chargers for any assistive devices in your emergency kit.  
• Talk to your medical insurance provider about having a stock supply of your prescription medications. 

Additional Items to Consider:

Medical  

• Generator and/or extra batteries. 
• Extra oxygen tanks. 
• List of medications/frequency/allergies/ice packs & cooler for medications that need refrigeration. 
• Insurance cards. 
• Basic medical supplies, bandages, braces, incontinence needs. 
• Medical alert tags or bracelets. 
• Lightweight wheelchair for backup of powered wheelchair. 
• Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or an extra inner tube if the wheelchair or scooter is not puncture-proof. 
• Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires. 
• If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand. 
• Names and phone numbers of doctors.

Communication, Low Vision, Low Hearing

• Paper & pen, small white board & expo marker, other communication devices. 
• TV or radio with text displays or flashing alerts. 
• Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries. 
• Notes with how best to communicate with you.

Pet/Service Animal Supplies

• Leash/ harness/collar with ID tag.
• Food & water.
• Medications. 
• Veterinarian records.
• Microchip number.

Sensory disabilities including Autism

• Electronic devices with headphones. Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities. 
• Earmuffs (To help decrease negative auditory stimulation). 
• Small pop-up tent (To help decrease negative visual stimulation). 
• Games.
• Have comfort snacks available.