Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities Create an emergency plan that addresses your needs.

Don't Forget to Make a Back-Up Plan

Emergencies and disasters can unfold in unpredictable ways, and even carefully made plans may need to adapt to changing circumstances. That’s why it’s so important to arrange a back-up solution for the most critical parts of your emergency plan.

• Know how to connect and start a back-up power supply for your essential medical equipment.
• Do you have a medical alert system that allow you to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency? Most alert systems require a working phone line, so have a back-up plan, such as a cell phone, if the regular landlines are disrupted.
• If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair for back-up.
• Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Also, label equipment and attach laminated instructions for equipment use.
• Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical, etc.) at your neighbor’s home, school, or your workplace.
• Arrange for more than one person from your personal support network to check on you in an emergency, so there is at least one back-up if the primary person you rely on cannot.
• If you are a person who is vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you if you are unable to use the TV or radio.
• If you use a personal care attendant obtained from an agency, check to see if the agency has special provisions for emergencies (e.g., providing services at another location should an evacuation be ordered).
• Have a cell phone with an extra battery. If you are unable to get out of a building, you can let someone know where you are and guide them to you. Keep the numbers you may need to call with you if the 9-1-1 emergency number is overloaded.