Where will you be when an emergency hits?
Have you even thought about it? If you’re on the 10th floor and can’t walk when a fire happens, how will you escape? If you’re on electric equipment, do you have plans for a power failure? Emergency preparedness for chronically ill people is critical.
We were taken by surprise!
Last week, FJ and I experienced a disaster our community never expected. We had to flee our house before a fast-moving wildfire. Our story ended well; our property survived. However, the fire destroyed 240 houses, including several just 2–3 blocks away, and damaged 40 others. It burned over 10,000 acres and is 85% contained as of this writing.
The beginning: We were lazing around on a Friday afternoon. The temperature had cooled from the previous days of 100+ to low 90s, humidity stood at 5%, and winds gusted to 35 mph. A friend called, telling us she could see a fire in our area. Going outside, when saw smoke and realized a large fire was very close. We quickly prepared to leave. Shortly thereafter, the government ordered a Level 3 evacuation (Go now). Thankfully, our son and wife only live 30 minutes from us. So, we enjoyed 3½ days with them. For a bonus, our grandson was also there. And, no, we didn’t take everything we needed! We didn’t have enough time to think, and we had no plans.
Background: We live in a small town of 5000, located in a beautiful, forested area of Northeastern Washington state, US, near the large city of Spokane. Never in our wildest dreams did we consider wildfire could threaten the town itself.
Therefore, we had no emergency plans in place.
How about you?
What disasters might happen where you live?
Are you ready for an emergency?
This incident made me think about emergency preparedness for disabled persons. Are we ready?
The National Organization for Disability says, “According to the American Red Cross, some 45,000 disasters, man-made and natural, occur in the United States each year.”
Have you made plans?
All people face common needs during emergencies, but disabled people encounter additional difficulties. Because disabilities are so varied, plans must be individualized.
That means thinking in advance about your needs. Nobody wants to envision these unpleasant what-ifs; but if even one disaster happens, a plan already prepared can make a difference in your comfort or even your safety.
Four steps to be prepared.
1. Get informed.
- Speculate about various types of emergencies.
- Fire, power outage, severe storms, medical emergencies.
- Discover what plans your community has in place for emergencies.
- Are there any plans for special needs?
- Think about your special needs.
- What are your unique disabilities?
- What help would you need?
- Find people resources:
- Choose three dependable people to help, since two could be unavailable.
- Consider where you spend a lot of time.
- How would you get home?
- Would you need to reach a shelter?
- Is it set up to care for your special needs?
2. Make a plan.
- Meet with your family and/or helpers to consider communications plans, escape routes, contacts, and transportation needs.
- Remember your pets.
3. Assemble a kit.
A kit should include food and water for 3 days; kitchen accessories & utensils; radio, flashlight, batteries; sanitation and hygiene supplies; extra clothing and blankets; first-aid kit; whistle; matches; lights; photocopies of ID and credit cards; cash and coins; prescriptions, glasses, hearing aids; supplies for your children and pets; anything for your special needs.
4. Maintain your plan and kit.
- Review your plan every 6 months.
- Restock supplies as needed.
Summing up
Now, you have a lot of information. Are you ready to start? It takes work, but it will pay off big time if you unfortunately need it. Don’t get caught unprepared; we were, since we never envisioned a need to evacuate. Start soon. Plan thoroughly. Be prepared beforehand!
Please share emergencies you’ve been through and successful or unsuccessful strategies for coping.
The American Red Cross website posts articles about preparing for emergencies. Start with “Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities.” Other pages include specifics for making a plan—including a downloadable, fillable PDF—and a survival kit. I highly recommend this site.
Check out the CDC page about emergency preparedness.
After the heaviness of thinking about disasters, take some time to plan some fun.
