JUSTICE FOR ALL -- A Free Service of the
American Association of People with Disabilities
www.aapd-dc.org
www.jfanow.org


"Assisting People with Disabilities in a Disaster"

Jim Ward of ADA Watch, [log in to unmask], writes: "Many of
us have listened to the descriptions, both heroic and
tragic, of how people with disabilities were impacted
during our National tragedy. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency web site (FEMA.gov) has information on
the evacuation of people with disabilities during fires and
other disasters. In solidarity, Jim Ward"

The FEMA guidance follows.

Jonathan Young, JFA Moderator


==========================


http://www.fema.gov/r-n-r/assistf.htm

Assisting People With Disabilities In A Disaster
People with disabilities who are self-sufficient under
normal circumstances may have to rely on the help of others
in a disaster.

PROVIDE ASSISTANCE

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A DISABILITY?

+   People with disabilities often need more time than
others to make necessary preparations in an emergency.
+   The needs of older people often are similar to those of
persons with disabilities.
+   Because disaster warnings are often given by audible
means such as sirens and radio announcements, people who
are deaf or hard of hearing may not receive early disaster
warnings and emergency instructions. Be their source of
emergency information as it comes over the radio or
television.
+   Some people who are blind or visually-impaired,
especially older people, may be extremely reluctant to
leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation
comes from a stranger.
+   A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a
disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may
have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their
dog, to safety during a disaster.
+   In most states, guide dogs will be allowed to stay in
emergency shelters with owners. Check with your local
emergency management officials for more information.
+   People with impaired mobility are often concerned about
being dropped when being lifted or carried. Find out the
proper way to transfer or move someone in a wheelchair and
what exit routs from buildings are best.
+   Some people with mental retardation may be unable to
understand the emergency and could become disoriented or
confused about the proper way to react.
+   Many respiratory illnesses can be aggravated by stress.
In an emergency, oxygen and respiratory equipment may not
be readily available.
+   People with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and other
conditions often have very individualized medication
regime's that cannot be interrupted without serious
consequences. Some may be unable to communicate this
information in an emergency.

Be ready to offer assistance if disaster strikes:
If a disaster warning is issued, check with neighbors or
coworkers who are disabled. Offer assistance whenever
possible.

Prepare an emergency plan.
Work with neighbors who are disabled to prepare an
emergency response plan. Identify how you will contact each
other and what action will be taken.

EVACUATION

Be able to assist if an evacuation order is issued.
Provide physical assistance in leaving the home/office and
transferring to a vehicle.

Provide transportation to a shelter. This may require a
specialized vehicle designed to carry a wheelchair or other
mobility equipment.

Self-Help Networks
Self-help networks are arrangements of people who agree to
assist an individual with a disability in an emergency.
Discuss with the relative, friend or co- -worker who has a
disability what assistance he or she may need. Urge the
person to keep a disaster supplies kit and suggest that you
keep an extra copy of the list of special items such as
medicines or special equipment that the person has
prepared. Talk with the person about how to inform him or
her of an oncoming disaster and see about getting a key to
the person's house so you can provide assistance without
delay.




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