HomeMy WebLinkAboutResources for People with Disabilities.pdfPrepared BC: Resources for People with Disabilities
PreparedBC: Resources for People with Disabilities
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES PreparedBC 2 Earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and wildfires are just some of the potential hazards in British Columbia. During a disaster, phone,
gas, electrical and water services may be disrupted. Roads could be blocked, stores closed and gas stations out-of-service. You and your loved ones could be on your own for several
days while emergency responders work to save lives and manage the aftermath. It may be weeks before infrastructure, utilities and essential services are restored. It’s important for
everyone to be prepared by knowing the risks in their community, having a household plan and having an emergency kit. Having a disability means you likely need to consider preparedness
actions above and beyond the “basics”. Some things to think about as you go through this resource are: ¢ My ability to communicate may be restricted ¢ My surroundings may change and
look unfamiliar ¢ My service animal or guide dog may be hurt or frightened ¢ My health may be impacted by stress or confusion Disasters can be overwhelming and stress may make some
conditions worse for people. You may even have to ask for assistance in circumstances you usually do not. Be sure to talk to someone about how you are feeling and reach out for help
if needed. Disasters can be overwhelming and stress may make some conditions worse for people. You may even have to ask for assistance in circumstances you usually do not. Be sure to
talk to someone about how you are feeling and reach out for help if needed.
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES 3 KNOW THE RISKS Hazards vary depending on where you live and knowing which ones you face will influence how you prepare. Below is a list of
the top 10 risks in B.C. Familiarize yourself with the ones that could occur in your area by contacting your local authority for more information. ¢ Earthquakes ¢ Tsunamis ¢ Floods
¢ Landslides ¢ Avalanches ¢ Severe weather ¢ Power outages ¢ Hazardous materials spills ¢ Wildland fires ¢ Disease outbreaks
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES PreparedBC 4 PREPARE YOUR HOME Visit www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC and download PreparedBC: Household Preparedness Guide. Following these 11 steps
will help you along the road to recovery after a disaster. ¨ 1. Identify the risks for your region. ¨ 2. Make an emergency phone list with at least one out-of-area contact. ¨ 3. Pick
a meeting spot if you’re separated from family members. ¨ 4. Assign someone to collect your children from school or daycare if you can’t. ¨ 5. Identify what offi cial sources you’ll
get information from. ¨ 6. Learn how to turn off utilities. ¨ 7. Store enough emergency water for your family. ¨ 8. Store enough emergency food to support your family for a minimum
of three days. ¨ 9. Identify any special needs, such as medications, and make sure a proper supply is on hand. ¨ 10. Secure your space. ¨ 11. Create grab-and-go bags.
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES 5 MAKE A PLAN Also download the companion PreparedBC: Household Emergency Plan. Fill in the blanks, talk to your family and neighbours about
it and keep a copy with your emergency kit. Don’t forget to review it on a regular basis. Knowledge of the risks, practicing your emergency plan, having an emergency kit with specific
supplies and building a trusted support network means the best chance for recovery. Knowledge of the risks, practicing your emergency plan, having an emergency kit with specific supplies
and building a trusted support network means the best chance for recovery. Graphic courtesy of the Earthquake Country Alliance
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES PreparedBC 6 GATHER EMERGENCY SUPPLIES First Aid kit and medications Battery-powered or hand crank radio tuned to Environment Canada weather
Battery-powered or hand crank flashlight with extra batteries Whistle to signal for help Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger Local maps (identify a family meeting place)
and some cash in small bills At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Manual can opener for cans Garbage bags, moist towelettes and plastic ties for personal sanitation Water,
four litres per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Dust mask to help filter contaminated air Seasonal clothing and footwear
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES 7 Have enough non-perishable food and water to support you and your family for at least three days. If the power is out, use the food from your
fridge and freezer first, followed by your pantry. Water is the most important item to store—you will need at least four litres (one gallon) of water per person, per day (a family of
four will need 48 litres of water for a three-day supply). Ensure you have a suitable food and water supply for babies, toddlers, pets and service animals and check expiry dates every
six months. Replenish or renew as needed. If you take restricted medications or those administered by a health professional, talk to your doctor about how you should prepare for a disruption
caused by a disaster.
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES PreparedBC 8 PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK Consider building a trusted support network of at least three people to assist you during an emergency.
Some things to discuss and implement prior to an emergency: ¢ Make arrangements for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster and, if needed, offer assistance
¢ Exchange important keys and any relevant medical information ¢ Discuss any health conditions or medications and show them how to operate specialized medical or mobility equipment,
such as lifts, wheelchairs or scooters ¢ Decide on and practice methods for contacting each other in an emergency— do not count on telephones working ¢ Show them where you keep emergency
supplies ¢ Share copies of and discuss your emergency plan ¢ Agree to always notify each other when you are going out of town and when you will return Plan multiple ways to get and
give information, such as a corded landline/TTY, mobile phone/text messaging, two-way radio, portable radio and extra batteries, pager or pencil and paper.
HEALTH INFORMATION CARD This card will provide first responders/rescuers with information they need to know, if you are unconscious or incoherent, or if they need to quickly evacuate
you. Keep a copy of this information at your work, in your wallet or purse, and at home. Name Address Phone number Blood type Conditions and/or disability Medications (prescriptions,
dosage, times taken, etc.) Equipment you use (communication, mobility devices) Where your equipment is kept Note if you have extra equipment that could be used in an emergency, such
as a manual wheelchair
10 Allergies and sensitivities Communication disabilities you may have and the best ways to communicate with you Assistance you will need (be specific) Advocate for yourself during a
disaster. Practice how to quickly explain to people the best way to safely guide or move you or your equipment.
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES 11 THE C-MIST FRAMEWORK FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING Disability Alliance BC recommends beginning your personal emergency planning process using the
five categories of the functional needs, or C-MIST (Communication, Medical, Independence, Supervision and Transportation), framework. Functional Need Possible Planning Considerations
Communication needs include people who: • have reduced or no ability to speak, see or hear • have limitations in learning and understanding • Store communication aids, such as hearing
aids, in all emergency kits • Store batteries or chargers for communication equipment • Label emergency supplies with Braille, large print or fluorescent tape • Have a pencil and paper
with you to communicate with emergency responders Medical needs include people who are: • managing chronic, terminal or contagious health conditions • using dialysis, oxygen, suction
• managing medications, IV therapy, tube feeds • managing wounds, catheters, ostomies • operating power dependent equipment to sustain life • Have a list of your medications with details
from your pharmacist • Store extra medications and/or supplies • Supply of food items appropriate to dietary restrictions • Keep a list of instructions that someone can easily follow
• Plan for a backup power source (if needed) • Practice how to tell someone about what you need • Keep a written emergency plan with you
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES PreparedBC 12 Functional Need Possible Planning Considerations Independence needs include people who use assistive equipment and devices to
function independently, such as: • mobility aids • communication aids • medical equipment • service animals • medications to function independently • Store extra canes • Keep alternate
mobility cues in each room • Arrange and secure furniture and other items to provide multiple barrier-free passages • Keep extra batteries, gloves to protect hands when wheeling over
debris, tire patch kit etc. Supervision needs includes people who have the following: • developmental disabilities • dementia, Alzheimer’s • depression • schizophrenia • intensive anxiety
• transfer trauma • brain injury • severe mental illness • Create a personal network of family, friends and neighbours • Have ways and tools to help you remember • Keep a written emergency
plan with you • Provide copies of your emergency plan to family and/or friends
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES 13 Functional Need Possible Planning Considerations Transportation needs includes people who cannot drive due to: • disability • age • temporary
injury • poverty • addiction • no access to vehicle • legal restrictions • Map out potential evacuation routes and how you could access them without a vehicle • Identify meeting places
that are close to your home or place of work C-MIST icons courtesy of the Disability Alliance BC Practice is an important part of your emergency planning. For example, practice how
to tell someone what you need during an emergency or practice alternate methods of evacuation, ideally with the members of your personal support network.
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES PreparedBC 14 SERVICE ANIMAL PREPAREDNESS TIPS AND CHECKLIST The following are basic items you should have on hand to keep your pet or service
animal comfortable during an emergency. Make sure the kit is accessible and easy to transport in case you are required to evacuate. ¢ Minimum 72-hour supply of bottled water and pet
food, including pet dishes ¢ Manual can opener (if storing canned food) ¢ Leash and collar/harness ¢ Recent photo of your service animal in case they get separated from you ¢ Blanket
and toy ¢ Plastic bags and paper towels ¢ First aid kit for treating minor wounds on paws ¢ Medical/vaccination records and list of medications identifying any medical condition, dosage,
frequency and contact information of prescribing veterinarian ¢ Up-to-date ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian ¢ Copy of licence (if required)
It’s important to remember that pets and service animals may become confused, frightened or injured during or after a disaster. You may have to keep them confined, securely leashed
or harnessed. Also be prepared to function without assistance from your service animal. Identifying alternate mobility cues and practicing alternate routes in advance of a disaster
is an important part of your planning.
RESOURCES FO R PEOPLE WITH DISABILI T IES 15 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES PreparedBC: www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC Disability Alliance BC: www.disabilityalliancebc.org