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How can you prepare yourself and/or your family with special needs for unpredictable disasters/emergencies?

Disaster preparedness isn’t just a fancy term used by state institutions anymore – it has actually transformed into a mass movement because people are now aware that in the battle against the unpredictable power of Mother Nature, man can lose easily.

The losses incurred in the aftermath of natural or manmade disasters can easily bring a community and thousands of families to their knees.
It’s true: man is capable of creating wonderful things with his mind. However, there is one thing that mankind has yet to conquer in his quest for an ideal world: Mother Nature herself.

Why should anyone care about preparing for a disaster?

When Mother Nature decides that it’s time for a powerful earthquake in one city and a hurricane the size of a football field in another, all we can do to survive is to prepare for worst case scenarios so that we will have sufficient knowledge and resources to withstand unpredictable catastrophes, should they come one day.

Disaster preparedness should never be based on fear or anxiety, but rather, on the logical premise that if you know what to expect during a disaster, and you have the essential resources needed to survive it, there’s a very good chance that it will not cause lasting problems for you and your loved ones.

The objectives of emergency preparedness can be summed up below:

  • SURVIVAL – This is the first and most important objective of disaster preparedness. With sufficient preparation for the most common types of disasters, the risk of mortality can be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether.
  • DAMAGE REDUCTION – In some situations, you can perform steps to reduce the overall damage to your property and possessions. If damage to property is minimized, the recovery period after a disaster will be easier for everyone involved.
  • FUTURE PROTECTION – If you become aware of the potential problems that specific disasters can bring, you can start making plans to further reduce the impact of a disaster to you and your family. You can start creating short term and long term goals that will lessen the difficulties associated with a natural or manmade disaster.

Emergency Preparedness Links

Here are some useful web site links that can help you to learn more about how you can prepare for emergencies.

Click here for RCM’s emergency preparedness eBook and emergency preparedness workbook that will provide basic tips to assist individuals with special needs. The workbook will also provide relevant information for emergency personnel and support network.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) web site has a “Consumer Corner” section and includes an emergency preparedness workbook. Feeling Safe, Being Safe will help you make a plan that you can use in case of an emergency. >> View web site

Additional resources can be found at the resources listed below:

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/get-help

American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/disabilities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://emergency.cdc.gov/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/features/emergencypreparedness/

Disability.gov: https://www.disability.gov/resource/disability-govs-guide-emergency-preparedness-disaster-recovery/

FEMA: https://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

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