While it’s important for everyone to prepare for disasters, individuals living with a disability, or other access or functional needs, may need to take additional steps.
In “Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for People with Disabilities,” FEMA outlines the following emergency preparation steps for people with disabilities:
- Be informed – Know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region.
- Make a communications plan – Have a plan for keeping in touch with your network. Let them know where you will shelter or evacuate.
- Build an emergency kit – Stock your kit with basic supplies as well as additional resources you may need, such as medical equipment, assistive technology, food for special diets, medicines, etc.
- Get involved – Consider assisting emergency planners and others with community disaster preparation.
For individuals dependent on assistive technology devices, loss of electrical power can be a serious threat. Plan in advance for alternative ways of charging assistive devices before disaster strikes.
For more information on emergency preparedness for people with disabilities, watch FEMA’s video, “Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs.”
Whether you have a disability or not, it’s important to do what you can to limit damage to your home from disasters. If your home is in an area susceptible to severe weather-related events, such as hurricanes or rapid snowmelt, consider installing flood vents in your home. Our FEMA compliant flood vents can make the difference between a home you can save, and a home you must tear down.
All our flood vents are made here in the U.S.A. For more information about our flood vents, contact Flood Solutions.
