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News
News
Release
Date:
Jun 12 2008
8:05AM
Release: Immediate
If
you or someone close to you has a disability or a special
need, you may have to take additional steps to protect
yourself and your family in an emergency.
If you have special needs, find out about special assistance
that may be available in your community and register with
2-1-1 so needed help can be provided in the event of a
disaster.
CHECK
FOR HAZARDS IN YOUR HOME
During
and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can
cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or
cause fire is a home hazard. Check for items such as
bookcases, hanging pictures, or overhead lights that could
fall in an earthquake or a flood and block an escape path.
BE
READY TO EVACUATE
Have
a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your
family or friends for assistance, if necessary). Also, plan
two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or
blocked in a disaster.
-Create
a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to
aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure
everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
-Discuss
your needs with your employer.
-If
you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise
building, have an escape chair.
-If
you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark
accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you
leave the building.
-Keep
specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries,
oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions, food for service
animals, and any other items you might need.
-Be
sure to make provisions for medications that require
refrigeration.
-Keep
a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices
you require.
-Wear
medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
-Know
the location and availability of more than one facility if you
are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining
equipment or treatment.
Visit
the following websites for more information about disaster
preparedness for persons with disabilities or special needs.
Disability911.org
Ready.gov
Para
Personas Discapacitadas
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