Office of Emergency Management

Creating an emergency preparedness plan for individuals with access and functional needs requires extra consideration to ensure safety, comfort, and accessibility during a crisis. Here's how to build a comprehensive plan:

Step 1: Assess Individual Needs

Start by identifying specific requirements, including:

• Mobility limitations (wheelchair, walker, etc.)
• Medical needs (medications, oxygen, dialysis, etc.)
• Communication challenges (hearing, speech, or cognitive impairments)
• Support system (caregivers, service animals, etc.)

Step 2: Build a Personalized Support Network

• Identify trusted family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers who can assist during emergencies
• Share your emergency plan with them, including specific instructions for your needs
• Create a contact list with emergency services, medical providers, and your support network

Step 3: Plan for Evacuation

• Identify multiple evacuation routes and accessible transportation options

• Pack a go-bag with essential supplies (especially for mobility aids, medications, or medical devices)

• If you have a service animal, include their essentials

Step 4: Document Key Information

• Create a detailed emergency information sheet that includes:
  • Medical conditions and treatment needs
  • Medication list (dosages, frequency)
  • Care instructions for service animals
  • Emergency contacts
• Store this information in your go-bag and give copies to your support network

Step 5: Maintain Backup Power and Supplies

• Identify devices that require power (e.g., oxygen concentrators, mobility aids)
• Arrange for backup power sources such as batteries, portable chargers, batteries, oxygen and other needed supplies as they will be in low supply so individuals will need to be able to support themselves as much as possible
• Keep an emergency food supply tailored to dietary needs

Step 6: Practice Your Plan

• Conduct drills with your support network to ensure readiness
• Familiarize yourself with local shelter options that are accessible
• Practice communicating your needs clearly in emergency situations

Checklist of Key Items for Your Plan

• Emergency contact list
• Copies of medical records and prescriptions
• Adaptive equipment (spare parts and batteries)
• Detailed evacuation plan with routes and accessible transportation
• Backup power for essential devices
• Communication aids (e.g., speech boards, text-to-speech apps)
• Comfort and sensory items