Planning
| NIMS | State Emergency Response and Recovery Plan |
| National Shelter System | Special Needs Planning |

Special needs populations Planning

For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, sensory or cognitive disabilities, emergencies such as fires, floods and acts of terrorism present a real challenge. The same challenge also applies to the elderly and other special needs populations. Our agency can assist with Special Needs Population Planning.

If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency.

• Visually impaired: May be extremely reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation comes from a stranger. 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: May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
• Mobility impaired: May need special assistance to get to a shelter.
• Single working parent: May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies.
• Non-English speaking persons: May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed.
• People without vehicles: May need to make arrangements for transportation.
• People with special dietary needs: Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
• People with medical conditions: Should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
• People with intellectual disabilities: May need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter.
• People with dementia: Should be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program

Be ready to evacuate

• Have a plan for getting out of your home or building. Ask your family or friends for assistance, if necessary.
• Also, plan two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.
• Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency.
• Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
• Discuss your needs with your employer.
• If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.
• If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the building.
• Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
• Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
• Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
• Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.

CONTACT
For additional information on our Special Needs Populations program, contact us for assistance.