Show friends how to operate your wheelchair so they
can move you if necessary.
•
Make sure your friends know the size of your wheelchair
in case it has to be transported.
If you care for someone with disabilities:
•
People who are deaf or hearing-impaired may not hear
early disaster warnings and emergency instructions. Carry information to them
as soon as you hear it via radio or TV.
•
Blind or sight-impaired people especially older people
may be very reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the evacuation order
comes from a stranger.
•
A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a
disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others
to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster.
•
In most states, guide dogs will be allowed to stay in
emergency shelters with owners. Check with your local emergency management
officials for more information.
•
People with impaired mobility are often concerned about
being dropped when being lifted or carried. Find out the proper way to transfer
or move someone in a wheelchair and what exit routs from buildings
are best.
•
Some people with mental retardation may be unable to
understand the emergency and could become disoriented or confused about the
proper way to react.
•
Many respiratory illnesses can be aggravated by stress.
In an emergency, oxygen and respiratory equipment may not be readily
available.
•
People with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and other
conditions often have very individualized medication regime’s that cannot be
interrupted without serious consequences. Some may be unable to communicate this
information in an emergency.
Self-Help Networks:
•
Self-help networks are arrangements of people who agree
to assist an individual with a disability in an emergency. Discuss with the relative,
friend or co-worker that has a disability what assistance he or
she may need.
•
Urge the person you care for to keep a disaster supplies
kit and suggest that you keep an extra copy of the list of special items such as
medicines or special equipment that the person has prepared.
•
Talk with the person about how to inform him or her of an
oncoming disaster and see about getting a key to the person’s house so you
can provide assistance without delay.
