Let’s Make A Plan!

Brought to you by the Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition, in conjunction with Nancy Svirida, Esq., Disability Law Center, under a grant from the

National Association of County and City Health Officials, May 2007

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Why are we here?

Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition Franklin Regional Council of Governments National Association of County and City

Health Officials Project Demand Disability Law Center

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What is Personal Preparedness? Know what you can offer AND what you need

in many different situations

Be creativeOne person’s perceived

disability is

often a strength in many situations!

Be aware and try to reduce risk

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Personal Preparedness Planning

Develop a plan for before, during and after an event

Implement that plan and talk to others

Practice your plan with emergency drills

Maintain your plan with review and updates

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Language

Person-first language and reference

No assumptions of particular needs

We may make mistakes but let’s keep trying!

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Federal Legal Updates

Federal Laws

Project Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees (SNAKE) Report

Court Cases

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Massachusetts Updates

February 2007 Statewide Emergency Preparedness Summit

Goals of the Summit

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Projects Sponsored by Franklin Regional Council of Governments Provides support to member towns on emergency

preparedness activities. Host for the Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition,

Regional Emergency Planning Committee and Franklin County Medical Reserve Corps/Community Emergency Response Team.

www.frcog.org/services/emergency/index.php

Your Personal Preparedness Plan

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Gather Information

Insurance Policies Medical

Contacts, alert bracelets, medical records Important Papers Photographs Equipment information Utility valves

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Gather Emergency Supplies

Non-perishable food

Communication Devices & Batteries

Cash and Checks

Sanitation and hygiene items

Prescriptions

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Extra Considerations for Individuals with Emotional and/or Mental Disabilities: Maintain your individual safety plan

Consider setting up wellness or quiet room at shelter

Keep sensory tools with you

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Extra Considerations for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities Heavy gloves to use while wheeling around

over glass and debris

Patch kit to repair flat tires

Back up lightweight manual chair

Spare cane or walker

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Extra Considerations for Individuals with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities Communication devices and spare batteries

Favorite item to help you maintain focus while waiting in lines

Paper and writing materials

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Extra Considerations for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities Extra batteries for portable TTYs, etc.

Extra pair of dark glasses, if medically required

National Weather Radio (NWR)

Folding mobility cane

Paper with pens or pencils

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Extra Considerations for Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Breathing Conditions Beware of fumes from idling vehicles

Towels, masks, industrial respirators

N95-rated particulate filter mask

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Extra Considerations for Owners of Pets or Service Animals Cage/carrier labeled with contact information

Identification tags and/or microchip implant

Food, medicine, favorite toy

First aid kit and manual

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Reach Out to Others

Network of Support

Distribute Copy of Your Plan

Emergency Contact Lists

9-1-1 Disability Indicator Form

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Reach Out to Others

Phone Tree

Learn Others’ Plans

Consider Volunteering for Medical Reserve Corps, etc.

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Minimize Risk

Prepare for power outages

Install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms

Always evacuate when told to

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During an Event

Be gentle with yourself/others

Common Reactions to Emergencies: Anxiety Headaches Inability to Communicate

Crying Nausea Increase Subst. Abuse

Insomnia Chest Pain Family Problems

Flashbacks Anger Indecisiveness

Heart Palpitations Confusion

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After an Event

Reach out to others for support

Consider volunteering

Exercise helps reduce stress

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Practicing your Personal Preparedness Plan

Use whatever equipment you plan on using in an emergency

Include your personal network

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Practice Being Clear and Brief Quickly explain to people the best way to

guide or move you and your equipment Brief, clear, and specific instructions to

rescue personnel, either orally or in writing Explain what kind of accommodation you

need

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Keep it up!

Execute plans at school, work, restaurants, libraries, independent living centers, clubhouses, etc.

Review and update at the beginning of each month

Learn about drills in your community and try to participate

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Community Resources

www.franklincountyprepares.org

Franklin Regional Council of Governments

See Packet