Office of Emergency Management

Individuals with access and functional needs can develop valuable skills to enhance their preparedness and resilience during disasters and emergencies. These skills empower individuals to manage their safety, assist others, and advocate for inclusive emergency planning. Key skills include:

1. Communication Skills

• Creating Communication Cards: Develop cards that outline key information like medical needs, allergies, and emergency contacts.
• Using Assistive Technology: Learn to operate text-to-speech apps, alerting devices, or specialized communication boards.
• Practicing Alternative Communication Methods: Familiarize yourself with sign language basics, picture-based communication, or writing key phrases for emergencies.

2. Self-Advocacy and Assertiveness

Asserting Your Needs: Practice confidently explaining your unique requirements to emergency responders, caregivers, and community members.

3. Mobility and Navigation Skills

• Mastering Evacuation Routes: Learn multiple accessible exits from your home, workplace, and common gathering areas.
• Operating Mobility Equipment: Gain confidence in managing, assembling, or repairing assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or prosthetics.

4. Medical Self-Care Skills

• Managing Medications: Organize medications, track expiration dates, and create a list of medical conditions and treatments.
• Using Backup Power Solutions: Understand how to operate generators, battery backups, or manual alternatives for essential medical devices.
• Specific Needs: Understanding one’s specific needs and having multiple back up options, knowing localities will have low supply of specific items, like oxygen and knowing how long you can sustain without power/backup power.

5. Basic First Aid and CPR

• Administering First Aid: Learning skills like controlling bleeding, treating burns, or stabilizing injuries can save lives.
• CPR Training: Knowing how to perform CPR can assist individuals with breathing or cardiac emergencies.

6. Emotional Resilience and Stress Management

• Coping Strategies: Develop relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, or grounding exercises to manage anxiety during emergencies.
• Creating a Comfort Kit: Include familiar objects, calming items, or sensory tools to reduce stress.

7. Digital Literacy Skills

• Accessing Emergency Alerts: Familiarize yourself with technology like the FEMA mobile app, NOAA Weather Radio, and local alert systems to access important information.
• Using Online Maps: Knowing how to identify evacuation routes and accessible transportation options online can be invaluable.

8. Financial Preparedness

• Managing Emergency Funds: Establish savings for medical supplies, evacuation costs, or temporary housing.
• Documenting Important Records: Secure vital documents (e.g., identification, insurance) in waterproof, easily accessible containers.