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Make a Plan
- Be prepared and have a Disaster Supply Kit
- Sign up for CodeRED
- Sign up for the Disaster Medical Support Registry
- Be ready to explain to first responders your need to evacuate and what your special needs are.
- Plan ahead for accessible transportation for evacuation or getting to a medical clinic.
- Have a support network of family, friends, or neighbors. Make sure they know where you keep your emergency supplies.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility. Talk to your provider about a plan to continue your treatment in the event of a disaster.
- If you use medical equipment that requires electricity, talk to your provider about how to prepare for a power outage. Consider having a generator. Ensure you know the brand and model number of your equipment in case you need to replace it.
- Wear your medical alert tags or bracelets if you have one.
- Plan for children with disabilities and people who may have difficulties in an unfamiliar or chaotic environment.
Keep additional items ready for disasters
- At least a week-long supply of prescriptions with a list of all your medications, dosages, and allergies
- Extra glasses, hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen
- The model and serial number of medical devices
- Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
- Contact information for doctors and relatives who should be notified if you’re hurt
- Supplies for your service animal (if applicable)
Tips for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Add a weather radio with text display and a flashing alert to your disaster kit
- Include extra hearing-aid batteries in your kit
Tips for the blind or those with Low Vision
- Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print.
- Keep communication devices for your particular needs with your supply kit.
Tips for Speech Disabilities
- If you use a communications device, plan how you will evacuate with it or how to replace the equipment if it is lost of destroyed. Know the model information.
- Plan how to communicate with others if your equipment is not working.
Tips for those with Mobility Disabilities
- If you use a power wheelchair, have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup. Have an extra battery for your power wheelchair.
- Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
- Have a portable air pump and patch kit if your tires are not puncture-proof.
- Have an extra cane or walker if you use one.
- Have an extra seat cushion, if you use one.
Tips for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities
- Have a handheld electronic device (with charger) with movies and games in your supply kit.
- Have a small pop-up tent or sheets and twine to decrease visual stimulation in a busy area.
- Have headphones in your supply kit to decrease auditory distractions.
- Bring comfort snacks if you have to evacuate.