Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities/Special Needs

There is no one-size-fits-all emergency preparedness plan. Those living with a physical, visual, auditory and/or other non-visible disability, should customize their emergency plan to suit their needs. Consider what additional items you may need to add to your emergency survival kit or family emergency plan.

Remember...

• Select a network of individuals at home and at work that will be able to assist you during an emergency.
• Prepare a list of medications, specifying the reason for each medicine that you are taking. Include the generic name, dosage, frequency and the contact information of the prescribing physician.
• Provide a copy of your medication list to your designated network and keep a copy in your emergency survival kit. You will also want to prepare a list of food and/or drug allergies.
• Provide written instructions for your network on how best to assist you and your service animal (if applicable) during an emergency.
• Label all special needs equipment and attach laminated instruction cards.
• Carry a personal alarm that emits a loud noise to draw attention to your whereabouts.
• If you rely on any life sustaining equipment/apparatus, develop an emergency backup plan that will ensure the equipment/apparatus works in the event of a power outage.

Be sure to practice your emergency plan with your support network at least twice a year.

Assisting a Person with a Disability/Special Need

There are an estimated 1.5 million Ontarians living with a disability/special need. If you are assisting a person with a disability/special need during an emergency you may want to consider these useful tips.

• First, ask if the person needs or wants your help.
• Allow the person to identify how best to assist them.
• Do not touch the person, their service animal (if applicable) and/or their assistive devices and equipment without their permission.
• Follow instructions posted on special needs equipment and/or assistive devices during an emergency.
• Avoid attempts to lift, support or assist in moving someone unless you are familiar with safe techniques.

For more information, visit www.ontario.ca/beprepared to view the Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs.