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After a disaster, your environment may be very different. Exits may be
blocked and sidewalks may be impassable. If you are prepared ahead of time,
you will be better able to cope with the disaster and recover from it more
quickly.
Make Sure Your Emergency Kit Works for You
In addition to the other items in your
emergency kit, consider storing any of these items that may apply to
your needs:
Cane, crutches, walker or manual wheelchair
Denture supplies
Batteries for hearing aids
Glasses with repair kits or contact lenses
with cleaning supplies
Heavy gloves for operating equipment (for
caregivers)
Whistle, loud bell or other alert device and
a way for others to notify you
Instructions for medications and special equipment
Phone numbers and other contact information
for physicians and rehabilitation specialists
Note pad with pen
Supplies for your service animal
Aerosol tire repair kit for wheelchairs or scooters
Make Sure Neighbors and Caregivers are Prepared to
Help
Tell your neighbors if you are not able to
move well or quickly in an emergency and make arrangements in advance for
someone to check on you. Develop a support network of people who will check
on you following a disaster; do not depend on only one person.
If you have a personal attendant or home
health worker, that person may not be able to help you. Talk in advance with
your attendant or home health agency about plans for continued client
services following an emergency.
Make Sure You Have the Prescriptions and Equipment You
Need
Never let your prescriptions run out
completely. Always try to maintain a
three-day supply.
For all medical equipment that requires
electrical power, such as breathing equipment and infusion pumps, check with
your medical supply company about a backup power source. This could include
a battery pack or generator.
If you receive dialysis or other medical
treatments, ask for a copy of your providers emergency plan in advance,
including where your back-up site may be located.
If you rely on oxygen, talk to your vendor in
advance about emergency replacements.
Make Sure Your Service Animal is Protected
If you have a pet or service animal, plan for
temporary relocations, transportation, etc.
Make Sure You are Able to Evacuate
Know all usable exits from each room and your building. Make a habit
of identifying exits whenever you are in a new location (shopping mall,
restaurant, movie theater, etc.)
Practice dealing with different circumstances
and unforeseen situations, such as blocked paths or exits.
Teach members of your support network how to
operate your equipment (how to disengage gears on a power wheelchair, how to
lift or transfer you, etc.)
Include service animals in drills so they
become familiar with exit routes.
Earthquake!
If you are in a wheelchair during an earthquake, stay in it and go
into a doorway
that does not have a door. Lock your wheelchair brakes. Cover your head and
neck
with your hands.
If you are in bed or out of a wheelchair,
stay put and cover your head.
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