Emergency Preparedness Resources

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Campaign has new Web tools to help individuals and organizations join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition. NPM is held each September and encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. The Ready Campaign website also has specific emergency preparedness information for people with disabilities
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
http://www.ready.gov/america/npm11/_downloads/NPM_Factsheet_20110620.pdf

DISASTER SAFETY & PREPAREDNESS GUIDE FOR SENIORS & PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

People of every age and ability need a plan of action in case of an emergency. Planning ahead provides an opportunity to feel more confident about being ready for an emergency, whether it is a house fire, power outage, hurricane or attack on the community. These preparation tips have been developed by the NY Red Cross.

http://www.nyredcross.org/?nd=disaster_safety_guide_for_seniors_and_people_with_disabilities

 

PREPAREDNESS: TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

A fact sheet from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that has emergency preparedness tips and resources for persons with special medical needs and their families. Details how to make sure that necessary medications and electrical equipment (feeding tubes, oxygen) are part of the emergency planning process. Discusses making an emergency plan to share with relatives, neighbors and coworkers http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/Public/medneeds.pdf

RESOURCES FROM THE CDC ON PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES

Resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on preparing for emergencies. Includes information about supply kits, making preparations for pets and service animals and sheltering-in-place. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/

NEW TOOLKIT OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY TEXT MESSAGES AVAILABLE

A new toolkit of prepared cell phone text messages advising people how to protect their health after a disaster is now available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These messages support state and local emergency managers in disaster response. Residents should contact their local emergency management agency to find out it text message alerts are available in their area and to register. For more information go to http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/06/20110609b.html

SUMMARY REPORT ON USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EMERGENCIES BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

From October 2010 through January 2011, the Wireless RERC conducted its “2010-2011 Emergency Communications Survey” to better understand how people with disabilities communicate during emergencies. More than 1100 people with disabilities responded to the survey. The age range was 18-91, with the average age 52. The survey sample included people with all types of disabilities, including sensory, physical, and cognitive disabilities. http://www.wirelessrerc.org/publications/emergency-communications-and-people-with-disabilities/Survey%20Results-Social%20Media%20and%20EC.doc/view

ACCOMMODATING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE PROVISION OF DISASTER MASS CARE, HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES

Reference guide from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides information on disability related guidelines for use by those who serve individuals with disabilities in emergency preparedness and disaster relief. http://www.fema.gov/oer/reference/

FUNCTIONAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: A GUIDE FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS, PLANNERS & RESPONDERS

This guide is for emergency planners, managers and first responders to help them plan and prepare for emergency situations that address the needs of people with disabilities. It includes information on how to involve people with disabilities in planning, the need for accessible temporary housing, and how to evacuate persons with disabilities, including those with service animals and pets. The guide covers all phases of preparedness from planning to rescue to evacuation to recovery.

http://www.nod.org/assets/downloads/Guide-Emergency-Planners.html

GUIDANCE ON PLANNING FOR INTEGRATION OF FUNCTIONAL NEEDS SUPPORT SERVICES IN GENERAL POPULATION SHELTERS

“Functional Needs Support Services Guidance”, or FNSS, offers recommendations to state governments to help them provide emergency sheltering services to meet the needs of the whole community, including people with disabilities. The guidance is intended to help communities act in compliance with existing federal laws designed to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability.

Text version http://www.fema.gov/txt/about/odic/fnss_guidance.txt

PDF version http://www.fema.gov/pdf/about/odic/fnss_guidance.pdf

PREPARING THE WORKFORCE FOR EVERYONE

This resource provides guidelines that individuals, employers and emergency managers can use to create inclusive emergency preparedness plans for their workplace. Developed by an interagency council of federal agencies, the guide includes some of the best methods being used in the federal government to ensure that the needs of all individuals are considered during an emergency.

http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ep/preparing2.htm

NEW PUBLICATIONS ON EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES AND FOR EMPLOYERS

The Minnesota State Council on Disability announces two new educational publications on emergency preparedness. “Emergency Preparedness: Addressing Disability Issues in the Workplace Took Kit” is designed to assist employers to develop a plan that incorporates disability issues. “Emergency Preparedness: A Guide for People with Disabilities” contains information on how being prepared can save lives.

For more information go to http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/home.do?agency=MSCOD and scroll down to “Everybody Needs a Plan”