Hurricane & Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs People

When 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.