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