Disaster Preparedness Tips for People with Disabilities
Jackson Heights, NY- June 29, 2006 – In a recent report issued by the Department of Homeland Security it states that the nation’s overall level of preparedness in the event of a disaster is far from sufficient. Also included in the report was that governments failed to address how they would care for people who have disabilities in response to a major disaster. U.S. Census data from 2004 show that 49.7 million (19%) Americans in the US, age 5 and over, have a disability.
United Spinal Association, a national membership organization for people with spinal cord disabilities is offering disaster preparedness tips for people who use wheelchairs. Nearly all of United Spinal’s members need some type of wheelchair or mobility device for functional and quality of life reasons. During a disaster, lack of preparedness in considering these factors could quickly unfold into a dangerous and life-threatening scenario. “Disaster preparedness is a tough issue and very dependent on disaster scenario, nature of disability, and type of equipment being used by a person,” said Ziggi Landsman, Director of Assistive Technology for United Spinal Association and editor of the top-rated Web-Guide for Wheelchairs & Assistive Technology. “We learned a lot when we joined in the relief efforts in Baton Rouge last September assisting people with disabilities affected by Katrina. While we’d like to rely on a government’s emergency plans, all people must be aware of their health care needs and have a personal disaster preparedness plan in place–ready to go at a moments notice.”
United Spinal Association suggests if you use a wheelchair or scooter:
- Keep emergency items with you at all times, including a patch and first aid kit, spare inner tubes, heavy gloves, tape, extra batteries, a flashlight, a whistle, a cell phone, water, etc.
- Keep all of your important contact information with you, including health care identification and insurance cards, medical alert tags, important telephone and banking account numbers, medications, personal identification cards, and an emergency contact list
- Create an emergency fund or account if possible so that you readily have access to money in case of a disaster
- Always keep your wheelchair locked and close to you when not in use. If you have a caregiver, ensure that they keep your adaptive equipment within your reach at all times.
Disaster preparedness involves the coordination of hundreds of individuals. The better informed that people with disabilities, their caregivers, and rescue personnel are, the greater the chance that more lives will be saved. Read more helpful information about this issue, including how to create a disaster preparedness personal assessment sheet.