disaster preparedness - disasters and emergency management

PreparednessDisaster

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities has been designedto help people who have physical,visual, auditory, or cognitive disabil-ities to prepare for natural disastersand their consequences.

In 1984, the Los Angeles Chapterof the American Red Cross createda booklet titled Disaster Preparednessfor the Disabled and Elderly. Thatbooklet, which is no longer inprint, served as the foundation for material contained here. In the last 12 years, new informationhas been published about disasterpreparation for people with disabil-ities, and relevant documents,guidelines, and other materialshave been reviewed and added, as appropriate, in this updatedbooklet.

Anyone who has a disability oranyone who works with, lives with,or assists a person with a disabilitycan use this booklet. It containsinformation that can help youorganize a personal disaster planand includes plans for the care ofservice animals and/or pets duringa disaster.

This booklet is designed withchecklists and extra space for youor your helper to use to organizeinformation that will help you prepare for a disaster. You maycopy these pages from the bookletas needed to distribute or postsomewhere handy.

If you have questions about any ofthe content or recommendationsin this booklet, please contact yourlocal American Red Cross chapter.

PREFACE

The American Red Cross thanks thefollowing organizations and individualsfor their assistance in developing andreviewing this booklet:

Primary volunteer consultant for contentdevelopment:Heidi Kramer, volunteer, SanDiego/Imperial Counties Chapter,American Red Cross, San Diego, California.

Project intern:Tonya Davis, Department of Administration & Planning, University of North Texas, Denton,Texas.

Reviewers:Kathy Bauch, The Humane Society ofthe United States, Washington, D.C.

Karen Bonnie, volunteer, Santa CruzChapter, American Red Cross, SantaCruz, California.

Dusty Bowencamp, disaster healthservices coordinator, Los AngelesChapter, American Red Cross, Los Angeles, California.

Alan Clive, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, D.C.

Nolan Crabb, American Council of the Blind, Washington, D.C.

Violette Eash, volunteer consultant,Huntington, West Virginia.

Terri Giles, disaster specialist, Seattle/King County Chapter, American RedCross, Seattle, Washington.

Kathryn Holub, National MultipleSclerosis Society, New York, New York.

Wilson Hulley, President’s Commis-sion on People With Disabilities,Washington, D.C.

Elga Joffee, American Foundation forthe Blind, New York, New York.

June Kailes, disabilities consultant,Playa Del Rey, California.

Donna Placzankis, Cleveland Chapter,American Red Cross, Cleveland, Ohio.

Helen Rader, United Cerebral PalsyAssociation, Washington, D.C.

Sandy Ross, director/programs, Houston Area Chapter, American Red Cross, Houston, Texas.

Pat Snyder, volunteer, Los AngelesChapter, American Red Cross, Los Angeles, California.

Trevor Storrs, Galluadet University,Washington, D.C.

Ralph Swisher, family disaster preparedness program manager, Federal Emergency ManagementAgency, Washington, D.C.

Gregory C. Wilder, Administration on Aging, Washington, D.C.

Paid and volunteer staff from the following departments at the AmericanRed Cross national headquarters: Disaster Services, Health and SafetyServices, National Office of Volunteers,Office of General Counsel, and RiskManagement Division.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Introduction

Understanding Disasters

Creating a Personal Support Network

Completing a Personal Assessment

Personal Disaster Preparation

Disaster Supplies

Making Your Home or Office Safer

Glossary

Appendixes

A. Disaster Supplies Kits and Other Essential Supplies

B. Disaster Supplies Calendar

C. Important Lists

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Disasters can happen any-time, anywhere, andsometimes without warn-

ing. Your American Red Cross andyour local government agencieswill respond when a disasterthreatens and after a disasterstrikes. However, they can’t beeverywhere at once. Being readyfor a disaster is a part of main-taining your independence.Although you may not knowwhen a disaster will strike, if youare prepared ahead of time, youwill be better able to cope withthe disaster and recover from itmore quickly.

When a disaster occurs, the firstpriority of disaster relief organiza-tions and government agencies isto provide basic needs—food,water, and safe shelter—to every-one who needs them. Yourpersonal needs, such as replacingmedications, replacing adaptiveequipment, restoring electricityfor power-dependent equipment,and restoring your regular ways ofsupport for daily living activitiesmay not happen right away. It isimportant for everyone to be pre-pared to meet his or her own basicneeds by storing food and waterfor a minimum of three days ormore. You should also be readyto meet your specific disability-related needs by storing sufficientoxygen, medications, batterypower, etc., for at least seven daysafter a disaster.

Knowing about disaster threatsand their aftermath and beingprepared are critical for stayingself-sufficient after a disaster. Thisbooklet covers some issues thatpeople with disabilities may facewhen a disaster strikes. The book-let also has information abouthow you can get to a safe placeand how you can meet yourneeds after the disaster.

The best way to cope with a disaster is to learn about the challenges you might face if youcould not use your home, office,and personal belongings. You canmeet your basic personal needsby preparing beforehand. Youalso may have to deal with a service animal that is unable towork or is frightened, or pets that need care and assistance.

The information in this bookletwill help you discover what youneed to do to prepare for a disasterso that you will be ready whenone strikes. Self-confidence basedon knowledge, preparation, andpractice will give you, your family,and your community the bestchances for recovery from a disaster.

As you review the information in this booklet, be sure to refer to the glossary on page 36 for the definitions of terms that areunfamiliar to you.

After a disaster, your environment may bevery different. Exitsmay be blocked,sidewalks may beimpassable.

If you are preparedahead of time, youwill be better able tocope with the disasterand recover from itmore quickly.

To find the best ways to pre-pare for a disaster, considerthe following questions:

● What kinds of disasters mayoccur in your area?

● How are residents informed ofpossible disasters?

● What are the effects of disasterson you and your community?

Contact your local American RedCross chapter, your city/countyemergency management office, oryour local fire department. You canget information about the kinds ofdisasters that happen in your areaand how often they occur. Checkwith your insurance agent aboutwhether your insurance policiescover the types of disasters that can happen where you live. Forexample, regular insurance doesnot cover floods. You must have a flood insurance policy to coverflood damages.

Know the difference between a“watch” and a “warning”The National Weather Service givesinformation to the public aboutsome severe weather events, suchas thunderstorms, winter storms,hurricanes, floods, flash floods,and tornadoes. Listen or watch for these terms:

Watch: A “watch” means thatsevere weather is threatening andmay occur in your area. Continue to listen to the radio or watch tele-vision for information and advice.

Warning: A “warning” means thatthe event is happening now; it isimminent or has been seen onweather radar. This is the time toimmediately protect yourself.

Some events happen very quickly,so warnings may not be issued oryou may not receive them. Alwayspay attention to the weather aroundyou. Take action when you thinksevere weather may be moving into your area, even if no officialwarning is given on the radio ortelevision.

Know what your environment is likely to look like after the disasterDisasters have many effects. Someare predictable and others are not.You should know what can happenand what your environment maybe like after the disaster. It is ourgoal to help you deal with the hard-ships of a disaster. And you can.But first we must take a realisticlook at what can happen during a disaster. Consider the followingcircumstances:

● In disasters that have high windsand during earthquakes, a greatdeal of shaking may take place.This can break things and scatterdebris. Hanging objects, such asplants, mirrors, and pictures, are likely to fall. Books may be flungfrom bookcases and the book-cases may fall. In your office, filecabinets, computers, and otherunsecured items may fall. Acoustical

UNDERSTANDING DISASTERS

WatchA “watch”means thatsevere weatheris threateningand may occurin your area.Continue to listen to theradio or watchtelevision forinformationand advice.

WarningA “warning”means that the event ishappening now;it is imminentor has beenseen on weatherradar. This isthe time toimmediatelyprotect yourself.

ceiling tiles and all of the dustbehind them may drop. Largeand heavy furniture, such ascouches, chairs, beds, and dressers,may move and block your path-way completely or in part.

● Floods, earthquakes, and winterstorms can cause sidewalks androadways to crack or becomeimpassable. Roads and sidewalksmay be covered by mud, water,

or debris, so youmay not be ableto tell where theybegin and end.Mud, sand, andother materialsmay be leftbehind for longperiods. In floods,the water may bemoving veryrapidly. This cankeep you fromleaving an area.

● There could be so much debrison the streets that it would takeweeks to clear it away. This couldleave you stranded at home andkeep caregivers from reachingyou.

● Familiar landmarks you use tohelp guide you may move or bedestroyed, both indoors and out.

● If you have a service animal,such as a guide dog, hearing dog, or personal-care monkey,the animal may be hurt or too frightened to work after a disaster.

● Your home may be destroyed or isolated. Or, it could haveenough damage to make itunlivable for a long time.

● Your usual ways of getting groceries, medications, and medical supplies may be disrupted. It may take severaldays before stores reopen, so you may not be able to readilyreplace even basic items relatedto your disability, like hearing-aid batteries and prescriptionmedications.

● You may not be able to carry outyour daily activities as you didbefore the disaster.

● You may have a hard time reach-ing or getting help from policeand fire departments, ambulanceservices, doctors, hospitals, phar-macies, veterinarians, markets,personal assistants, and otherhome health providers.

● Utilities like electricity, water,gas, and phone service may bedisrupted for a long time.

In a disaster, roads and sidewalks may be covered by mud, water, or debris.You may not be able to tell where roads and sidewalksbegin or end.

● You may not be able to do thefollowing:— Cook.

— Cool or heat your home.

— Make or receive phone callsto or from your doctor, firedepartment, ambulance ser-vice, support network, andothers. You may not be ableto use telephone relay systemsand/or teletype equipmentbecause systems may be over-loaded or destroyed.

— Light your home. You mayhave to move or communi-cate in the dark.

— Receive emergency informa-tion from your television orradio.

— Use equipment dependent onpower, such as battery charg-ers, oxygen, suction devices,or home dialysis equipment.

— Access cash through an auto-matic teller machine (ATM).Also, banks may be closed.

— Fill vehicles with gas sincepumps may not be working.

Know some other effects of a disaster● Public transportation may not be

working. Routes and schedulesmay be changed. Public and private wheelchair transport services or paratransits may not be operating.

● Roads may be damaged orblocked. Road signs may bedown. Traffic lights and walkingsignals used to cross the streetmay not be working properly, or at all. This can disrupt cuesused to cross the street. Traveltime may be longer because ofdetours and added traffic.

● Noisy surroundings, like a shelter,may interfere with how well yourhearing aid functions. Also, thevibratory cues you are used to maybe disturbed. A noisy environmentcan be very disorienting for peoplewith visual impairments, as well.

● You may need temporary housingfor pets.


Know how disaster-related stress may affect your disabilityExperiencing a disaster can be overwhelming. Stress makes many medicalconditions worse. Everyone affected by a disaster may experience one orseveral of the following symptoms:


Psychological and Emotional

● Anxiety

● Irritability, restlessness, overexcitability

● Depression, moodiness, crying

● Anger, blaming

● Feelings of apathy, diminished interestin usual activities

● Feelings of isolation, detachment,estrangement

● Feelings of guilt about surviving

● Denial or constriction of feelings

● Flashbacks or unwelcome memories of the disaster

● An exaggerated reaction to being startled

● Recurrent nightmares about the disas-ter or about other traumatic events

● Inability to fall or stay asleep

● Sleeping excessively

Thought

● Poor concentration

● Mental confusion

● Slowness of thought

● Inability to express yourself verbally or in writing

● Forgetfulness

● Inability to make judgments and decisions

● Loss of ability to think of alternativesor prioritize tasks

Physical

● Headaches

● Weakness

● Nausea, upset stomach, other gastrointestinal problems

● Muscle soreness

● Hot or cold spells; sweating or chills

● Numbness or tingling in body parts

● Heavy feeling in arms and/or legs

● Feeling a “lump” in your throat

● Chest pains

● Trouble catching your breath; rapidbreathing

● Tremors

● Fatigue

● Increase in allergies, colds, or flu

● Heart palpitations

Behavior

● Hyperactivity

● Outbursts of anger or frequent arguments

● Loss of objectivity

● Withdrawal, social isolation, distancing yourself from others

● Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

● Avoidance of activities or places thatremind you of the disaster

● Family problems


If any of these symptoms affect yourability to function, seek medicalattention from your doctor or amental health provider familiar withthe effects of disasters. Some peoplemay never have a reaction. Othersmay have delayed reactions that canshow up days, weeks, or even monthsafter the disaster happens. Not every-one has reactions right away. Thesesymptoms may go and then comeback again when something makesyou think about the disaster.

After a disaster, be sure to talk tosomeone about how you are feeling:a member of the clergy, a counselor,or someone in the Employee Assis-tance Program provided by youremployer. Also, the Red Cross hasdisaster mental health professionalswho can help you deal with the stressrelated to your disaster experience.

Remember that service animalsmay also suffer emotional trauma.Get their daily routine back to normal as soon as possible. Thiswill make it easier for them toserve you as before.

Know how a disaster may affectyour independenceYou are used to being in a certainenvironment. However, a disastercan change your ability to deal withthis environment. It is importantthat you anticipate for your lowestlevel of functioning for your per-sonal disaster plan. Your conditionmay become worse because ofphysical or emotional reactions tostress. For example, people who do

not need the aid of devices on adaily basis may need a wheelchairafter a disaster.

After a disaster, you may need to askfor help to do things you usuallywould have done independently.Understandably, this may make youfeel especially vulnerable. You mayneed help putting your home backin order, filling out forms, or provid-ing documentation and informationto disaster relief agencies. This canadd to the stress you may be feeling.A personal support network thatknows your needs may anticipatesome of them and make yourrecovery easier and less stressful.

Know how to reduce the impactof a disaster on youNow that you know what mayhappen, what can you do to reducethe effects of the disaster and todevelop a personal disaster plan?

Start by considering the followingactions:● Create a personal support network

(page 12).● Complete a personal assessment

of your needs (page 15).● Collect information and take

actions that will help you meetyour needs during evacuationsand after the disaster happens(page 20).

● Gather essential supplies youwill need during and after a dis-aster, especially those specific toyour disability (page 28).

● Make your home or office safer(page 35).

After a disaster,you may need to ask for help to do things youusually wouldhave done independently.

A personal support network(sometimes called a self-help team, but referred

to only as a “network” in thisbooklet) can help you prepare fora disaster. They can do this byhelping you identify and getthe resources you need to copeeffectively with a disaster. Yournetwork can helpyou practice vitalactivities, like evaluating yourhome or workplace.Network memberscan also assist youafter a disasterhappens. Youshould puttogether your network beforeyou assess whatyour needs will be during and aftera disaster. First consider the waysto develop your personal supportnetwork, then turn to page 11 forsuggestions on how you can preparefor a disaster.

● Organize a network for yourhome, school, workplace, volun-teer site, and any other placewhere you spend a lot of time.Members of your network can beroommates, relatives, neighbors,friends, and co-workers. Theyshould be people you trust andwho could check to see if you

need assistance. They shouldknow your capabilities andneeds, and offer help withinminutes.

Do not depend on only one person. Include a minimum of

three people in your network for each location where you regu-larly spend a lot of time during the week.

● Think of what your needs would be duringa disaster and discuss these with each of your networks. Complete a written assess-ment of your needs with your

network in the space provided inthe following section (page 15).This can help your networkmembers learn the best ways toassist you and offer additionalideas for you to think about.

● Give your network memberscopies of your emergency infor-mation list, medical informationlist, disability-related supplies andspecial equipment list, evacuationplans, relevant emergency docu-ments, and personal disasterplan when you complete them(pages 46–48).

CREATING A PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK

Do not dependon only one person. Include a minimum ofthree people inyour network for each locationwhere you regularly spend a lot of time.

Organize a network for your home, school,workplace, volunteer site, and any otherplace where you spend a lot of time.

● Arrange with your network tocheck on you immediately iflocal officials give an evacuationorder or if a disaster occurs. Dothis before an emergency happensso that your network memberscan help you when you needthem. Also, ask your network tonotify you of anemergency youmay not knowabout. For exam-ple, if a siren or loudspeakersystem notifies a neighborhoodof a disaster andyou are Deaf orhave hearingloss, be sure thatyour networkknows to give youthis information.Ask them to giveyou any otherdisaster-relatedinformation thatis not already inwriting, such asradio informationabout the disaster or the locationof shelters.

● Agree on how you and your network will contact each otherduring an emergency. Do notcount on the telephones working.Also, choose a signal for helpthat you both understand. Signalscan be shouting, knocking onthe wall, or using a whistle, bell,or high-pitched noisemaker.

Visual signals could includehanging a sheet outside yourwindow.

● Give the members of your net-work all the necessary keys theymay need to get into your home,car, etc.

● Show your net-work how tooperate andsafely move theequipment youuse for your disability, if necessary. Askthem to “prac-tice” with any of your specialequipment. This will helpthem feel morecomfortable whenusing it duringan emergency.

● Make sure your service animal knows the peoplein your network. This will make

it easier for the animal to acceptcare from someone other thanyourself.

● Explain to your network anyassistance for personal care thatyou may need. Give them writteninstructions on how best to assistyou and your animals.


Agree on how you andyour networkwill contacteach other during anemergency. Do not count on thetelephonesworking.

Your network should know your capabili-ties and needs and offer help withinminutes.

● Label your equipment and attachinstruction cards on how to useand move each item. Laminatethe instruction cards for addeddurability.

● Inform your network about anyareas on your body where youhave reduced feeling. Have themcheck these areas for injuriesafter a disaster if you cannotcheck them yourself.

● Practice your plan. Based onyour knowledge of the disastersin your area, simulate any prob-lems or obstacles you mayexperience. Have the members of your network practice how tohelp you, and familiarize themwith any adaptive equipmentyou may need.

● Choose an emergency meetingplace you are familiar withwhere you and others canreunite after exiting a building.You should select a meetingplace for each area where youspend a lot of time.

● Select with your network a signalthat you can use to let themknow you are okay and have leftthe site.

● Give your network your traveldates if you will be traveling.

● Review and revise your personalassessment and disaster plan regularly, or as your conditionchanges. Your network shouldhelp in this review as well. Youwill also find that as you andyour network practice, all of youwill find problems and solutionsyou have not thought of before.

The trusting relationship youdevelop with the members of yournetwork should be mutual. Learnabout each other’s needs and howto assist each other during anemergency.


You should decide what youwill be able to do for your-self and what assistance

you may need before, during, and after a disaster. This will bebased on the environment after the disaster, your capabilities, andyour limitations. To complete apersonal assessment, make a list of your personal needs and yourresources for meeting them in adisaster environment. Consider

the following information as youmake your personal assessment.

Think about the following questionsand note your answers in writingor record them on a tape cassettethat you will share with your net-work. These answers should describeboth your physical capabilities rightnow and the assistance you will needduring the time that the disasterdisrupts your normal routine. Baseyour plan on your lowest anticipatedlevel of functioning.

COMPLETING A PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Daily Living

Personal Care Do you need assistance with personal care, such as bathing andgrooming? Do you use adaptive equipment to help you get dressed?

My Capabilities Today Assistance I Need Because of Disaster

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

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Water Service What will you do if water service is cut off for several days, or ifyou are unable to heat water?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Personal Care Equipment Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench, orother similar equipment?


______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

______________________________ ________________________________

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Adaptive Feeding Devices Do you use special utensils that help you prepare oreat food independently?


______________________________ ________________________________

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______________________________ ________________________________

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Electricity-Dependent Equipment How will you continue to use equipmentthat runs on electricity, such as dialysis, electrical lifts, etc.?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Getting Around

Disaster Debris How will you cope with the debris in your home following the disaster?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Transportation Do you need a specially-equipped vehicle or accessible transportation?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Errands Do you need to get groceries, medications, and medical supplies? Thinkabout what you will do if you depend on only one person to shop or run errandsfor you.What if your assistant cannot reach you because roads are blocked orbecause the disaster has affected him or her as well?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Evacuating

Building Evacuation Do you need help to leave your home or office?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Building Exits If the elevator is not working or cannot be used, are there otherexits? (Include using a window as an alternate escape.)


______________________________ ________________________________

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Getting Help How will you call for the help you will need to leave the building?


______________________________ ________________________________

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Refer to page 23 formore information about evacuating a building during a disaster.

Use the informationfrom your personalassessment to planhow you will preparefor a disaster.

Mobility Aids What will you do if you cannot find your mobility aids, or cannot find or use equipment necessary for your service animal?


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Ramp Access What will you do if your ramps are shaken loose or becomeseparated from the building?


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Service Animals/Pets Will you be able to care for your animal (provide food,shelter, veterinary attention, etc.) during and after a disaster? Do you have anothercaregiver for your animal if you are unable to meet its needs?


______________________________ ________________________________

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H ow well you prepare andhow much you practicebefore a disaster occurs

will determine how successfullyyou deal with and recover fromdisasters. Your personal disasterpreparation is a continuing process.It helps you and your networkidentify, get, develop, manage, andmaintain theinformationand resourcesyou will needto deal with adisaster whenit happens.

Prepare your-self based onthe capabili-ties andlimitationsyou believe youwill have after the disaster. Also keep in mindthat your usual ways of supportand assistance may not be availableto you for some time during anevacuation and after the disasterhas occurred.

Make a personal disaster plan. Thiswill help you organize informationyou will need and activities youwill do during and after a disaster.Refer to page 22 for a summary of these activities. Key items in apersonal disaster plan are describedbelow. Keep copies of your disasterplan in your disaster supplies kit,car, wallet (behind driver’s licenseor primary identification card),

wheelchair pack or at work, etc.Also, share your disaster plan withyour network.

Emergency Information List Make an emergency informationlist that you and your network canuse. This list will let others know

whom to callif they findyou uncon-scious, unableto speak, or ifthey need to help youevacuatequickly.Besides emergencyout-of-towncontacts, yourlist shouldinclude thenames andnumbers ofeveryone inyour network.

Ask a relative or friend who livesmore than 100 miles away fromyou to be your “contact person.”Keep in mind that a caller is morelikely to connect with a long-dis-tance number outside the disasterarea than with a local numberwithin it. In fact, all family mem-bers in a disaster area should callthe contact person and give theirlocation and condition. Once thisis done, have the contact persongive messages to your other friends

PERSONAL DISASTER PREPARATION

Make a personaldisaster plan. This will help you organizeinformation youwill need andactivities you willdo during andafter a disaster.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION LIST

Please complete this form and distribute copies to your emergency contact people as well as to each member in your network.

Name: Birth date:

Address:

Telephone number: Social Security number:

Local emergency contact person: Emergency contact person’s numbers:

Network members: Network member’s home/work numbers:

Out-of-town contact: Out-of-town contact’s numbers:

How best to communicate with me:

Use the form on page 46 to fill out emergency information.

and relatives who live outside thedisaster area. This will help reducecalling into and out of the affectedarea once the phones are working.

If you have a communication dis-ability, make sure your emergencyinformation list notes the best wayto communicate with you. Thismay be bywriting notes,pointing toletters, words,or pictures, orfinding aquiet place.

MedicalInformationListComplete amedical infor-mation list that youand your network can use.The list should have informationabout your medical providers. Also include the names of medica-tions you take and their dosages,when you take a medication, thecondition for which you take amedication, the name of the doctor who prescribed it, and the doctor’s phone number. It isimportant to record any adaptiveequipment you use, your allergiesand sensitivities, and communica-tion or cognitive difficulties youmay have. Keep this list attached to your emergency information list (described above).

Attach copies of health insurancecards and related information tothe medical information list. Keepat least a seven-day supply ofessential medications with you atall times. Work with your doctor(s)to get extra supplies of medicationsand extra copies of prescriptions.Talk with your doctor or pharmacist

about whatyou should doif you do nothave enoughmedicine aftera disaster andcannot imme-diately getwhat youneed. Be sure you askabout theshelf life ofyour medica-tions and thetemperaturesat which theyshould bestored. Deter-

mine how often you should replacestored medication. This helpsensure that a medicine’s effective-ness does not weaken because oflong storage time.

Note: If you take medications(such as methadone, chemotherapy,or radiation therapy) administeredto you by a clinic or hospital, askyour provider how you should prepare for a disruption caused by a disaster.


If you have acommunicationdisability, make sure youremergencyinformation list notes thebest way tocommunicatewith you.

MEDICAL INFORMATION LIST


Primary physician: Telephone number:

Address:

Hospital affiliation: Type of health insurance: Policy number:

Blood type: Allergies and sensitivities:

Medications and dosages being taken:

Specific medical conditions:

Physical limitations:

Adaptive equipment and vendors’ phones:

Communication difficulties:

C iti diffi lti

Use the form on page 47 to fill out medical information.

What You Can Do to Preparefor a Disaster● Identify safe places to go to during

a disaster.

— Earthquake:Identify asturdy tableor desk toget under ineach room.This isimportantbecausewhile theearth isshaking, themovementof the ground will probablymake it difficult or impossiblefor you to move any distance.If you cannot safely get undera desk or table, move near aninside wall of the buildingand cover your head and neckas best you can. Decide howyou will get there when theearthquake begins. Lock yourwheels if you are in a wheel-chair. In bed, pull the sheetsand blankets over you anduse your pillow to cover andprotect your head and neck.

— Tornado: The lowest floor orbelow-ground area of yourhome or workplace is safest.If there is no basement or youcannot get there, choose aroom without windows, suchas a bathroom or closet. Iden-tify where this safe place isand how you would get there.

— Hurricane or flood: If local officials have not told you toleave the area, stay upstairs

and in the middleof the building,away from win-dows. Avoidgoing to the low-est floor becausehurricanes oftencause flooding. Ifyou are Blind orvisually impaired,use a long cane inareas wheredebris may havefallen or furnituremay have shifted.

This is recommended even ifyou do not usually use a caneindoors.

— For information about how toprepare for disasters that arespecific to your area, contactyour local Red Cross chapter.

● Keep your service animals withyou in a safe place at home, ortake them with you to a shelter.

● Install at least one smoke detec-tor on each level of your home,outside sleeping areas. If you areDeaf or have hearing loss, installa system that has flashing strobelights to get your attention. Ifyou have battery-operated detec-tors, replace batteries at leastonce a year, such as on yourbirthday, New Year’s Day, etc.Test smoke detectors once amonth by pushing the test button.


If you are in a wheel-chair when theearthquake begins, lockyour wheels.

During an earthquake, get under a desk ortable, or cover your head and neck with asturdy object.

● Find the location of main utilitycutoff valves and switches in your home. Learn how and whento disconnect them during anemergency. Try to do this yourself(do not practice shutting off thegas). If you cannot practice alone,arrange for your network to help.Turn off utilities only if localofficials tell you to do so or ifyou believe there is an immediatethreat to life. For example, if yousmell gas, see or hear sparkingwires, or see water gushing frombroken pipes, you should turnoff utilities immediately. If youturn gas off, only a professionalshould turn it back on. If youcannot use the proper tools toturn utilities off at the mainvalves or switches, turn off thevalves under sinks and by thestove. Also turn off all electricalswitches in every room. Be surethat the members of your net-work know the followinginformation:

— Where to find each utilityshutoff valve.

— How to turn off each utility.

— Whether you have the propertools and where they arelocated, or if your networkmembers need to bring toolswith them.

● Identify as many exits as possiblefrom each room and from thebuilding you are in. Be sure toinclude the windows as exits.

● Make a floor plan of your home.You may want your network toassist you with it. Include yourprimary escape routes. On thefloor plan, mark the roomswhere you spend a lot of time.Also, mark where your disastersupplies kit is located. Give acopy of the floor plan to yournetwork. This will help themfind you and your supplies, ifnecessary.

● When traveling, know the typesof disasters that threaten the areayou will be visiting. Let the hotelor motel front desk know ofyour possible needs in case of an emergency. Describe the typeof help you may need. Rememberto let your network members knowyour travel plans: when you willleave and when you will return.

● Prepare an evacuation planbefore a disaster happens.— If you have to leave your home

or workplace, you may needsomeone’s help to evacuatesafely, especially down stair-wells. If you need assistanceduring an emergency andyour network is not available,find helpers and tell themabout your condition. Givethem instructions on whatyou need and how they canhelp you evacuate.


If you have toleave your homeor workplace,you may needsomeone’s helpto evacuatesafely, especiallydown stairwells.

— Practice using different waysout of a building, especially ifyou are above the first floorin a building with many stories.Remember, the elevator maynot work or should not beused. Decide what type ofequipment you may need forassistance during an evacuation.If you cannot use stairs, talkwith your network about howyou should be evacuated.They may want to take theRed Cross First Respondercourse or other training. Thiscan teach them the properand safe way to lift and carryyou without injuring you orthemselves.

— If you need devices for anemergency escape, think aboutyour physical capabilitiesbefore making a purchase.Store devices nearby, whereyou can get to them easily.This may mean having morethan one emergency escapedevice available.

— Advocate for yourself. Practicehow to quickly explain topeople the best way to guideor move you and your adaptiveequipment, safely and rapidly.

Be ready to give brief, clear,and specific instructions anddirections to rescue personnel,either orally or in writing. Forexample, say or write theseinstructions:

• ”Please take my—

Oxygen tank.

Wheelchair.

Gamma globulin from the freezer.

Insulin from the refrigerator.

Communication devicefrom under the bed.”

• ”Please do not straightenmy knees. They are fusedin a bent position.”

• ”I have had a brain injury.Please write down allimportant instructions andinformation.”

• ”I am Blind/visuallyimpaired. Please let megrasp your arm firmly.”

• ”I am Deaf. Please writethings down for me.”

— When needed, ask for anaccommodation from disasterresponse personnel. Forexample, let a responder orrelief worker know if you cannot wait in lines for longperiods for items like water,food, and disaster relief assis-tance. Practice how to explainclearly and briefly why youneed this assistance. You mayalso want to write the expla-nation down ahead of time.


Advocate foryourself. Practicehow to quicklyexplain to peoplethe best way to guide or move you andyour adaptiveequipment, safely andrapidly.

— Keep your automobile fueltank more than half full at alltimes. Also, stock your vehiclewith a small disaster supplieskit (refer to Disaster Supplieson page 28 for more informa-tion). If you do not drive, talkwith your network about howyou will leave the area if theauthorities advise an evacua-tion. In some communities,local government agenciesoffer transportation for personsneeding assistance during anevacuation. Ask your localemergency management officeif these services are availablein your area for persons withyour disability.

— Become familiar with theemergency or disaster/evacua-tion plan for your office, school,or any other location whereyou spend a lot of time. If thecurrent plan does not makearrangements for people withdisabilities, make sure themanagement at these sitesknows your needs. Be surethat you are included in theoverall plan for safety andevacuation of the building.

— Choose an alternate place to stay, such as with friends,family, or at a hotel or moteloutside your area if you havebeen told to leave your home.You may have enough earlywarning time (as with a slow-rising flood or hurricane) toleave before the disaster occurs.This is especially important ifyou live in a mobile home ortrailer. Find out if there arepredesignated shelters in yourarea and where they are.

— Have a care plan for your pet.Plan for the care of your petsif you have to evacuate yourhome. Pets, unlike service animals, will not be allowedinto emergency shelters. So, it is best to decide now whereyou will take your pet if youmust leave. Contact your localRed Cross chapter or HumaneSociety for more information.

— Have a care plan for your service animal. Service animalsare allowed in hotels or motelsand Red Cross shelters. How-ever, these places cannot carefor your animal. When youleave your home, rememberto take a collar, harness, identification tags, records of vaccinations, medications,and food for your service animal with you.


Choose analternate placeto stay, such aswith friends,family, or at ahotel or moteloutside yourarea if you have been told to leaveyour home.

Summary Checklist for Personal Disaster PreparationThere are many parts to a personal disaster plan. Fortunately, they do nothave to be completed all at once. As you finish each part of your prepara-tion, note the date in the space provided below. Review and update thisplan regularly.


Date Completed

Make an emergency information list.

Include—● Medical and emergency contact information.● Emergency out-of-town contacts.● Names and numbers of everyone in your network.● Name and number of a relative or friend who lives more

than 100 miles away from you.

If you have a communication disability, make sure youremergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.

Fill out a medical information list.

Include information about—● Medical providers.● Medications you use.● Adaptive equipment and/or body system support

equipment you use.● Allergies and sensitivities.● Communication or cognitive difficulties.

Attach copies of health insurance cards and related information to your medical information list.

Keep at least a seven-day supply of essential medications with you at all times.

Have extra copies of prescriptions.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what you shoulddo if you do not have enough medicine after a disaster. Also,find out the shelf life of your medication and the storagetemperature it needs.

Determine how often you should replace stored medication.

Date Completed

Identify safe places to go to during an—● Earthquake.● Tornado.● Hurricane.● Flood.● Fire.

Install at least one smoke detector on each level of yourhome, outside sleeping areas.

Find the location of utility cutoff valves and switches. Becomefamiliar with how to operate them.

Identify as many exits as possible (but at least two) fromeach room and from the building you are in.

Make a floor plan of your home.You may want your networkto help you do this. Include your primary escape routes.

Practice using different ways out of a building, especially ifyou are above the first floor in a building with many stories.

Decide what type of equipment you will need for assistanceduring an evacuation.

Be ready to give brief, clear, specific instructions and directionsto rescue personnel.

If you do not drive, talk with your network about how youwill leave the area if authorities advise an evacuation.

Ask your local emergency management office if transportationservices are available to persons with your disability duringan emergency evacuation. Find out how to arrange to getthis service.

Become familiar with the emergency or disaster evacuationplan for your office, school, or any other location where youspend a lot of time.

Choose an alternate place to stay.

Have a care plan for your pet.

Have a care plan for your service animal.


A disaster supplies kit contains food, water,tools, and other things

you and your service animal willneed immediately after a disasterstrikes. Your kit should have enoughfood and water supplies to sustainyou and those you live with for at

least three days,preferably sevendays or more.

Note: You donot need tocollect all theitems for yourdisaster supplieskit all at once.First, pick outthe suppliesyou alreadyhave and putthem in yourkit. Next, as youplan your weeklyor monthly

budget, try to include a few itemsfor your kit. See the Disaster SuppliesCalendar, Appendix B, page 41 fora suggested weekly shopping list.Talk with your personal physicianabout how you can collect andstore a seven-day supply of neces-sary prescription medications.

There are different types of disastersupplies kits you should assemble.Combine the following kits as youneed them, and store them some-where that is easy for you to get to.

● Basic disaster supplies kit(includes a first aid kit)

● Portable disaster supplies kit

● Disaster supplies kit for your car

● Disability-related supplies andspecial equipment

● Service animal and pet supplies

Basic Disaster Supplies KitMake a disaster supplies kit thatcontains your basic disaster suppliesfor home and your disability-relatedsupplies. You should keep enoughbasic supplies to maintain you inyour home for at least three days,preferably seven or more. Suppliesyou need related to your disabilityshould last a minimum of sevendays. Remember any special dietaryneeds you may have when plan-ning your disaster food supplies.Refer to Appendix A, page 37, for a list of basic disaster supplies.

DISASTER SUPPLIES

Refer to Appendix A,page 37, for a list ofbasic disaster supplies.

Gather your basic disaster supplies and store themsomewhere that is easy for you to get to.

Refer to Appendix A,page 40, for a list ofdisability-related andportable disastersupplies.

First Aid Kit: Put together a firstaid kit. This will go in your basicdisaster supplies kit. Include anAmerican Red Crossfirst aid textbook.Enclose sanitarysupplies, extraglasses (an oldpair) and a case,and solution forcontact lenses, ifyou wear them.Refer to AppendixA, page 37, for a listof items to includein your first aid kit.

Disability-RelatedSupplies and Special EquipmentList the specialsupplies and equip-ment you mayneed. Be sure tonote the placeswhere they arestored.Refer to AppendixA, page 40, for a list of disability-related supplies and specialequipment. This list is extensiveand you may use only a few of theitems listed here.

Keep mobility aids near you at alltimes. If you have extra aids (suchas a cane), have them available inseveral locations.

Disability-related supplies can bepart of both your basic and your

portable disaster supplies kits. Ifyou must leave your home for anyreason, your disability-related

supplies will beavailable to takewith you. If youare confined toyour home, thesesupplies will beavailable along withyour basic disastersupplies kit.

Portable DisasterSupplies KitGet a drawstringbag, a pouch withlots of pockets, afanny pack, or asmall backpackand keep it withinreach, by or on yourchair, wheelchair,scooter, or otherassistive device.

Your portable disaster supplies

kit should include a copy of youremergency information list andother lists; a small flashlight; a whistle or noisemaker; water; extra medication and copies of prescriptions; an extra pair ofglasses; a hearing aid; sanitary supplies; a pad and pencil or otherwriting device; and a pair of heavywork gloves for wheeling over glassand debris.

At night, keep these portable supplies either next to or underyour bed.

Disaster Supplies

Your disability-related supplies can be part of both your basic and yourportable disaster supplies kit.

Keep your portable disaster supplies kitwithin easy reach at all times.

Disaster Supplies for Your CarBeside the basic disaster supplieslisted in Appendix A, page 37, youshould also carry other disastersupplies in your car. Store severalblankets; an extra set of mittens orgloves, wool socks, and a wool cap;jumper cables and instructions; asmall sack of sandor kitty litter fortraction; a smallshovel; a set of tirechains or tractionmats; a red clothto use as a flag;and a CB radio orcellular telephonein any vehicle youuse regularly.

Service Animaland Pet SuppliesLike your disabil-ity-related supplieskit, the service animal and pet supplies can be part of your basicdisaster supplies kit or your portabledisaster supplies. This will dependon whether you evacuate or are confined to your home.

Your service animal and pet suppliesshould include food; water; a leashor harness; a collar; and identifica-tion tags. Dogs and cats shouldwear a collar and tags. Dogs shouldbe led with a leash or harness; catsshould be moved in a pet carrier.Keep an extra harness

with your disaster supplies for eachanimal. Ask your veterinarian forfirst aid information and a list ofsupplies you will need for youranimals.

Make sure that identification tags, licenses, and vaccinations arecurrent for your service animal or

pet. Identificationtags should listboth your hometelephone numberand that of yourprimary out-of-town contactperson.

Power-DependentEquipmentSome people mayuse a fuel-operatedgenerator to pro-duce electricity if

power will be out for a long time.If appropriate and feasible, get agenerator listed by UnderwritersLaboratories (the generator willcarry a label with the letters “UL”circled on it).

Some generators can be connectedto the existing wiring systems of a house. But contact your utilitycompany before you connect a gen-erator to house wiring. Connectinga generator is specifically prohibitedby law in some areas, so you mustcheck with your local utility or firedepartment first. To run generatorsin an emergency, fuel must be safely

Disaster Supplies

Refer to AppendixA, page 40, for a listof car and serviceanimal and pet supplies. Store basic disaster supplies and other

emergency items in your car.

stored. Generators need to be oper-ated outdoors to guarantee goodventilation. If you get a generator,be sure your network is familiarwith how to operate it.

If you use a battery-operatedwheelchair, life-support system, orother power-dependent equipment,discuss with your power companythe type of backup power you planto use. Some utility companies offera “priority reconnection service”for people with disabilities whouse power-dependent equipment.Many utility companies keep a listand map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of anemergency. Contact the customerservice department of your localutility company(ies) to learn if thisservice is available in your commu-nity. Some utility companies mayrequire a referral from your physi-cian to qualify you for this service.However, even with this “priorityreconnection service,” your powercould still be out for a long timefollowing a disaster. Providingalternatives for your power-depen-dent equipment is still essential.

Additional Information onEquipment and Supplies

If you use a wheelchair or scooter—

● Keep a patch kit and can of seal-in-air product in yourportable disaster supplies kit torepair flat tires, unless these arepuncture-proof. Also, keep anextra supply of inner tubes.

● Keep a pair of heavy gloves inyour portable disaster supplieskit to use while wheeling ormaking your way over glass and debris.

● In areas prone to earthquakes,keep the wheelchair wheelslocked and the wheelchair closeto your bed at night to be sure it does not move or fall over.

If you use a motorized wheelchairor scooter—

● Have an extra battery. A car battery also can be used with a wheelchair but will not last aslong as a wheelchair’s deep-cyclebattery.

● Check with your vendor to knowif you can charge your battery byeither connecting jumper cablesto a vehicle battery or connectingbatteries to a converter that plugsinto a vehicle’s cigarette lighter.Caution: Charge only one batteryat a time.

● If available, store a lightweightmanual wheelchair for backup.

If you are Blind or have a visualdisability—

● Store a talking or braille clock orlarge-print timepiece with extrabatteries.

● Have at least one extra whitecane.

● Mark your disaster suppliesitems with fluorescent tape, large print, or braille.

Disaster Supplies

Some utilitycompanies offera “priority reconnection service” for people with disabilities who use power-dependentequipment.

● Mark your gas, water, and electricshutoff valves with fluorescenttape, large print, or braille.

● Store extra magnifiers.

● Have an extra pair of glasses ifyou wear them.

● Make photocopies of your infor-mation lists from this booklet.

If you are Deaf or have a hearingloss—

● Consider getting a small portablebattery-operated television set.Emergency broadcasts may give information in AmericanSign Language (ASL) or opencaptioning.

● Keep pads and pencils in yourhome disaster supplies kit and with your car disaster supplies.Keep them with you at all timesfor communication.

● Keep a flashlight, whistle orother noisemaker, and pad andpencil by your bed.

● Keep a card in the disaster sup-plies kits (in your home andcar), and with you at all timesthat indicates that you are Deaf.Include any other appropriatecommunication informationsuch as, “I do (or do not) knowAmerican Sign Language (ASL),”or, “My service animal maylegally remain with me.”

If you have a speech-related or communication disability—

● Consider buying a power converterif you use a laptop computer tocommunicate. A power converterallows most laptops (12 volts or less) to be operated from thecigarette lighter on the dashboardof a vehicle.

● Be sure to have pencil and paperwith you as a backup communi-cation resource.

● If you use an augmentative communication device (such as an electronic communicatoror artificial larynx) that allowsyou to communicate by voice, be sure to keep it close to you at night in a safe place.

● Store copies of a word or letterboard and preprinted keyphrases you would use in case of an emergency in all of yourdisaster supplies kits, your wallet, purse, etc.

If you use self-administered medicaltreatments—

● Keep in mind that traffic delaysand/or severe weather hazardscan happen when you do notexpect them. Be sure to carry theequipment and fluids (tempera-ture controlled) you will needwhen traveling.

Disaster Supplies

If you have a cognitive disability—

● Keep a copy of any instructionsor information you think youwill need. Also, keep a copy ofthis information in the disastersupplies kits you keep both athome and in your car. Preparethis information in a way that iseasy for you to understand. Youmay want to break down theinformation into a step-by-stepoutline. This format will helpyou remember what to do dur-ing the confusion of a disaster.

● Have a pencil and paper ready tokeep track of any new instructionsor information you may receive.

Storing SuppliesStore emergency documents insealed plastic freezer bags in yourbasic disaster supplies kit. Copiesof lifesaving information (i.e.,specifications for adaptive equip-ment or medical devices) shouldbe stored in your basic disastersupplies kits and with your disabil-ity-related supplies, portable supplieskit, car supplies, and supplies youkeep at work.

Keep other emergency documentsin your disaster supplies kit forhome so you can get to them in anemergency. (For a list of theseitems, see Appendix A, page 39,Important Family Documents.) If you get benefits from SocialSecurity (SSI or SSD),

put a copy of your most recentaward letter with these documentsas well. (Note: financial assistancefrom the American Red Cross andother disaster recovery resourceswill not cause a reduction in yourmonthly grant.) Be sure to sendcopies of these documents to yourout-of-town contact person (sealand mark them “open in an emer-gency for [name] only”).

Store your disaster supplies kit in asafe, dry place that is easy for youto get to. This place should also beeasy for your network, or anyonewho comes to assist you, to identify.If you are going to put the kit on a shelf, be sure to secure it so that it does not fall and becomeinaccessible when you need it.

Replace your supply of food andwater every six months. Also, check the expiration dates ofstored prescription medications.Replace items in your supplies kitthat are old or outdated. Rememberto do this by putting new purchasesin the kit and using the old kit itemsyou purchased earlier. However, donot borrow items from the kit withthe intention of replacing themlater. You may forget to do so.

Disaster Supplies

Store your disastersupplies kit in asafe, dry placethat is easy foryou to get to. This place shouldalso be easy foryour network, or anyone whocomes to assistyou, to identify.

Summary Checklist for Disaster Supplies

Date Completed

Put together a basic disaster supplies kit for your home.It should have food, water, and other essential items youwould need for at least three, but preferably seven days.

Obtain a first aid kit and put it with your basic disaster supplies kit for home.

Collect items for a disaster supplies kit containing items you need that are related to your disability.

Put together a portable disaster supplies kit in a drawstringbag or pouch to carry with you at all times.

Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car or van.

Assemble disaster supplies for your service animal and pet(s).

Obtain a UL-listed generator if you have equipment thatruns on electricity and needs backup power.

Ask your utility company if a priority reconnection service is available in your area.

Get a patch kit and canned air for wheelchair tires.

Put heavy gloves in your portable disaster supplies kit if you use a wheelchair.Wear these gloves when wheeling over debris.

Keep an extra battery available for a motorized wheelchair.

Disaster Supplies

O ne of the best ways toreduce the damages froma disaster and avoid possi-

ble injuries is to prepare fordisasters ahead of time. This willmitigate, or lessen, the effects of adisaster. Here are some suggestionson how you can make your homeor office safer before a disasterstrikes.

● Check hallways, stairwells, door-ways, windows, and other areasfor hazards that may keep youfrom safely leaving a buildingduring an emergency. Secure orremove furniture and other itemsthat may block your path. Thiswill allow you to have severalunblocked passages to travelafter a disaster.

● Keep emergency lights pluggedinto electrical wall outlets. Theselights automatically turn on ifthere is a power outage and mayhelp light your escape paths foryou or your network. Emergencylights will remain lit for four tosix hours; however, you can turnthem off by hand during thedaytime to save their batterycharge.

In the event of an earthquake—

● Bolt pictures, mirrors, curio cabi-nets, and other heavy objects towall studs using the appropriatehardware.

● Bolt bookcases to wall studs. Usebungee cords or a strip of woodnailed to the edge of the shelf tokeep books from falling off.

● Strap your water heater andother large appliances to wallstuds using strap iron (some-times called plumber’s tape).

● Use latches on cabinets so thattheir contents do not fall outwhen the building shakes.

● Use hook-and-loop fasteners(such as Velcro®) to secure type-writers, computers, oxygenequipment, and other heavyitems to sturdier objects.

Additional InformationCall your local American Red Crossto learn about the resources avail-able to help you, your family, andfriends prepare for a disaster. YourRed Cross chapter can also helpyou find out about other local pro-grams and services offered to thepublic.

All Red Cross disaster assistance isfree of charge. This is made possi-ble by the generous contributionsof the American people’s time,money, and skills. The Red Cross isnot a government agency. Financialsupport of your local Red Crosshelps make copies of this bookletand other disaster education mate-rials available to your communityas well as to communities nation-wide. Your support is appreciated.

MAKING YOUR HOME OR OFFICE SAFER

For additional copiesor an audiocassetteversion of this booklet,contact your local RedCross chapter.

Visit the American Red Cross Web site at http://www.redcross.org for moreinformation.

http://www.redcross.org

Adaptive Equipment: Equipmentthat helps a person move, groom,or eat independently, such asmobility aids, grooming aids, feed-ing aids, and similar devices usedto offset functional limits.

Augmentative CommunicationDevice: A device used to help a person communicate by voice.

Blindness/Visual Disability: A visualcondition that interferes with aperson’s ability to see or results in the absence of all sight.

Cognitive Impairment: A medicalcondition or injury that affects aperson’s ability to understand spoken or written information.

Communication Disability: A medical condition or injury thatinterferes with a person’s ability tocommunicate by using one’s voice.

Deafness/Hearing Disability: A medical condition or injury thatinterferes with a person’s ability to hear sounds.

Evacuation Assistive Equipment:Equipment or devices used to helppeople leave a building in anemergency.

Mobility Disability: A medical con-dition or injury that impedes aperson’s ability to walk or move.

Personal Assessment: A written list ofyour needs and your resources formeeting these needs in an environ-ment affected by a disaster.

Personal Care Assistance: The helpyou accept from someone to meetyour daily personal needs(bathing, dressing, grooming,cooking, feeding).

Personal Support Network/Self-HelpTeam: A group of people who willhelp you at your home, school,workplace, volunteer site, or anyother location in which you spenda lot of time. Members of yoursupport network can includeroommates, relatives, neighbors,friends, and co-workers you trust.Your network must be able tocheck if you need assistance, knowyour capabilities and needs, and beable to help you within minutes.

Power-Dependent Equipment: Equip-ment that requires electricity tooperate.

Service Animal: A specially-trainedanimal used by a person with a disability to help with daily living. These animals are allowedby law to accompany their ownersanywhere.

Warning: A “warning” means thatthe event is happening now, isgoing to happen, or has beenobserved on weather radar. Youmust act immediately to protectyourself.

Watch: A “watch” means thatsevere weather is threatening andmay occur in your area. Listen tothe radio or watch television forinformation and advice.

GLOSSARY

APPENDIX A: DISASTER SUPPLIES KITS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

There are six basics you should stock for yourhome: 1) water, 2) food, 3) first aid supplies, 4)clothing and bedding, 5) tools and emergency supplies, and 6) special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

Essentials

■■ Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

■■ Flashlight and extra batteries

Do not include candles. Candles cause more firesafter a disaster than anything else.

WaterStore water in plastic containers, such as large soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that willdecompose or break, such as milk cartons or glassbottles. A person who is generally active needs todrink at least two quarts of water each day. Hotenvironments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers,and ill people will need to drink even more.

Store three gallons of water per person (one gallonfor each day and for each person).

Keep at least a three-day supply of water (twoquarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparationand sanitation) for each person in the household.

FoodStore at least a three-day supply of nonperishablefood. Select foods that require no refrigeration,preparation, or cooking and little or no water. If youmust heat food, pack a can of Sterno and matches.Select food items that are compact and lightweight.Include a selection of the following foods in yourdisaster supplies kit:

■■ Ready-to-eat canned meats

■■ Canned fruits, dried fruits, and nuts

■■ Canned vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one foreach car. A first aid kit should include the following:

■■ Sterile, adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

■■ Assorted sizes of safety pins

■■ Cleansing agent/soap

■■ Latex gloves (2 pairs)

■■ Sunscreen

■■ 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4–6)

■■ 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4–6)

■■ Triangular bandages (3)

■■ 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

■■ 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

■■ Scissors

■■ Adhesive tape

■■ Tweezers

■■ Needle

■■ Moistened towelettes

■■ Antiseptic

■■ Rubbing alcohol

■■ Thermometer

■■ Tongue blades (2)

■■ Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

■■ Extra eye glasses

APPENDIX A

Nonprescription Drugs

■■ Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever

■■ Antidiarrheal medication

■■ Antacid (for stomach upset)

■■ Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting ifadvised by the Poison Control Center)

■■ Laxative

■■ Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Sanitation

■■ Toilet paper, towelettes

■■ Soap, liquid detergent

■■ Feminine hygiene supplies

■■ Personal hygiene items

■■ Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

■■ Plastic bucket with tight lid

■■ Disinfectant

■■ Household chlorine bleach

■■ Facial tissues

Clothing and Bedding

■■ One complete change of clothing and footwear per person

■■ Sturdy shoes or work boots

■■ Rain gear

■■ Blankets or sleeping bags

■■ Hat and gloves

■■ Thermal underwear

■■ Sunglasses

Tools and Supplies

■■ Mess kits or paper cups; plates and plastic utensils

■■ Cash or traveler’s checks, coins.

■■ Nonelectric can opener, utility knife

■■ Pliers, screwdriver, hammer, crowbar, assortednails, wood screws

■■ Shutoff wrench, to turn off household gas and water

■■ Tape, such as duct tape

■■ Compass

■■ Matches in a waterproof container

■■ Aluminum foil

■■ Plastic storage containers

■■ Signal flare

■■ Paper, pencil

■■ Needles, thread

■■ Medicine dropper

■■ Adhesive labels

■■ Safety goggles

■■ Heavy work gloves

■■ Whistle

■■ Heavy cotton of hemp rope

■■ Patch kit and can of seal-in-air

■■ Videocassettes

■■ Disposable dust masks

■■ Plastic sheeting

■■ Map of the area (for locating shelters)

APPENDIX A

For Baby

■■ Formula

■■ Diapers/wipes

■■ Bottles

■■ Powdered formula, milk, or baby food

■■ Medications

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

■■ Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds,stocks and bonds

■■ Copy of passports, Social Security cards,immunization records

■■ Record of credit card accounts

■■ Record of bank account numbers, names,and phone numbers

■■ Inventory of valuable household goods,important telephone numbers

■■ Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

■■ Copy of Supplemental Security Income award letter

Medical Needs

■■ Heart and high blood pressure medication

■■ Insulin

■■ Prescription drugs

■■ Denture supplies

■■ Contact lenses and supplies

Items for Service Animals/Pets

■■ Food

■■ Additional water

■■ Leash/harness

■■ Identification tags

■■ Medications and medical records

■■ Litter/pan

Entertainment

■■ Games and books

Other Disaster Supplies

Assemble the supplies listed on page 40 in additionto your basic disaster supplies kit. Combine thesewith your disaster supplies kit as you need them,and store them somewhere that is easy for you to get to.

APPENDIX A

Disability-Related Supplies and SpecialEquipment

Check items you use, and describe item typeand location.

■■ Glasses: _________________________________

■■ Eating utensils: ____________________________

■■ Grooming utensils:_________________________

■■ Dressing devices: __________________________

■■ Writing devices:___________________________

■■ Hearing device: ___________________________

■■ Oxygen: _________________________________

Flow rate:________________________________

■■ Suction equipment: ________________________

■■ Dialysis equipment: ________________________

■■ Sanitary supplies: __________________________

■■ Urinary supplies: __________________________

■■ Ostomy supplies: __________________________

■■ Wheelchair :

Wheelchair repair kit: ______________________

Motorized: _______________________________

Manual: _________________________________

■■ Walker: _________________________________

■■ Crutches: ________________________________

■■ Cane(s): _________________________________

■■ Dentures:________________________________

■■ Monitors: ________________________________

■■ Other: __________________________________

Service Animal and Pet Supplies

■■ Food

■■ Extra water

■■ Leash/harness

■■ Collar

■■ Identification tags

■■ Medications

■■ Vaccinations and medical records

Portable Disaster Supplies Kit

■■ Emergency information list/other lists

■■ Small flashlight

■■ Whistle/other noisemaker

■■ Water

■■ Extra medication

■■ Copies of prescriptions

■■ Extra pair of glasses

■■ Hearing aid

■■ Sanitary supplies

■■ Pad and pencil or other writing device

Car Supplies

■■ Several blankets

■■ Extra set of mittens or gloves, wool socks, and a wool cap

■■ Jumper cables and instructions

■■ Small sack of sand or kitty litter for traction

■■ Small shovel

■■ Set of tire chains or traction mats

■■ Red cloth to use as a flag

■■ CB radio or cellular telephone

This Disaster Supplies Calendar is intended to help you prepare for disasters before they happen. Using the calendar, you can assemble a disaster supplies kit in small steps over a five-month period. Check off items you gather each week. Remember to change and replace perishable supplies (such as food and water) every six months.

APPENDIX B: DISASTER SUPPLIES CALENDAR

* Purchase one for each member of the household.

WEEK 1

Grocery Store■ 1 gallon water*

■ 1 jar peanut butter

■ 1 large can juice*

■ 1 can meat*

■ Hand-operated can opener

■ Permanent markingpen

Also, pet food, diapers,and baby food, if needed.

To Do■ Find out what kinds of

disasters can happenin your area.

■ Date each perishablefood item using marking pen.

WEEK 2

Hardware Store■ Heavy cotton or

hemp rope

■ Duct tape

■ 2 flashlights with bat-teries

■ Matches in water-proof container

Also, a leash or carrierfor your pet.

To Do■ Complete a personal

assessment of yourneeds and yourresources for meetingyour needs in achanged disaster environment.

WEEK 3


■ 1 can meat*

■ 1 can fruit*

■ Feminine hygiene supplies

■ Paper and pencil

■ Map of the area

■ Aspirin or nonaspirinpain reliever

■ Laxative

Also, 1 gallon of waterfor each pet.

To Do■ Create a personal

support network whocan help you identifyand obtain theresources you willneed to cope effec-tively with disaster.

WEEK 4

Hardware Store■ Patch kit and can of

seal-in-air product forthe tires of mobilityaids

■ Signal flare

■ Compass

Also, extra medicationsor prescriptions mar ked“emergency use.”

To Do■ Develop a personal

disaster plan.

■ Give copies of the following lists to yournetwork: emergencyinformation list,medical informationlist, disability-relatedsupplies and specialequipment list, andpersonal disaster plan.

Original Material for Appendix B:Disaster Supplies Calendar supplied by Chevron Real Estate Management Company © 1994.

APPENDIX B


WEEK 5


■ 1 can meat*

■ 1 can fruit*

■ 1 can vegetables*

■ 2 rolls toilet paper

■ Extra toothbrush

■ Travel size toothpaste

Also, special food forspecial diets, if needed.

To Do■ Make a floor plan of

your home includingprimary escaperoutes.

■ Identify safe places togo to in case of fire,earthquake, tornado,hurricane, and flood.

■ Practice a fire drill,tornado drill, andearthquake drill withyour network.

WEEK 6

First Aid Supplies■ Sterile adhesive

bandages in assortedsizes

■ Safety pins

■ Adhesive tape

■ Latex gloves

■ Sunscreen

■ Gauze pads

■ Sterile roller bandages

Also, extra hearing aidbatteries, if needed.

To Do■ Check with child’s day

care center or schoolto find out about theirdisaster plans.

■ Ask your local emer-gency managementoffice if emergencyt ra n s p o rtation serv i c e sare available in case of evacuation.

WEEK 7


■ 1 can ready-to-eatsoup (not concen-trated)*

■ 1 can fruit*


■ Sewing kit

■ Disinfectant

Also, extra plastic babybottles, formula, and diapers, if needed.

To Do■ Establish an out-of-

town contact to callin case of emergency.

■ Share this informationwith your networkso they know whomto call.

■ Make arrangementsfor your networkto check on youimmediately after an evacuation orderor a disaster.

WEEK 8

First Aid Supplies■ Scissors

■ Tweezers

■ Thermometer

■ Liquid antibacterialhand soap

■ Disposable handwipes

■ Needles

■ Petroleum jelly orother lubricant

■ 2 tongue blades

Also, extra eyeglasses,if needed. Put in first aid kit.

To Do■ Place a pair of sturdy

shoes and a flashlightby your bed so theyare handy in an emergency.

■ If Blind, store a talking clock andone or more extrawhite canes.

■ If Blind, mark your disaster supplies in braille or with fluorescent tape.


APPENDIX B


WEEK 9

Grocery Store■ 1 can ready-to-eat

soup*

■ Liquid dish soap

■ Household chlorinebleach

■ 1 box heavy-dutygarbage bags with ties

■ Antacid (for stomachupset)

Also, saline solution and a contact lens case, ifneeded.

To Do■ Familiarize your net-

work with any areason your body whereyou have reducedsensation.

■ Choose a signal withyour network thatindicates you are okay and have left the disaster site .

■ If you have a commu-nication disability,store a word or letter board in yourdisaster supplies kit.

WEEK 10

Hardware Store■ Waterproof portable

plastic container (withlid) for importantpapers

■ Battery-poweredradio

■ Wrench(es) neededto turn off utilities

To Do■ Take your network

on a field trip to the gas meter andwater meter shutoffs.Discuss when it isappropriate to turnoff utilities.

■ Attach a wrench nextto the cutoff valve ofeach utility meter so it will be there whenneeded.

■ Make photocopies of important papersand store safely.

WEEK 11

Grocery Store■ 1 large can juice*

■ Large plastic foodbags

■ 1 box quick energysnacks

■ 3 rolls paper towels

■ Medicine dropper

To Do■ Store a roll of quar-

ters for emergencyphone calls.

■ Go on a hunt withyour family to find a pay phone that isclose to your home.

■ Test your smokedetector(s). Replacethe battery in eachdetector that doesnot work.

WEEK 12

Animal Care Store■ Extra harness, leash,

ID tags, and food foryour service animaland/or pets

■ Litter/pan

■ Extra water

Veterinarian■ Obtain current

vaccinations and medical records of your animal(s)

■ Medications

To Do■ Develop a pet care

plan in case of disaster.

■ Make photocopies ofall vaccination recordsand put them in yourdisaster supplies kit.

■ Put extra animal harness, leash, andidentification tag(s) in your disaster supplies kit.

Original Material for Appendix B: Disaster Supplies Calendar supplied by Chevron Real Estate Management Company © 1994.

APPENDIX B


WEEK 13

Hardware Store■ Whistle

■ Pliers

■ Screwdriver

■ Hammer

■ Perforated metal tape(sometimes calledplumber’s tape orstrap iron)

■ Crow bar

To Do■ Take a first aid/CPR

class from your localRed Cross.

■ Arrange to have yourwater heater strappedto wall studs usingperforated metal tape.

WEEK 14

Grocery Store■ 1 can fruit*

■ 1 can meat*


■ 1 package eatingutensils

■ 1 package paper

■ Cups

To Do■ Make sure your net-

work and neighborsknow what help youmay need in an emer-gency and how bestto assist.

■ P ractice using altern a t emethods of evacuationwith your network.

WEEK 15

Hardware Store■ Extra flashlight

batteries

■ Extra battery forportable radio

■ Assorted nails

■ Wood screws

■ Labels for your equipment and supplies

To Do■ Make arrangements

to bolt bookcases andcabinets to wall studs.

■ Label equipment andattach instructioncards.

WEEK 16

Grocery Store■ 1 can meat*


■ 1 box facial tissue

■ 1 box quick energysnacks

■ Dried fruit/nuts

To Do■ Find out if you have

a neighborhood safety organizationand join it.

■ Develop a disastersupplies kit for yourcar or van.


APPENDIX B


WEEK 17

Grocery Store■ 1 box graham

crackers

■ Assorted plastic con-tainers with lids

■ Dry cereal

First Aid Supplies■ Antidiarrheal

medication

■ Rubbing alcohol

■ Antiseptic

■ Syrup of ipecac andactivated charcoal

To Do■ Arrange for a friend

or neighbor to helpyour children if youare not able torespond or are atwork.

WEEK 18

Hardware Store■ “Child proof ” latches

or other fasteners foryour cupboards

■ Double-sided tape orhook-and-loop fasten-ers (such as Velcro®)to secure moveableobjects

■ Plastic bucket withtight lid

■ Plastic sheeting

To Do■ Arrange for someone

to install latches oncupboards and securemoveable objects.

■ Put away a blanket orsleeping bag for eachhousehold member.

WEEK 19

Grocery Store■ 1 box quick-energy

snacks

■ Comfort foods (such as cookies,candy bars)

■ Plastic wrap

■ Aluminum foil

Also denture care items,if needed.

To Do■ Review your insura n c e

coverages with youragent to be sure youare covered for thedisasters that mayoccur in your area.Obtain additional coverage, as needed.

■ Purchase and haveinstalled an emerg e n c yescape ladder forupper story windows,if needed.

WEEK 20

Hardware Store■ Camping or utility

knife

■ Work gloves

■ Safety goggles

■ Disposable dust masks

■ 2 blank videocassettes

Specialty Store■ Get an extra battery

for motorized mobility aids

To Do■ Use a video camera

to tape the contentsof your home forinsurance purposes.

■ Make a copy of thevideotape and sendto an out-of-townfriend or familymember.

■ Find out about yourworkplace disasterplan.

Original Material for Appendix B: Disaster Supplies Calendar supplied by Chevron Real Estate Management Company © 1994.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION LIST


Name: Birth date:

Address:

Telephone number: Social Security number:

Local emergency contact person: Emergency contact person’s numbers:

Network members: Network member’s home/work numbers:

Out-of-town contact: Out-of-town contact’s numbers:

How best to communicate with me:

APPENDIX C: IMPORTANT LISTS

MEDICAL INFORMATION LIST


Primary physician: Telephone number:

Address:

Hospital affiliation: Type of health insurance: Policy number:

Blood type: Allergies and sensitivities:

Medications and dosages being taken:

Specific medical conditions:

Physical limitations:

Adaptive equipment and vendors’ phones:

Communication difficulties:

Cognitive difficulties:

APPENDIX C

DISABILITY-RELATED SUPPLIES AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT LIST

APPENDIX C

■■ Glasses:

______________________________________

■■ Eating utensils:

______________________________________

■■ Grooming utensils:

______________________________________

■■ Dressing devices:

______________________________________

■■ Writing devices:

______________________________________

■■ Hearing device:

______________________________________

■■ Oxygen: ________________________________

Flow rate:_______________________________

■■ Suction equipment:

______________________________________

■■ Dialysis equipment:

______________________________________

■■ Sanitary supplies:

______________________________________

■■ Urinary supplies:

______________________________________

■■ Ostomy supplies:

______________________________________

■■ Wheelchair :

Wheelchair repair kit:

___________________________________

Motorized:

___________________________________

Manual:

___________________________________

■■ Walker:

______________________________________

■■ Crutches:

______________________________________

■■ Cane(s):

______________________________________

■■ Dentures:

______________________________________

■■ Monitors:

______________________________________

■■ Other:

______________________________________

Check items you use, and describe item type and location. Distribute copies to your emergency contact people as well as to each member in your network.