Preparing for Disaster

for People with 

Disabilities and other 

Special Needs
Visit the websites listed below to obtain additional information:

www.access-board.gov The Access Board

www.aoa.dhhs.gov DHHS Administration on Aging

 www.ncd.gov National Council on Disability

 www.nod.org/emergency National Organization on Disability

 www.prepare.org Prepare.org

 www.aapd.com American Association for People with Disabilities

 www.afb.org American Foundation for the Blind

 www.nad.org National Association of the Deaf

 www.lacity.org/DOD Los Angeles City Department on Disability

 www.easter-seals.org Easter Seals

For more in-depth information, get a copy of "Disaster Preparedness for 

People with Disabilities" (A5091) from the American Red Cross, or visit

 www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/disability.pdf
For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, 

sensory or cognitive disabilities, emergencies such as fires, 

floods and acts of terrorism present a real challenge. The same 

challenge also applies to the elderly and other special needs 

populations. Protecting yourself and your family when disaster 

strikes requires planning ahead. This booklet will help you get 

started. Discuss these ideas with your family, friends and/or your 

personal care attendant, or anyone else in your support network 

and prepare an emergency plan. Post the plan where everyone 

will see it, keep a copy with you and make sure everyone 

involved in your plan has a copy. 
2

 WHY PREPARE?

Where will you, your family, your friends or personal care attendants 

be when an emergency or disaster strikes?

You, and those you care about, could be anywhere – at home, work, 

school or in transit. How will you find each other? Will you know 

your loved ones will be safe?

Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning 

and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you 

to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, 

electricity or telephones – were cut off?

Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a 

disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. 

You are in the best position to plan for your own safety as you are 

best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during 

and after an emergency or disaster situation. You can cope with 

disaster by preparing in 

advance with your family 

and care attendants. You 

will need to create a 

personal support network 

and complete a personal 

assessment. You will 

also need to follow the 

four preparedness steps 

listed in this booklet.

1. Get informed

2. Make a plan 

3. Assemble a kit

4. Maintain your plan and kit

Knowing what to do is your best protection and your 

responsibility. 
3

 What You Need to Do

CREATE A PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK

A personal support network (sometimes called a self-help team) 

can help you prepare for a disaster. They can do this by helping you 

identify and get the resources you need to cope effectively. Network 

members can also assist you after a disaster happens. 

Organize a network that includes your home, school, workplace, 

volunteer site, and any other places where you spend a lot of time. 

Members of your network can be roommates, relatives, neighbors, 

friends, and co-workers. They should be people you trust and who 

can check to see if you need assistance. They should know your 

capabilities and needs, and be able to provide help within minutes. 

Do not depend on only one person. Include a minimum of three 

people in your network for each location where you regularly spend 

a lot of time since people work different shifts, take vacations and 

are not always available.

COMPLETE A PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance 

you may need before, during and after a disaster. This will be based 

on the environment after the disaster, your capabilities and your 

limitations. 

To complete a personal assessment, make a list of your personal 

needs and your resources for meeting them in a disaster environment. 

Think about the following questions and note your answers in 

writing or record them on a tape cassette that you will share with 

your network. These answers should describe both your current 

capabilities and the assistance you will need. Base your plan on 

your lowest anticipated level of functioning. 

 Daily Living
4

 Personal Care

 Do you regularly need assistance with personal care, such as 

bathing and grooming? Do you use adaptive equipment to 

help you get dressed?

 Water Service

 What will you do if water service is cut off for several days 

or if you are unable to heat water?

 Personal Care Equipment

 Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench or other similar 

equipment?

 Adaptive Feeding Devices

 Do you use special utensils that help you prepare or eat food 

independently?

 Electricity-Dependent Equipment

 How will you continue to use equipment that runs on 

electricity, such as dialysis, electrical lifts, etc.? Do you have 

a safe back-up power supply and how long will it last?

 Getting Around

 Disaster Debris

 How will you cope with the debris in your home or along 

your planned exit route following the disaster?

 Transportation

 Do you need a specially equipped vehicle or accessible 

transportation?

 Errands

 Do you need help to get groceries, medications and medical 

supplies? What if your caregiver cannot reach you because 

roads are blocked or the disaster has affected him or her as 

well? 

 Daily Living
5

 Evacuating

 Building Evacuation

 Do you need help to leave your home or office? Can you 

reach and activate an alarm? Will you be able to evacuate 

independently without relying on auditory cues (such as noise 

from a machine near the stairs – these cues may be absent if 

the electricity is off or alarms are sounding)?

 Building Exits

 Are there other exits (stairs, windows or ramps) if the elevator 

is not working or cannot be used? Can you read emergency 

signs in print or Braille? Do emergency alarms have audible 

and visible features (marking escape routes and exits) that 

will work even if electrical service is disrupted?

 

 Getting Help

 How will you call or summon for the help you will need 

to leave the building? Do you know the locations of text 

telephones and phones that have amplification? Will your 

hearing aids work if they get wet from emergency sprinklers? 

Have you determined how to communicate with emergency 

personnel if you don’t have an interpreter, your hearing aids 

aren’t working, or if you don’t have a word board or other 

augmentative communication device?

 Mobility Aids / Ramp Access

 What will you do if you cannot find your mobility aids? 

What will you do if your ramps are shaken loose or become 

separated from the building?

 Service Animals/Pets

 Will you be able to care for your animal (provide food, shelter, 

veterinary attention, etc.) during and after a disaster? Do you 

have another caregiver for your animal if you are unable to 

meet its needs? Do you have the appropriate licenses for 

your service animal so you will be permitted to keep it with 

you should you need or choose to use an emergency public 

shelter?
6

1. GET INFORMED

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross 

Chapter to gather information you will need to create a plan.

 Community Hazards. Ask about the specific hazards that threaten 

your community (e.g. hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes) and about your 

risk from those hazards. Additionally, hazard information for your local 

area can be obtained at www.hazardmaps.gov. 

 Community Disaster Plans. Learn about community response 

plans, evacuation plans and designated emergency shelters. Ask about 

the emergency plans and procedures that exist in places you and your 

family spend time such 

as places of employment, 

schools and child care 

centers. If you do not own 

a vehicle or drive, find 

out in advance what your 

community’s plans are for 

evacuating those without 

private transportation. 

 Community Warning 

Systems. Find out how 

local authorities will warn 

you of a pending disaster 

and how they will provide information to you during and after a disaster. Learn 

about NOAA Weather Radio and its alerting capabilities (www.noaa.gov). 

 Assistance Programs. Ask about special assistance programs available 

in the event of an emergency. Many communities ask people with a 

disability to register, usually with the local fire or police department, or 

the local emergency management office so needed help can be provided 

quickly in an emergency. Let your personal care attendant know you 

have registered, and with whom. If you are electric-dependent, be sure to 

register with your local utility company. 
7

2. MAKE A PLAN

Because a disaster can disrupt your primary emergency plan, it is also 

important for you to develop a back-up plan to ensure your safety. 

 Meet with Your Family/Personal Care Attendants/Building 

Manager. Review the information you gathered about community 

hazards and emergency plans. 

 Choose an "Out-of-Town" Contact. Ask an out-of-town friend or 

relative to be your contact. Following a disaster, family members 

should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must 

know the contact’s phone numbers. After a disaster, it is often easier 

to make a long distance call than a local call from a disaster area. 

 Decide Where to Meet. In the event of an emergency, you may 

become separated from household members. Choose a place right 

outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. Choose 

a location outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.

 Complete a Communications Plan. Your plan should include 

contact information for family members, members of your support 

network, caregivers, work, and school. Your plan should also 

include information for your out-of-town contact, meeting locations, 

emergency services, and the National Poison Control Center (1-800-

222-1222). A form for recording this information can be found at 

www.ready.gov - or at www.redcross.org/contactcard. These websites 

also provide blank wallet cards on which contact information can 

be recorded and carried in a wallet, purse, backpack, etc, for quick 

reference. Teach your children how to call the emergency phone 

numbers and when it is appropriate to do so. Be sure each family 

member has a copy of your communication plan and post it near your 

telephone for use in an emergency.

 Escape Routes and Safe Places. In a fire or other emergency, you 

may need to evacuate on a moment’s notice. Be ready to get out fast. 

Be sure everyone in your family knows the best escape routes out of 

your home as well as where the safe places are in your home for each 

type of disaster (i.e., if a tornado approaches, go to the basement or 

the lowest floor of your home or an interior room or closet with no 

windows).
8

Use a blank sheet of paper to draw the floor plans of your home. 

Show the location of doors, windows, stairways, large furniture, 

your disaster supplies kit, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, other 

visual and auditory alarms, collapsible ladders, first-aid kits, and 

utility shut-off points. Show important points outside such as 

garages, patios, stairways, elevators, driveways, and porches. 

Indicate at least two escape routes from each room, and mark 

a place outside of the home where household members and/or 

your personal care attendant should meet in case of fire. If you or 
9

someone in your household uses a wheelchair, make exits from 

your home wheelchair accessible. 

Practice emergency evacuation drills at least two times a year, 

but as often as you update your escape plan. Be sure to include 

family and/or your personal care attendant in the drills.

 Plan for Your Pets. 

Take your pets with 

you if you evacuate. 

However, be aware that 

pets (other than service 

animals) usually are not 

permitted in emergency 

public shelters for health 

reasons. Prepare a list of 

family, friends, boarding 

facilities, veterinarians, 

and “pet-friendly” hotels 

that could shelter your 

pets in an emergency. 

 Prepare for Different Hazards. Include in your plan how to 

prepare for each hazard that could impact your local community 

and how to protect yourself. For instance, most people shelter 

in a basement when there is a tornado warning, but most 

basements are not wheelchair-accessible. Determine in advance 

what your alternative shelter will be and how you will get there. 

Other hazards, like a home fire, will require you to leave. Make 

sure both primary and secondary exits are accessible and that 

you can locate them by touch or feel (since lights may be out 

and thick, black smoke may make it very hard to see). Reference 

the websites listed on the back cover to learn more about the 

different actions required for different hazards. 
 Action Checklist – Items To Do Before a Disaster

10

 Considerations for people with disabilities

 Those with disabilities or other special needs often have unique 

needs that require more detailed planning in the event of a 

disaster. Consider the following actions as you prepare:

• Learn what to do in case of power outages and personal 

injuries. Know how to connect and start a back-up power 

supply for essential medical equipment.

• Consider getting a medical alert system that will allow you 

to call for help if you are immobilized in an emergency. 

Most alert systems require a working phone line, so have a 

back-up plan, such as a cell phone or pager, if the regular 

landlines are disrupted.

• If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual 

wheelchair for backup.

• Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency 

how to operate necessary equipment. Also, label equipment 

and attach laminated instructions for equipment use. 

• Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical, etc.) at your 

neighbor’s home, school, or your workplace.

• Arrange for more than one person from your personal support 

network to check on you in an emergency, so there is at least 

one back-up if the primary person you rely on cannot.

• If you are vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, plan ahead 

for someone to convey essential emergency information to 

you if you are unable to use the TV or radio. 

• If you use a personal care attendant obtained from an 

agency, check to see if the agency has special provisions 

for emergencies (e.g., providing services at another location 

should an evacuation be ordered).

• If you live in an apartment, ask the management to identify 

and mark accessible exits and access to all areas designated 

for emergency shelter or safe rooms. Ask about plans for 

alerting and evacuating those with sensory disabilities. 

• Have a cell phone with an extra battery. If you are unable 

to get out of a building, you can let someone know where 

you are and guide them to you. Keep the numbers you may 

need to call with you if the 9-1-1 emergency number is 

overloaded. 
11

• Learn about 

devices and other 

technology available 

(PDA’s, text radio, 

pagers, etc.) to assist 

you in receiving 

emergency instructions 

and warnings from local 

officials. 

• Be prepared to 

provide clear, specific 

and concise instructions 

to rescue personnel. 

Practice giving these 

instructions (verbally, 

pre-printed phrases, word board, etc.) clearly and quickly. 

• Prepare your personal support network to assist you with 

anticipated reactions and emotions associated with disaster 

and traumatic events (i.e. confusion, thought processing and 

memory difficulties, agitation, fear, panic, and anxiety). 

• You don’t have to be the only one prepared – encourage 

others to be prepared and consider volunteering or working 

with local authorities on disability and other special needs 

preparedness efforts.

 Utilities

 Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity at 

the main switches or valves and share this information with 

your family and caregivers. Keep any tools you will need near 

gas and water shut off valves. Turn off the utilities only if you 

suspect the lines are damaged, you suspect a leak, or if local 

officials instruct you to do so.

(Note: Gas shut-off procedure - As part of the learning process, 

do not actually turn off the gas. If the gas is turned off for any 

reason, only a qualifi ed professional can turn it back on. It 

might take several weeks for a professional to respond. In the 

meantime, you will require alternate sources to heat your home, 

make hot water and cook.)
12

 Fire Extinguisher

 Be sure everyone knows how to use your fire extinguishers 

(ABC type) and where they are kept. 

 Smoke Alarms

 Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially 

near the bedrooms. Individuals with sensory disabilities 

should consider installing smoke alarms that have strobe lights 

and vibrating pads. Follow local codes and manufacturer’s 

instructions about installation requirements. Also, consider 

installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your home. 

 Insurance Coverage

 Check if you have adequate insurance coverage. Homeowners 

insurance does not cover flood damage and may not provide 

full coverage for other hazards. Talk with your insurance agent 

and make sure you have adequate coverage to protect your 

family against financial loss.

 First Aid/CPR & AED (Automated External Defibrillation)

 Take American Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED classes. 

Red Cross courses can accommodate people with disabilities. 

Discuss your needs when registering for the classes.

 Inventory Home Possessions

 Make a record of your possessions to help you claim reimbursement 

in case of loss or damage. Store this information in a safe 
deposit box or other secure (flood/fire safe) location to ensure 

the records survive a disaster. Include photographs or video of 

the interior and exterior of your home as well as cars, boats 

and recreational vehicles. Also, have photos of durable medical 

equipment and be sure to make a record of the make and model 

numbers for each item. Get professional appraisals of jewelry, 

collectibles, artwork or other items that may be difficult to 

evaluate. Make copies of receipts and canceled checks showing 

the cost for valuable items.

 Vital Records and Documents

 Vital family records and other important documents such as 

birth and marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, 

wills, deeds, and financial, insurance, and immunizations 

records should be kept in a safe deposit box or other safe 

location.

 Reduce Home Hazards

 In a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury and 

damage. Take these steps to reduce your risk.

 Keep the shut-off switch for oxygen equipment near your 

bed or chair, so you can get to it quickly if there is a fire.

 Have a professional repair defective electrical wiring and 

leaky gas connections. 

 Place large, heavy objects on lower shelves, and hang 

pictures and mirrors away from beds.

 Use straps or other restraints to secure tall cabinets, 

bookshelves, large appliances (especially water heater, 

furnace and refrigerator), mirrors, shelves, large picture 

frames, and light fixtures to wall studs. 

 Repair cracks in ceilings and foundations. 

 Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products away 

from heat sources.

 Place oily rags or waste in covered metal cans and dispose 

of them according to local regulations. 

 Have a professional clean and repair chimneys, flue pipes, 

connectors, and gas vents.

13
In the event you need to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take 

essentials with you, you probably will not have the opportunity 

to shop or search for the supplies you and your family will need. 

Every household should assemble a disaster supplies kit and keep 

it up to date. 

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items a family would 

probably need to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after 

a disaster. Disaster supplies kit items should be stored in a portable 

container(s) as close as possible to the exit door. Review the contents of your kit at least once per year or as your family's needs 

change. Also, consider having emergency supplies in each vehicle 

and at your place of employment.

14

3. ASSEMBLE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT
The following should be included in your basic disaster supplies kit:

 Three-day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener.

 Three-day supply of water (one gallon of water per person, per day).

 Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries.

 Flashlight and extra batteries.

 First aid kit and manual.

 Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, 

 and toilet paper).

 Matches in waterproof container.

 Whistle.

 Extra clothing and blankets.

 Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils.

 Photocopies of identification and credit cards.

 Cash and coins.

 Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, 

 contact lens solution, and hearing aid batteries.

 Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers.

 Tools, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other items to meet 

 your unique family needs.

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible 

that you will not have heat during or after a disaster. Think about your 

clothing and bedding needs. Be sure to include one set of the following 

for each person:

 Jacket or coat.

 Long pants and long sleeve shirt.

  Sturdy shoes.

 Hat, mittens, and scarf.

 Sleeping bag or warm blanket.

Supplies for your vehicle include:

 Flashlight, extra batteries and maps.

 First aid kit and manual.

 White distress flag.

 Tire repair kit, booster/jumper cables, pump and flares.

 Bottled water and non-perishable foods such as granola bars. 

 Seasonal supplies: Winter - blanket, hat, mittens, shovel, sand, 

tire chains, windshield scraper, florescent distress flag; Summer 

– sunscreen lotion (SPF 15 or greater), shade item (umbrella, wide 

brimmed hat, etc).

15
4. MAINTAIN YOUR PLAN

Quiz: Review your plan every six months and quiz your family about 

what to do.

Drill: Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis 

with your family.

Restock: Check food supplies for expiration dates and discard, or replace 

stored water and food every six months.

Test: Read the indicator on your fire extinguisher(s) and follow the 

manufacturer's instructions to recharge. Test your smoke alarms monthly 

and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms every 10 years.

16
If Disaster Strikes

If you are instructed to take shelter immediately, do so at once

If you are instructed to evacuate

Should you need 

to leave, your first 

option and plan 

should always 

be to family or 

friends first; they 

can accommodate 

you, your pets, 

and help you be 

most comfortable 

in a stressful situation. Emergency public shelters will be available, 

and can provide a safe place to stay and meals while you are there. 

However, they do not provide personal health care. If you require 

the care of a personal attendant and choose to go to a shelter, bring 

the attendant with you. 

 Listen to the radio or television for the location of 

emergency shelters. Note those that are accessible to 

those with physical disabilities and those that have other 

disability friendly assistance features such as TTY lines. 

 Shut off water, gas and electricity if instructed to do so and 

if time permits.

 Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.

 Take your disaster supplies kit.

 Lock your home.

 Use travel routes specified by local authorities and don't 

use shortcuts because certain areas may be impassable or 

dangerous.

 Confirm upon arrival at an emergency shelter that it can 

meet your special care needs. 

 Inform members of your support network and out-of-town 

contact of your location and status.

17
 Learn More

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community and 

Family Preparedness Program and American Red Cross Community 

Disaster Education are nationwide efforts to help people prepare for 

disasters of all types. 

For more information, please contact your local emergency management 

office or American Red Cross chapter. This booklet and the preparedness 

materials listed below are online at www.fema.gov and www.redcross.

org. Other preparedness materials are available at these sites, as well as 

at www.ready.gov.

These publications are also available by calling FEMA at

1-800-480-2520, or writing:

 FEMA

 P.O. Box 2012

 Jessup, MD 20794-2012

Publications with an “A” number are available from your local 

American Red Cross chapter.

 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness (IS-22)

 Preparing for Disaster (FEMA 475) (A4600)

 Food and Water in an Emergency (FEMA 477) (A5055)

 Helping Children Cope with Disaster (FEMA 478) (A4499)

Local sponsorship provided by:

FEMA 476

A4497

August 2004