Get a Pack of emergency suppliesThe first step is to consider how an emergency might affect your individual needs. Plan to make it on your own, for at least three days. It’s possible that you will not have access to disaster assistance, a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that you and your family think about what kinds of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if those resources are limited or not available.
Basic Supplies: Think first about the basics for survival - food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items you require to maintain your health, safety and independence. Consider two kits. In one kit put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own for a period of time. The other kit should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to leave your home. Recommended basic emergency supplies include: |
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Include Medications and Medical Supplies: If you take medicine or use medical supplies on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week. You should also keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If it is not possible to have a week-long supply of medicines and supplies, keep as much as possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare. If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services at home such as home health care, meals, oxygen or door-to-door transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and the areas you might evacuate to. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage.
Depending on your needs, items for your Grab'n Go Pack may include: • Extra eyeglasses, hearing aids if you have them, or have coverage for them • Extra batteries for hearing aids • Battery chargers for , motorized wheelchairs or other battery -operated medical or assist ive technology devices • Copies of medical prescriptions, doctors orders, and the style and serial numbers of the support devices you use • Medical alert tags or bracelets or written descriptions of your disability and support needs, in case you are unable to describe the situation in an emergency • Supplies for your service animal • Medical insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, physician contact information, list of your allergies and health history A list of the local non-profit or community-based organizations that know you or assist people with access and functional needs similar to yours. • A laminated personal communication board, if you might need assistance with being understood or understanding others • If possible, extra oxygen, insulin, catheters, or other medic l supplies you use regularly • If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a light weight manual chair available for emergencies. Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported. • Even if you do not use a computer yourself, consider putting important information onto a portable thumb drive for easy transport in an evacuation.
Depending on your needs, items for your Grab'n Go Pack may include: • Extra eyeglasses, hearing aids if you have them, or have coverage for them • Extra batteries for hearing aids • Battery chargers for , motorized wheelchairs or other battery -operated medical or assist ive technology devices • Copies of medical prescriptions, doctors orders, and the style and serial numbers of the support devices you use • Medical alert tags or bracelets or written descriptions of your disability and support needs, in case you are unable to describe the situation in an emergency • Supplies for your service animal • Medical insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, physician contact information, list of your allergies and health history A list of the local non-profit or community-based organizations that know you or assist people with access and functional needs similar to yours. • A laminated personal communication board, if you might need assistance with being understood or understanding others • If possible, extra oxygen, insulin, catheters, or other medic l supplies you use regularly • If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a light weight manual chair available for emergencies. Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported. • Even if you do not use a computer yourself, consider putting important information onto a portable thumb drive for easy transport in an evacuation.
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Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kits such as family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank accounts information, and tax records. It is best to keep these documents in a waterproof container. If there is any information related to operating equipment or life-saving devices that you rely on, include those in your emergency kit as well, and also make sure that a trusted friend or family member has a copy of these documents. Include the names and numbers of everyone in your personal support network, as well as your medical and disability service providers. If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information includes instructions for the best way to communicate with you. Also be sure you have cash or travelers checks in your kits in case you need to purchase supplies. • If you have allergies or chemical sensitivities, be sure to include items that you are able to use for personal hygiene and for cleanup.
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