Hurricane & Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs People

Emergency Preparedness for People with Special NeedsWhen a natural disaster or any emergency situation occurs, it is important to have planned ahead and be ready, especially, if you have a person with special needs in your family. We have put together this guide to help you before and during an urgent event.

General Tips

  • Keep phone numbers for Family, Friends, Doctors, Aides, etc. in waterproof bag.
  • Keep at least a 10 day supply of any prescription medications, over the counter medications and vitamins in waterproof bag.
  • Keep copies of any prescriptions, a list of allergies, a list of any dietary needs, a list of medications with dosages in waterproof bag.
  • Identify the closest shelters in case you need to leave your home.
  • Identify the closest medical centers to your home and shelters you may use.
  • Pack Eyeglasses, contacts, dentures, hearing aids with extra batteries in an emergency kit.
  • Wear Medical Alert tags or Bracelets.
  • Fully charge your Cell Phone and have an extra battery pack if possible.
  • Pack any medical devices, like a CPAP machine in a waterproof bag.
  • Make a plan for pets, including a note for first responders: I have a service animal named ______ who must evacuate with me.
  • Have a 10 day supply of food (non-refrigerated) and clean drinking water for each person in the home as well as pets


Tips for the physically challenged

  • Make sure any mobility devices that are electric have fully charged batteries.
  • Have a manual mobility device as a backup (transport chair, etc.)
  • Make sure to have a folding, portable wheelchair ramp for use at locations that may not be accessible.
  • Pack a cane or walker.
  • Pack an Emergency Supply bag attached to your wheelchair, walker or scooter.


Tips for the hard of hearing or deaf

  • Get a weather radio with Text Display & flashing alert.
  • Keep extra Hearing Aid Batteries in a waterproof bag.
  • Have access to TTY and/or VRS
  • Bring Pen and paper for communication with people who may not know sign language.


Tips for the Visually Impaired

  • Use braille labels for medications and other important items.
  • Keep pictures of loved ones or aides to make it easier for people to find them if you are separated from them.
  • Keep a deaf-blind or braille communication device in your emergency pack.
  • Practice your evacuation plan to a family meeting point to become comfortable with finding it.