Build A Kit for Access and Functional Needs

An emergency preparedness kit for individuals with access and functional needs should include general supplies plus additional items tailored to their specific requirements. See a noncomprehensive list here:

Basic Emergency Supplies (for everyone)

Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
Non-perishable food (three-day supply)
Manual can opener
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (at least a seven-day supply)
Multi-purpose tool
Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes, garbage bags)
Emergency blanket and extra clothing
Important documents (in a waterproof container)
Cash and coins

Access and Functional Needs Essentials

For Mobility Needs:

Extra wheelchair batteries and mobility aids (canes, walkers)
Repair kits and tire patch kits for wheelchairs
Backup power supply for powered devices

For Medical Needs:

Backup supply of oxygen
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, and hearing aid batteries
Medical alert tags or bracelets
Copies of medical records and prescriptions
Specialized food, if required (e.g., for diabetes or food allergies)

For Communication Needs:

Notebooks, pens, or communication boards
Extra batteries for communication devices
Printed emergency contact list with key information

For Cognitive/Behavioral Needs:

Comfort items like fidget toys, weighted blankets, or familiar objects
Written instructions for routines and medical care
Identification information (e.g., name tags)

For Service Animals and Pets:

Extra food and water
Vaccination records and medications
Leash, harness, and carrier
Under the ADA, shelters operated by state and local governments or private entities must:

Allow service animals in all areas where the public is permitted to go.

Not ask for documentation or require proof that the animal is a service animal.

May only ask: