|
Earthquakes Fires Volcanoes Winter Storms Nuclear Emergencies Hazardous Material Household Chemicals Floods Excessive Heat Hurricanes Landslides Thunderstorms Tornadoes Tsunamis Course Overview Training Course
| |
Collaborating Agencies to Respond Disasters
Collaborating agencies prepares
& provides the tools, expertise and access to resources to assist
anyone engaged in disaster planning for individuals with special needs.
Vulnerable people are those who cannot comfortably or safely access and use the
standard resources offered in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery. For
example:
a disabled person whose
needs cannot be met in a shelter
a non-English-speaker
who does not understand the order to evacuate
a frail elder who
cannot lift or carry a disaster supply kit
a recent immigrant who
is reluctant to ask for help
Who can benefit from
using this site?
Community-based
organizations: Your expertise and community awareness make you the best resource
for the population you serve. When you're prepared to serve your clients, you
are part of the solution if a disaster strikes.
Local
government: Planning for people with special needs is a critical component of
your emergency plan. Use the site resources and work with community-based
organizations to address these needs in your community.
Neighborhood
organizations: Neighborhoods are a critical component of early response. Learn
how to help your neighbors prepare and work together when there's a disaster.
Families:
Do you have elderly parents, a non-English-speaking relative or a disabled
child? Learn what emergency supplies to have on hand and how else to help those
you care for.
|
Earthquake Tips for People With Disabilities |
Developed and
Distributed By Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco
70 10th Street,
San Francisco,
CA 94103, 415-863-0581, TTY 415-863-1367, FAX 415-863-1290
In cooperation with June Kailes, Disability Consultant
through a grant from The American Red Cross Northern California Disaster
Preparedness Network
This fact sheet is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People
with Disabilities to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with regular American Red Cross preparedness
information and Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco's EARTHQUAKE
TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH A SPECIFIC DISABILITY (i.e., Mobility, Visual,
Communication, Cognitive, Psychiatric, Hearing, etc.), TIPS FOR COLLECTING
EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION CARD.
Without all four tip sheets, you do not have all the information you need to be
prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It is. Preparing does take
time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy and budget permit. The
important thing is to start preparing. The more you do, the more confident you
will be that you can protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
Establish a
Personal Support Network
A personal
support network is made up individuals who will check with you in an
emergency to ensure you are O.K. and to give assistance if needed. This
network can consist of friends, roommates, family members, relatives, personal
attendants, co-workers and neighbors.
Some people rely
on personal assistance services (attendants). This type of assistance may
not be available after a major quake. Therefore it is vital that your personal
support network consist of different people than those who are your personal
attendants. If you employ a personal attendant or use the services of a home
health agency or other type of in home service, discuss with these people a plan
for what you will do in case of an emergency. How will you get along in an
emergency for as long as 7 days? A critical element to consider in your
emergency planning is the establishment of a personal support network.
Even if you do
not use a personal attendant, it is important to consider having a personal
support network to assist you in coping with an emergency. Do not depend on any
one person.
Work out support relationships with several individuals. Identify a minimum
of three people at each location where you regularly spend a significant
part of your week: job, home, school, volunteer site, etc.
In spite of your
best planning, sometimes a personal support network must be created on the spot.
For example you may find yourself in a shelter and needing to assemble help for
immediate assistance. Think about what you will need, how you want it done and
what kind of person you would select.
Seven Important
Items to Discuss, Give to and Practice with Your Personal Support Network:
 |
Make arrangements, prior to an emergency, for
your support network to immediately check on you after a quake and, if needed,
offer assistance. |
 |
Exchange important keys. |
 |
Show where you keep emergency supplies.
|
 |
Share copies of your relevant emergency
documents, evacuation plans and emergency health information card.
|
 |
Agree and practice a communications system
regarding how to contact each other in an emergency. Do not count on the
telephones working. |
 |
You and your personal support network should
always notify each other when you are going out of town and when you will
return. |
 |
The relationship should be mutual. Learn about
each other's needs and how to help each other in an emergency. You could be
responsible for food supplies and preparation, organizing neighborhood watch
meetings, interpreting, etc. |
Traveling
When staying in
hotels/motels identify yourself to registration desk staff as a person who will
need assistance in an emergency and state the type of assistance you may need.
Health Card
 |
An emergency health information card
communicates to rescuers what they need to know about you if they find you
unconscious or incoherent, or if they need to quickly help evacuate you.
|
 |
An emergency health information card should
contain information about medications, equipment you use, allergies and
sensitivities, communication difficulties you may have, preferred treatment,
treatment-medical providers, and important contact people. |
 |
Make multiple copies of this card to keep in
emergency supply kits, car |
|
Tips for
Collecting Emergency Documents |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for Collecting Emergency
Documents to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake.It is designed
to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, EARTHQUAKE
TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH A SPECIFIC DISABILITY (i. e., Mobility, Visual,
Communication, Cognitive, Psychiatric, Hearing, etc.) and TIPS FOR CREATING
EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not have
all the information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of
work. It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as
your energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The
more you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED /
ACTIVITIES
__________
Complete an Emergency Contact List.
__________ Collect Emergency Documents.
__________ Store
Emergency Contact List and Documents in emergency supply kits, wallet, safe
deposit box and give copies to personal support network and out of area contact.
__________ Update
Every 6 Months
Emergency Contact
List
 |
Ask several relatives or friends who live
outside your immediate area (approximately 100 miles away) to act as a
clearinghouse for information about you and your family after a quake. It is
often easier to place an out-of-state long distance call from a disaster area,
than to call within the area. All family members should know to call the
contact person to report their location and condition. On e contact is made,
have the contact person relay messages to your other friends and relatives
outside the disaster area. This will help to reduce calling into and out of
the affected area once the phones are working. (See attached worksheet.)
|
Emergency
Documents (includes important information typically needed after a disaster).
 |
Copies of Emergency
Documents Should Include:
Specifications for adaptive equipment (in case it needs to be replaced)
¨ Proof of ownership or lease of your residence. (This is important when
applying for disaster assistance after the quake.)*¨ Social security numbers
of family members.*
¨ Vehicle, boats, etc. make, identification and license numbers.*
¨ Charge and bank account numbers.*
¨ Insurance policy numbers.*
¨ Securities, deeds and loan numbers including company name, address and
telephone numbers.*
¨ Will/living trust and letter of instructions.*
¨ Photos or video of all valuables for documentation of insurance claim. (This
inventory should be backed up on disk if it is on computer. Consider
documenting your inventory by going through your areas with a video or camera
and capture all your possessions on film.)*
¨ Important business documents.'
¨ Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates).*
¨ List style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers.
|
* Store these
documents only in your home emergency supply kit.
Store Emergency
Documents
 |
Store Emergency Contact
List and Emergency Documents in a tightly sealed freezer bag in emergency
supplies. Send a copy to an out of state contact and keep another copy in
safety deposit box. |
 |
Additional copies of
Emergency Contact List and all Emergency Documents (except for those followed
by an *) should be stored:
¨ in emergency carry with you supply kits
¨ in wallet
¨ give to personal support network |
Update Every Six
Months (i.e. when you change the clocks).
 |
Emergency Health Information Card |
 |
Emergency Contact List |
Tips for Creating an Emergency Health Information Card
|
This fact sheet is
designed to provide a check list for activities for Creating an Emergency Health
Information Card to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, EARTHQUAKE
TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH A SPECIFIC DISABILITY (i.e., Mobility, Visual,
Communication, Cognitive, Psychiatric, Hearing, etc), and TIPS FOR COLLECTING
EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS. Without all four tip sheets you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It
is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED /
ACTIVITIES
__________ Complete
and/or Customize Health Card
__________ Keep copies
in wallet, purse and all emergency supply kits
Customize Card
An emergency health
information card communicates to rescuers what they need to know about you if
they find you unconscious or incoherent, or, if they need to quickly help
evacuate you. An emergency health information card should contain information
about medications, equipment you use, allergies and sensitivities, communication
difficulties you may have, preferred treatment and treatment-medical providers,
and important contact people.
Copies of Card
Make multiple copies of
this card to keep in emergency supply kits, emergency carry-with-you kits, car,
work, wallet and purse (behind drivers license or primary identification card)
wheelchair pack, etc.
Put these items on the
front:
-
Name
-
Street Address
-
City, State, Zip
-
Phone (Home, Work)
-
Fax No
-
Birth date
-
Blood Type
-
Social Security No.
-
Health Insurance Carrier and Individual and
Group #
-
Physicians
Put these items on the back:
-
Emergency Contacts
-
Conditions, Disability
-
Medications
-
Assistance Needed
-
Allergies
-
Immunization Dates
-
Communication/Equipment/Other Needs
Instructions for filling
out the card:
 |
(1-11)Self-explanatory:
Name, address, phone: home, work, fax birth date, blood type, social security
number, primary physician(s), insurance carrier, local and out of town
emergency contacts and personal support network. |
 |
(12) Conditions which a rescuer might need to
know about (if you are not sure, list it): i.e. diabetes, epilepsy, heart
condition, high blood pressure, respiratory condition, HIV positive.
 | "My
disability, which is due to a head injury, sometimes make me appear drunk.
I'm not!" |
 | "I
have a psychiatric disability, in an emergency I may become confused. Help
me find a quiet corner and I should be fine in about 10 minutes; if not give
me one green pill, (name of medication) located in my (purse, wallet,
pocket, etc.)" |
 | "I
take Lithium and my blood level needs to be checked every ______ ."
|
 |
Multiple chemical sensitivities
- these conditions may not be commonly understood therefore explanations may
need to be detailed. "I react to..., my reaction is...... do this...." |
|
 |
(13)Medications
If you take medication that cannot be interrupted without serious
consequences, make sure this is stated clearly and include:
 |
prescriptions |
 |
dosage |
 |
times taken |
 |
other details regarding specifications of administration/regime; i.e.,
insulin, etc. |
 |
Instructions:
i.e.: take my gamma globulin from the freezer, take my insulin from the
refrigerator.
Name, address, phone and fax numbers of pharmacy where you get your
prescriptions filled. |
|
 |
(14) Anticipated assistance needed.
 | "I
need specific help with: walking, eating, standing, dressing, transferring."
|
 |
Walking - "best way to assist is to allow me to hang on your arm for
balance." |
|
 |
(15)Allergies and sensitivities:
History of skin or other reaction of sickness following injection or oral
administration of:
 |
Penicillin or other antibiotics |
 |
Tetanus, antitoxin or other serums |
 |
Morphine, Codeine, Demerol or other narcotics |
 |
Adhesive tape |
 |
Novocain or other anesthetics |
 |
Iodine or methiolate |
 |
Aspirin, emperin or other pain remedies |
 |
Foods such as eggs, milk chocolate, or others |
 |
Sulfa drugs |
 | Sun
exposure |
 |
Insect bites, bee stings |
|
 |
(16)Immunization Dates (self explanatory) |
 |
(17a)Communication or a speech-related disability:
Specific communication needs (examples):
 | "I
speak using an artificial larynx, if it is not available I can write notes
to communicate." |
 | "I
may not make sense for a while if under stress, let me alone for 10 - 15
minutes and my mind should clear." |
 | "I
speak slowly, softly and my speech is not clear. Find a quiet place for us
to communicate. Be patient! Ask me to repeat or spell out what I am saying,
if you cannot understand me!" |
 | "I
use a word board, augmentative communication device, artificial larynx,
etc., to communicate. In an emergency I can point to words and letters."
|
 | "I
cannot read. I communicate using an augmentative communication device. I can
point to simple pictures or key words which you will find in my wallet or
emergency supply kit" |
 | "I
may have some difficulty understanding what you are telling me, please speak
slowly and use simple language." |
 | "My
primary language is ASL (American Sign Language). I am deaf and not fluent
in English, I will need an ASL interpreter. I read only very simple
English." |
|
 |
(17b)Equipment used:
 |
motorized wheelchair |
 |
suction machine |
 |
home dialysis |
 |
respirator |
 |
Instructions:
take my oxygen tank, take my wheelchair. |
|
 |
(17c)Sanitary needs:
 |
indwelling catheter |
 |
trach |
|
|
Earthquake Tips for People With Visual Disabilities |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People with Visual
Disabilities to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR
COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH
INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It
is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED / ACTIVITIES
__________________ Store extras Canes.
__________________ Alternate Mobility Cues in each room.
__________________ Label Emergency Supplies with Braille, large print, or
fluorescent tape.
__________________ Secure Computers and important information.
Canes
 |
If you use a cane, keep
extras in strategic, consistent and secured locations at job, home, school,
volunteer site, etc. to help you maneuver around obstacles and hazards.
|
 |
Keep a spare cane in your
emergency kit. |
Alternate
Mobility Cues
If you
have some vision, place security lights in each room, to light paths of travel.
These lights plug into electrical wall outlets and light up automatically if
there is a
 |
loss of power. They will,
depending on type, continue to operate automatically for 1 to 6 hours and
can be turned off manually and used as a short-lasting flashlight.
|
 |
Store high-powered
flashlights with wide beams and extra batteries. |
 |
If you wear soft contact
lenses, plan to have an alternative because you will not be able to operate
the cleaning unit without power. |
 |
Service animals may
become confused, panicked, frightened or disoriented in and after a
disaster. Keep them confined or securely leashed or harnessed. A
leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or upset animal.
Be prepared to use alternative ways to negotiate your environment.
|
 |
Plan for losing the
auditory clues you usually rely on after a major quake. |
Label Supplies
 |
If helpful, mark
emergency supplies with large print, fluorescent tape or Braille.
|
Secure
Computers
 |
Anchor special equipment
such as computers. Create a back-up system for important data and store it
off site. |
Advocacy Issues
 |
Advocate that TV news not
only post important phone numbers but also announce them slowly and repeat
them frequently for people who cannot read the screen. |
 | |
|
Earthquake Tips for the Hearing Impaired |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People who are Deaf or
Hard of Hearing to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR
COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH
INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work.
It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED
/ ACTIVITIES
__________
Store and maintain extra Batteries.
__________
Store Hearing Aids.
__________
Install both Audible Alarms and Visual Smoke Alarms.
__________
Written Communication for emergency personnel.
Batteries
 |
Store extra batteries for
hearing aids and implants. If available, store an extra hearing aid with
emergency supplies |
 |
Maintain TTY batteries
(consult manual). |
 |
Store extra batteries for
your TTY and light phone signaler. Check the manual for proper battery
maintenance. |
Hearing Aids
 |
Store hearing aid(s) in a
strategic, consistent and secured location so they can be found and used
after a quake. |
 |
For example consider
storing in a container by bedside which is attached to night stand or bed
post using string or velcro. Missing or damaged hearing aids will be
difficult to replace or fix immediately after a major disaster. |
Alarms
 |
Install both audible
alarms and visual smoke alarms. At least one should be battery operated.
|
Communication
 |
Determine how you will
communicate with emergency personnel: if there is no interpreter; if you do
not have your hearing aid(s). Store paper and pens. |
 |
Consider carrying
pre-printed copy of key phrase messages with you such as 'I speak American
Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter,' 'I do not write or read
English." "If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or
signed." |
 |
If possible, obtain a
battery operated television that has a decoder chip for access to signed or
captioned
emergency reports. |
 |
Determine which
broadcasting systems will be accessible in terms of continuous news that
will be captioned and/or signed. Advocate so that television stations have a
plan to secure emergency interpreters for on camera
emergency duty. |
Advocacy
 |
Recruit interpreters to
be Red Cross emergency volunteers. |
 |
Maintain pressure on TV
stations to broadcast all news and emergency information in open caption
format. |
 |
Ensure hotels have access
packets for deaf and hearing impaired persons, including audible alarms,
when you travel. Ask for them when you check in. |
Earthquake Tips for People with Cognitive Disabilities
(mental retardation, brain injury, stroke and other
conditions that may reduce the ability to process information.)
|
This fact sheet is
designed to provide a checklist for activities for People with Developmental
or Cognitive Disabilities to improve your emergency preparedness in an
earthquake. It is designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living
Resource Center San Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING
AN EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not
have all the information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a
lot of work. It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a
time, as your energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start
preparing. The more you do, the more confident you will be that you can
protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED /
ACTIVITIES
_________ Practice what
to do during and after an earthquake.
_________ Keep a written
Emergency Plan with you.
_________ Copies of plan
to Personal Support Network buddies.
_________ Ways to Help
Remember.
_________ Practice how
to tell someone about what you need.
Before, During and After an Earthquake
 |
Practice what to do during and after an
earthquake. Practice leaving places where you spend time (job, home, school,
volunteer assignment, etc.) until you feel comfortable and feel confident
that you will know what to do during and after a quake. |
Emergency Plan
 |
Keep a written emergency plan with you and in
several locations. Make sure your emergency plan is easy to read and
understand. |
 |
After a quake, information often comes at you
quickly. Think through ways to do things you will need to do after a quake.
Small tape recorder, calendar with room for notes, to do lists, etc., will
help you remember things. |
 |
Give copies of your written emergency plan to
your personal support network buddies. |
Communication
 |
Think through what a rescuer might need to know
about you and be prepared to say it briefly, or keep a written copy with
you:
I cannot read. I communicate using an augmentative communication device. I
can point to simple pictures or key words which you will find in my wallet
or emergency supply kit.
I may have difficulty understanding what you are telling me, please speak
slowly and use simple language.
I forget easily. Please write down information for me. |
|
Earthquake Tips for People with Environmental Illness or Chemical
Sensitivties 
|
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People with
Environmental Illness/Multiple Chemical Sensitivities to improve your
emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is designed to be used in
conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco's general
EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR COLLECTING EMERGENCY
DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION CARD. Without
all four tip sheets,you do not have all the information you need to be
prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work, It is. Preparing does take
time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy and budget permit.
The important thing is to start preparing. The more you do, the more confident
you will be that you can protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED/
ACTIVITIES
__________
Emergency Supplies based on your worst days.
__________
"Carry With You" Important Supplies to keep with you at all times
(medications, first aid kit, evacuation kit).
__________
Special additions to your Emergency Supplies.
__________ In
case of Evacuation, know where the nearest safe places are from your home.
Emergency
Supplies
Collect
emergency supplies based on your worst days. After a major quake an excess of
smoke, excessive dust, molds, gas leaks, diesel from idling rescue vehicles,
flashing lights, radio waves, electro magnetic fields (from generators,
emergency lights, cellular phones and walkie talkies) and airborne toxins may
trigger stronger reactions than you normally experience.
"Carry With
You" Emergency Supplies
 |
Emergency Health
Information Card should clearly explain your sensitivities and reactions,
most helpful treatments, and treatments which are harmful, Be specific, as
environmental illness is not commonly understood. Remember that some
reactions (disorientation, aphasia, panic) may be diagnosed and treated as
something other than chemical sensitivity and you may not be able to
describe your needs verbally. |
 |
Medications including:
inhalers, epinephrine shots, anticonvulsant. |
 |
Prescriptions and
Treatment Authorization Request (T.A.R.'s) from your doctor for unusual,
orphan or hard-to-find medications. |
 |
Supplements, herbs,
homeopathic remedies. |
First Aid Kit:
 |
Cotton bandages, gauze,
and paper tape. |
 |
Hydrogen peroxide,
zephiran chloride or your tolerated disinfectant. |
Emergency
Supplies
 |
Charcoal mask and/or
respirator. |
 |
Well aired-out (outgassed)
plastic or steel tubing and ceramic mask or outgassed plastic mask for
oxygen. |
 |
Rolls of aluminum foil
for such things as covering chairs, sleeping area, food, etc. |
 |
Baking soda stored in a
waterproof container (for washing). |
 |
Food that requires no
cooking. |
 |
Water, if storage in
glass containers is necessary, consider using one quart bottles, stored
inside layers of thick socks to protect the glass and to enable carrying.
Note: glass bottles will break if the water freezes and expands.
|
 |
Portable charcoal water
filter. |
 |
Before purchasing a fire
extinguisher, check your sensitivity to the contents. |
Evacuation Plan
 |
Know where the nearest
safe places are, especially open air places, such as a beach, up wind from
traffic, refineries and fires. |
 |
Avoid hermetically sealed
shelters. |
|
Earthquake Tips for People Mobility Disabilities |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for people with Mobility
Disabilities to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR
COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH
INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work,
It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE
COMPLETED /AC
__________ Store Needed Aids in consistent, convenient and secured location.
__________ Emergency Kit Extras.
__________ Arrange and Secure Furniture and other items to provide multiple
barrier-free passages.
__________
Practice using Alternate Methods of Evacuation.
Storage
 |
Store emergency supplies
in a pack or backpack attached to walker, wheelchair, scooter, etc.
|
 |
Store needed mobility
aids (canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs) close to you in a consistent,
convenient and secured location. Keep extra aids in several locations, if
available. |
Emergency Kit
 |
Keep a pair of heavy
gloves in your supply kit to use while wheeling or making your way over
glass and debris. |
 |
If you use a motorized
wheelchair/scooter consider having an extra battery available. A car battery
can be substituted for a wheelchair battery but this type of battery will
not last as long as a wheelchair's deep-cycle battery. Check with your
vendor to see if you will be able to charge batteries by either connecting
jumper cables to a vehicle battery or by connecting batteries to a specific
type of converter that plugs into your vehicle's cigarette lighter in the
event of loss of electricity. |
 |
If you do not have
puncture proof tires, keep a patch kit or can of "seal-in-air product" to
repair flat tires and/or also keep an extra supply of inner tubes.
|
 |
Store a lightweight
manual wheelchair, if available |
Evacuation Plan
 |
Arrange and secure
furniture and other items to provide paths of travel and barrier free
passages. |
 |
If you spend time above
the first floor of an elevator building, plan and practice using alternate
methods of evacuation. If needed, enlist the help of your personal support
network. |
 |
If you cannot use stairs,
discuss lifting and carrying techniques that will work for you. There will
be instances where wheelchair users will have to leave their chairs behind
in order to safely evacuate a structure. |
 |
Sometimes transporting
someone downstairs is not a practical solution unless there are at least two
or more strong people to control the chair. Therefore, it is very important
to discuss the safest way to transport you if you need to be carried, and
alert them to any areas of vulnerability. |
 |
For example: the
traditional "fire fighter's carry" may be hazardous for some people with
some respiratory weakness. You need to be able to give brief instructions
regarding how to move you. |
Earthquake Tips for People Who Use Life Support Systems
(dialysis, respirator, oxygen,suction, Itravenous pump or
infusion therapy)
|
This fact sheet is
designed to provide a checklist for activities for people who use Life Support
Systems to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR
COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH
INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work,
It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED
/ACTIVITIES
__________ Secure
Equipment.
__________ Maintain current list of Alternate Providers.
__________ Obtain Alternate Power source.
__________ Obtain a Generator.
__________ Oxygen Users.
__________ Regularly Test and Back Up power supply.
__________ Register with Utility Company.
__________ Teach a Personal Support Network how to operate and safely move
your equipment.
Secure Equipment.
Secure any life support
equipment to prevent damage from falling. If you use a chain to secure
equipment, make sure it is a welded (not bent) chain.
Alternate Providers
Determine which
facilities/providers would serve you in the event that your home system
becomes inoperable or your provider is unable to provide you service.
Alternate Power
 |
Discuss with your vendor alternative power
sources that will provide you with support for up to
five to seven days.
|
 |
Could you use a generator? What type?
|
 |
Could you use manually operated equipment?
|
 |
Can your equipment be powered from a vehicle
battery? If yes, obtain necessary hardware for the hook-up. |
Obtain a Generator
 |
Obtain a generator, if appropriate and
feasible. To run generators in an emergency, fuel must be safely stored.
Generators need to be operated in an open area to ensure good ventilation. A
2,000 to 2,500-watt gas-powered portable generator can power a refrigerator
and several lamps. (A refrigerator needs to run only 15 minutes an hour to
stay cool if you keep the door closed. So, you could unplug it to operate a
microwave or other appliance.) |
 |
For 24-hour use over several days, a
gasoline-powered generator is probably the preferred alternative power
source. A generator does not take the same vigilance as storing batteries,
although it still needs to be tested periodically to make sure it will be
operable when needed. The challenge with generators comes when you live in
an apartment and have to figure out how to store an adequate gasoline supply
safely. Store a syphon kit if you need to obtain gasoline directly from a
vehicle. |
 |
Some generators can be plugged into house
wiring systems. It is important to first consult your utility company before
you plug a generator into house wiring. |
Oxygen Users
 |
Check with your provider to determine whether a
reduced flow rate may be used in the event of a disaster to prolong the fife
of the system. Record on your equipment the reduced flow numbers so that you
can easily refer to them. |
 |
Be keenly aware of oxygen safety; avoid areas
where gas leaks or open flames may be present. |
 |
Post "Oxygen in Use" signs.
|
 |
Keep the shut-off switch for oxygen equipment
near you so you can get to it quickly in case of emergency. |
Regular Test Backup
 |
If your power backup system relies on storing
batteries, be aware of the disadvantage. Stored batteries require periodic
charging even when they are unused. So, if your survival strategy depends on
storing batteries, a battery charging routine will have to be strictly
followed. |
 |
Regularly check back-up or alternative power
equipment to ensure it will function during an emergency. |
 |
Know the working duration of any batteries that
support your system. |
 |
Discuss with your power company the type of
back up power you plan to use; get their advice. |
Utility Company
Registry
 |
Register with your local utility company(ies)
if this service is available in your community. Many utility companies
maintain a list and map of your location in the event of an emergency.
Contact the customer service department for additional information.
|
 |
In order to restore power as soon as possible
to those who need it most when there are power outages, many power utility
companies keep a list of names of people dependent on powered life support
systems and tag their meters. In some instances, this list is prioritized by
the time a person is able to tolerate being off a life support system.
Information is given to local power stations. Registering for this service
may also qualify you for a discount rate. NEVER COUNT ON YOUR POWER BEING
QUICKLY RESTORED. Utility personnel may not be able to get to you after a
major earthquake. |
Personal Support
Network
 |
Inform your personal support network how to
operate and safely move your equipment if necessary. |
 |
Label equipment, add instruction cards,
laminate instruction cards for added durability, attach to equipment.
|
|
Earthquake Tips for People With Communication and Speech Related
Disabilities |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a check list for activities for People with
Communication and Speech Related Disabilities to improve your emergency
preparedness in an earthquake. It is designed to be used in conjunction with
Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS, and TIPS
FOR CREATING AN EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip
sheets, you do not have all the information you need to be prepared.
Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It is. Preparing does take time and
effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy and budget permit. The
important thing is to start preparing. The more you do, the more confident you
will be that you can protect your self, your family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED/
ACTIVITIES
__________ How
Will You Communicate?
__________ Store Communication Aids in all Emergency Kits.
__________ Complete Emergency Health Information Card with Communication
Information.
__________ Batteries or Chargers for Communication Equipment.
Communication
Determine how you will communicate with emergency personnel if you do not have
your communication devices (augmentative communication device, word board,
artificial larynx).
Communication
Aids
Store copies of
a word or letter board, paper and writing materials, pre-printed messages and
key phrases specific to an anticipated emergency, in all your emergency kits,
your wallet, purse, etc.
Emergency
Health Information Card
Make sure
emergency health information card explains the best method to communicate with
you, ie: written notes, pointing to letters/words/pictures, finding a quiet
place.
Alternate Power
Source
Obtain an
alternative power source (i.e., power converter, batteries) if you use a
computer or laptop computer as a means of frequent communication.
|
Earthquake Tips for People With Psychiatric Disabilities |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People with Psychiatric
Disabilities to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is
designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR
COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS and TIPS FOR CREATlNG A EMERGENCY HEALTH
INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work.
It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED
/ ACTIVITIES
__________Practice how to Communicate your needs.
__________Anticipate the types of Reactions you may have after a quake and
plan strategies for coping with these reactions.
__________Keep
with you Instructions for Treatment if you are hospitalized.
Communication
Think through what a rescuer might need to know
about you and be prepared to say it briefly, or keep a written copy with you-
for example:
 |
I have a psychiatric
disability. In an emergency I may become confused. Help me find quiet corner
and I should be fine in approximately 10 minutes. |
 |
I have a panic disorder.
If I panic, give me one green pill (name of medication) located in my
(purse, wallet, pocket, etc.) |
 |
I take Lithium and my
blood level needs to be checked every ___________. |
Reactions
 |
There are a number of
emotional reactions that may occur or become more severe after an
earthquake. These reactions include: confusion, thought processing and
memory difficulties, agitation, paranoia, crying, fear, panic, steep
disturbance, pacing, shouting, depression, withdrawal, irritability,
anxiety, shaking, and sleep disturbance. |
 |
Think through the types
of reactions you may anticipate having and plan strategies for coping with
these reactions. |
 |
Consider seeking input
from your friends, family, therapist or service provider(s). |
 |
Be prepared to have
members of your personal support network offer emotional support so
you can acknowledge and express feelings about the quake. |
Treatment
Instructions
You may need
medical assistance. You even may be hospitalized. Keep with you instructions
for your care and treatment, or a copy of a durable power of attorney for
health so that someone you have chosen may intervene for you.
|
Earthquake Tips for Service Animals and Pet Owners |
This fact sheet
is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People who own Service
Animals to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is desined
to be used in conjunction with Independent Livng Resource Center San
Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR
COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS and TIPS FOR CREATlNG A EMERGENCY HEALTH
INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not have all the
information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work.
It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your
energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more
you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your
family, and your belongings.
DATE COMPLETED/
ACTIVITIES
__________I.D.
Tags and License are current.
__________Animal Care Plan.
__________Be
prepared to Function Without Assistance from service animal - Identify
Alternate Mobility Cues.
__________Assemble Service Animal's Emergency Kit.
I.D.'s and Licenses
Make sure your
service animals and pets have I.D. tags with both your home telephone number
and that of a your primary out of town contact person. Make sure your animal's
license is current.
Animal Care
Plan how your
pets will be cared for if you have to evacuate. Pets, in contrast to service
animals, may not be allowed in emergency shelters due to health regulations,
so have some animal shelters identified! Contact your local Red Cross chapter
or state office of emergency management for guidance.
Establish
relationships with other animal owners in your neighborhood. In case you are
not home, there will be someone to help your animal.
Alternate
Mobility Cues
Pets and
service animals may become confused, panicked, frightened or disoriented in
and after a disaster: keep them confined or securely leashed or harnessed. A
leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or upset animal. Be
prepared to use alternative ways to negotiate your environment.
Service Animals
Earthquake Kit (for 7 days)
Container
suggestions: pack supplies in a pack that your animal can carry in case you
need to evacuate.
This kit should include:
 |
Bowl for water and food
|
 |
Food |
 |
Blanket for bedding
|
 |
Plastic bags and paper
towels for disposing of feces |
 |
Neosporin ointment for
minor wounds (Animals can easily get cut after an earthquake. Ask your
veterinarian if there is anything specific you should include for your
animal.) |
 |
A favorite toy
|
 |
Extra harness
|
|