Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities
If you or someone close to you has a disability, access or functional need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. Check into what special assistance is available in your community or register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided in the event of an emergency.
Emergency considerations
Consider these factors when putting together your emergency plan.
Visually impaired
People who are blind or visually impaired may be reluctant to leave familiar surroundings. A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster.
Hearing impaired
People who are hard of hearing may need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
Mobility impaired
People with mobility or transportation issues may need special assistance to get to a shelter.
Single parents
Single parent families may need assistance with child care.
Infants and young children
In your emergency kit, Include supplies that would be needed by infants and young children, such as formula, diapers, or baby bottles.
Non-English speaking persons
People whose primary language is other than English may need help receiving emergency alerts and information. The Twin Cities Public Television's ECHO project provides emergency information in multiple languages throughout most of Minnesota.
Special dietary needs
People with special dietary needs should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
Medical conditions
People with medical conditions should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent on life-sustaining equipment or treatment such as dialysis.
Intellectual disability
People with an intellectual disability may need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter.
Dementia
Enroll people with dementia in the Alzheimer's Association MedicAlert & Safe Return Program.
For more information on tailoring a plan to your specific needs, go to the Ready.gov website.