Resource Sheet Emergency Preparedness, Planning, and Evacuation
Developed by the Southeast ADA Center, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, Friday, February 4, 2022(designed specifically for Ukrainians with disabilities in crisis at the request of Fight For Right)
Overview: Thoughts from Christine Woodell, a person with a disability who has experienced multiple natural disasters
- Pre-planning is the most important thing that a person can do to prepare for an emergency. It is hard to remember things when you are in a crisis so planning ahead is critical.
- Each person should have “go” bag with essential items.
- This bag will be unique to each person. Be sure to include comfort items, assistive technologies, or other items that you may need for several days.
- The bag should include lists required medications, doses, the name of their doctor, medical insurance information, and a list of allergies.
- The person needs to take at least seven days of medication. If at all possible, a larger supply of medication is recommended.
- Carry cash with you since debit cards or credit cards may not work during an emergency.
- Emergency shelters:
- must be physically accessible. It is important that all people, including people with disabilities, be able to access the shelters.
- Staff should be trained on how to assist people and communicate with people appropriately.
- People with disabilities need to understand that not every shelter or emergency response organization can meet their unique needs.
- Voluntary registries might be used to identify persons who have a disability or special needs.
Планування до надзвичайних ситуацій
Ready.gov Disability Page
web: ready.gov/disability
Source:Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Description: Ready.gov is a national public service campaign in the United States. It is designed to educate and empower people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. This page includes information for people with disabilities and their families.
Create an Emergency Kit
web: msema.org/preparedness-2/create-an-emergency-kit/
Source: Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (United States)
Description: When a disaster strikes, or is about to strike, it is likely you will not have time to shop for essential items. Whether you are sheltering in place or need to evacuate, there are a number of basic items you will need at your disposal. That is why it is important that every household assemble an emergency kit ahead of time and keep it current. You should review the contents of your kit at least once a year and refresh any expired or outdated items. This document contains a list of basic items to include in your emergency kit, as well as items people disabilities or special needs may need.
Building a Specialized Kit for People with Disabilities
web: msema.org/preparedness-2/building-a-specialized-kit/
Source: Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (United States)
Description: In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should contain items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use on a daily basis and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Emergency Preparedness Planning for Individuals who use Assistive Technology
web: ada.georgia.gov/documents/emergency-preparedness-planning-individuals-who-use-assistive-technology
Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults (United States)
The Get Ready Toolkit Train-the-Trainer PowerPoint Presentation
web: ada.georgia.gov/documents/get-ready-toolkit-train-trainer-powerpoint-presentation
The Get Ready Toolkit
web: https://ada.georgia.gov/documents/get-ready-toolki
Source: Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults (United States)
Description: The Get Ready Toolkit and Train-the-Trainer Workshop materials were developed to provide participants with the tools, guidance, and techniques necessary to assist the individuals they serve with emergency preparedness and planning.
Evacuation and During the Emergency
Посібник з планування евакуції людей з інвалідністю під час надзвичайних ситуацій
web: nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/By-topic/Disabilities/EvacuationGuidePDF.ashx
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities was developed with input from the disability community to provide general information on this important topic. In addition to providing information on the five general categories of disabilities (mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, and cognitive impairments), the Guide outlines the four elements of evacuation information that occupants need: notification, way finding, use of the way, and assistance. A Personal Emergency Evacuation Planning Checklist that building services managers and people with disabilities can use to design a personalized evacuation plan is also included. The annexes give government resources and text based on the relevant code requirements and ADA criteria.
Evacuations and Shelters
web: floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/evacuations-and-shelters/
Source: Florida Division of Emergency Management
Description: One of the most important decisions made during an emergency situation is whether to evacuate or stay in your home or current location. Determining factors such as your unique circumstances and the nature of the emergency should be carefully evaluated before either option is decided upon. As a person with disabilities or special needs or a caretaker of individuals with special needs, your plan should consider and have options for both situations. It is also important to use all the information you can from local officials or the news to determine if there is immediate danger. Use your best judgment as no one knows your needs as well as you do.
Evacuation Considerations
web: floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/evacuations-and-shelters/evacuation-routes/
Source: Florida Division of Emergency Management
Description: Many times, evacuations are ordered at the last minute, leaving little to no time to prepare. As part of your emergency plan, you and your family should have several evacuation routes and options that can help get you out of harm’s way regardless of the potential hazard. This document provides a list of tips to help you determine what evacuation route(s) suits you best.
A Practical Approach to Emergency Evacuation for Wheelchair Users
web: askjan.org/blogs/jan/2019/10/a-practical-approach-to-emergency-evacuation-for-wheelchair-users.cfm
Source: Job Accommodation Network
Description: An issue that comes up time after time is emergency evacuation plans for an employee who uses a wheelchair. Whether it is part of an employer’s safety initiative (which includes an emergency evacuation plan for all employees) or whether an employer is concerned for the safety of a specific employee in a wheelchair, the ultimate goal is to evacuate the premises safely and in a timely manner. This document discusses evacuation options and provides an Employee Medical Emergency Plan of Action.
TIPS Guide for First Responders
web: ada.georgia.gov/documents/tips-guide-first-responders
Source: Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults (United States)
Description: This quick reference guide provides specific, practical tips for working with people who have a wide range of disabilities. The information is color-coded for easy access before, during, and after a crisis.
Політики та процедури
Як розробити доступні для ЛЗІ програми з підготовки до та дій під час надзвичайних ситуацій
web: ada.gov/emerprepguideprt.pdf
ADA та укриття: Доступ для всіх під час надзвичайних ситуацій та катастроф
web: ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap7shelterprog.htm
ADA Контрольний перелік вимог до місць укриття під час надзвичайних ситуацій
web: ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap7shelterchk.htm
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
Посібник з підготовки до надзвичайних ситуацій Федерального агенства з надзвичайних ситуацій США
web: fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/exercises/tools
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Description: це онлайн-середовище для співпраці людей з усіх рівнів урядових структур, приватного та некомерційного секторів, щоб підготуватися до ризиків у своїх спільнотах і можливість ефективно та легко виконувати заходи з підготовки та ділитися цією роботою з іншими.
General Resources
ADA Live! is a monthly show broadcast nationally on the Internet and produced by the Southeast ADA Center. Leaders in the field share their knowledge, experience and successful strategies that increase the participation of persons with disabilities in communities and businesses. Listeners may ask questions and learn about their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Four episodes have focused on emergency preparedness issues.
ADA Live Episode 85 Resources: Emergency Preparedness and the ADA During the COVID-19 Pandemic
web: adalive.org/resources/episode-85-resources-emergency-preparedness-and-the-ada-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
ADA Live Episode 47 Resources: Emergencies: How to Prepare for Them and What To Do Afterwards
web: adalive.org/resources/episode-47-resources/
ADA Live Episode 32: Equal Access in Emergencies: During and After
web: adalive.org/resources/episode-32-resources/
ADA Live Episode 8: Emergency Shelter Preparedness: Two Perspectives
web: adalive.org/resources/episode-8-resources/
