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Some Facts about Emergency
Preparedness
and Disabled Persons
Results of a Harris Poll conducted in December 2001, sponsored by the National Organization on Disability,
showed:
-
58 percent of people with
disabilities said they did not
know whom to contact about emergency plans for their community in the
event of a natural disaster or other crisis.
-
61 percent said that they have
not made plans to quickly and safely evacuate their own home.
-
Among disabled persons who were employed
full or part time, 50 percent said no plans had been made to
safely evacuate their workplace.
The Harris interactive survey which interviewed 1,011 people, (fifteen
percent of whom reported having
disabilities) by telephone between Nov. 14 and 20 - also found that those
with disabilities were far more anxious
about their personal
safety.
-
Eighteen percent of respondents
with disabilities said they were
extremely or very anxious, compared with just eight percent of others.
-
Forty-four percent of people with
disabilities were at least somewhat
anxious, the poll found.
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Emergency Preparedness and Disability
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Emergency Preparedness is actually a very
simple concept and, for those
of us with disabilities, it relates directly to the concepts of independent
living and empowerment. Emergency Preparedness means just
what it says: Being Prepared. It means being aware,
informed and proactive about our own safety and wellbeing.
It does not require a large financial outlay, nor a large time
investment. Emergency preparedness is primarily a matter of forethought
and organization. In fact, you may already have many of the
supplies recommended for emergency preparedness, and have just never
thought about them, or organized them.
Start by looking over
information available about emergency preparedness. Take a checklist of
suggested supplies for emergency kits, and gather up those items
that you have on hand. You will probably be surprised to find that you
have most of what is recommend in your possession.
You will probably be further surprised to
discover that most of the remaining items on the list are inexpensive
and readily available.
Thrift stores often have
tool boxes, backpacks, and belt bags well
suited for organizing supplies, and red ( a widely recognized color for
first aid and emergency supply containers) is not an uncommon
color.
"Dollar stores" are also an inexpensive
source. Often, a single package of bandages,
batteries or
other items can supply several
kits
and
"mini-kits".
From there, all that remains is to organize,
pack, and store what you have gathered.
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A
Month-by-Month Preparedness Calendar
Frugal steps to preparedness, one month at a time. Print this out as a
guide to including simple preparedness items in your budget.
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| Month 1 |
Purchase:
__ Water -- 3 gallons per person and pet
__ Hand-operated, non-electric can opener and bottle opener
__ Instant drinks -- coffee, tea, powdered soft drinks, etc.
__ 2 Flashlights with batteries |
Activities:
__ Make your family disaster preparedness plan
__ Inventory disaster supplies already on hand, including camping gear
__ If you fill your own water containers, mark them with the date filled
__ Date water and food containers if they are not dated
__ Conduct a home hazard hunt |
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| Month 2 |
Purchase:
__ Canned meat, stew or pasta meals -- 5 per person
__ Sanitary napkins
__ Videotape
__ Family-size first aid kit |
Activities:
__ Change battery and test smoke detector (Purchase and install one if
you don't already have it)
__ Videotape your home, including contents, for insurance purposes.
Store the tape with friends or family who live out of town |
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| Month 3 |
Purchase:
__ Canned fruit -- 3 cans per person
__ Any foods for special dietary needs -- enough for three days
__ Toilet paper -- 2 rolls per person
__ Crescent wrenches or utility shutoff tools |
Activities:
__ Conduct a home fire drill
__ Check with your child's day car center or school to find out about
their disaster plans
__ Locate gas meter and water shutoff points, and attach or store a
wrench or shutoff tool next to them
__ Establish an out-of-state contact to call in case of emergency |
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| Month 4 |
Purchase:
__ Canned vegetables -- 4 cans per person
__ Extra baby bottles, formula and diapers, if needed
__ Extra pet supplies -- food, collar, leash, etc.
__ Large storage containers for preparedness supplies |
Activities:
__ Place a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight under your bed so that
they are handy during an emergency
__ Place a supply of prescription medicines in a storage container and
date the medicines if they are not already so indicated on the label
__ Begin putting supplies in storage containers, and include blankets
or sleeping bags for each family member |
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| Month 5 |
Purchase:
__ Canned, ready-to-eat soup -- 2 cans per person
__ Liquid dish soap
__ Plain liquid bleach
__ Portable AM/FM radio with batteries (or a solar/windup version)
__ Anti-bacterial liquid hand soap
__ Disposable hand wipes |
Activities:
__ Make photocopies of important papers and place them in storage
containers
__ Talk with neighbors and find out who may have skills or training
that are beneficial in a disaster (first aid, child care, amateur
radio, tree removal, small engine repair, heavy equipment operations,
wilderness survival, light rescue, carpentry) |
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Select food items based on your
family's preferences. Pick low-salt, water-packed varieties when
possible. Examples include:
- Canned meat -- tuna, chicken, ravioli, chili,
stew, Spam®, corned beef, etc.
- Vegetables -- green beans, corn, peas, beets,
baked beans, carrots, etc.
- Fruit -- pears, applesauce, mandarin oranges,
pineapple, etc.
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| |
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| Month 6 |
Purchase:
__ Quick-energy snacks -- granola bars, raisins, peanut butter, etc.
__ Paper towels -- 6 rolls
__ Facial tissue -- 3 boxes
__ Sunscreen
__ Anti-diarrhea medicine
__ Latex gloves -- 6 pairs, stored in your first aid kits |
Activities:
__ Check to see if your stored water has expired and needs replacing
(replace every six months if you fill your own; store-bought water will
have an expiration date on the container)
__ Put an extra pair of eyeglasses in the storage container
__ Store a roll of quarters with your emergency supplies and locate the
pay phone nearest your home
__ Find out about your workplace disaster plans |
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| Month 7 |
Purchase:
__ Whistle
__ A-B-C- fire extinguisher
__ Canned juice -- 1 large can per person
__ Adult and childrens' vitamins
__A pair of pliers and/or vise grips |
Activities:
__ Take a first aid/CPR class
__ Identify neighbors who might need help in an emergency, including
those with limited mobility or health problems and children who might
be alone
__ Show family members where and how to shut off the utilities |
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| Month 8 |
Purchase:
__ Boxes of crackers or graham crackers
__ Dry cereal
__ "Child-proof" latches or other fasteners for cabinet doors and
drawers
__ Large, heavy-duty garbage bags -- 1 box
__ Camping or utility knife |
Activities:
__ Secure shelves, cabinets and drawers to prevent them from falling
and/or opening during earthquakes
__ Meet with neighbors to inventory expensive equipment that you could
share in case of emergency (chain saws, chippers/shredders, utility
trailers, snow blowers, four-wheel-drive vehicles, etc. |
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| Month 9 |
Purchase:
__ Extra batteries for flashlights, radios and hearing aids, if needed
__ Heavy rope
__ Duct tape
__ Crowbar |
Activities:
__ Make a small preparedness kit for your car. Include food, water,
blanket, small first aid kit, a list of important phone numbers, and
quarters for pay phones
__ Secure your water heater to wall studs, if not already done |
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| Month 10 |
Purchase:
__ Hammer and assorted nails
__ Screw drivers and assorted wood screws
__ Heavy-duty tarps or sheets of plastic
__ Extra toothbrush and toothpaste for each person |
Activities:
__ Make arrangements to have someone help your children if you are at
work or away when an emergency occurs
__ Conduct an earthquake drill at home
__ Replace prescription medicines as required by expiration dates |
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| Month 11 |
Purchase:
__ Package of paper plates
__ Package of napkins
__ Package of plastic eating utensils
__ Package of paper cups
__ Masking tape
__ Kitchen-size garbage bags -- 1 box |
Activities:
__ Make arrangements to have someone take care of your pets if you are
at work or away when an emergency occurs
__ Exchange work, home and emergency contact numbers with neighbors for
use in an emergency
__ Start a Neighborhood Watch program if none exists |
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| Month 12 |
Purchase:
__ Heavy work gloves
__ Box of disposable dust masks
__ Safety goggles
__ Antiseptic
__ Sewing kit |
Activities:
__ Check to see if your stored water has expired and needs replacing
(replace every six months if you fill your own; store-bought water will
have an expiration date on the container)
__ Check the dates on stored food and replace as needed |
Emergency
Preparedness for
Service Dog
Partners
(These lists and
suggestions
were compiled from information provided by FEMA, the American Red
Cross, the American Automobile Association, and from Emergency
First Aid for Dogs by the editors of Consumer Guide.)
Notes: Children's
formulas and liquids can be more easily divided into smaller
doses, and are often more palatable to dogs (i.e., flavored and
lickable). Humans can use the adult-strength dose on the label.
Always ask you veterinarian for advice before administering human
medications to your dog.
Keep your first aid supplies in a toolbox, backpack, or other container
that is
- well-organized
- easily accessible
- easily identified (red color is common)
- easy to transport when and where
needed.
Whenever possible, containers, tweezers, tools, scissors, etc. should
be accessible to the person who will be using
them. Buy and pack accordingly.
Remember: Even if you cannot use your
own first aid supplies,
they will should be quickly available to helpers.)
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A Basic
Home
First Aid Kit
for a Service Dog Team
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Adhesive bandages, assorted
common sizes
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Band-aids, Curad
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Adhesive tape, hypo-allergenic
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Alcohol wipes
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| Anti-nausea medicine |
Pepto-Bismol |
Antibacterial ointment
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Bacitracin, Neosporin
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Aspirin
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Bayer, St. Joseph's
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| Athletic bandage and/or
cling-style wrap |
Ace Bandage, Kling-Wrap,
Vet-Wrap
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Bandage Scissors
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Adapted to
user |
Blanket
|
Polyester fleece is
good for this |
| Boric acid eyewash, commercial
or homemade. |
For eye irrigation.
|
Container(s), 1/2
gal. or gal. empty juice jugs, clean, with caps
|
For carrying clean water ( hot
or cold ) to scene of injury
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Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
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Benadryl, allergy medicine,
also a mild sedative
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Disposable safety razor(s)
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For removal of hair or fur
around injury
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Duct tape
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Securing splints, and removal
of splinters
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Oral medicine syringe
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Eyedropper-style,
with graduated markings
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Gauze pads, sterile, 3-inch
and larger, commercial or homemade
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|
Gauze rolls, 2-inch and 3-inch
width, commercial or homemade
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Gloves, latex-free, 1-3 pairs
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Glucose paste or corn syrup
|
Glucose tablets are harder to
administer
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Hydrogen Peroxide - 3% solution
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Small, unopened bottle
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Ibuprofen*, Acetaminophen*, or
other non-prescription pain reliever for humans
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Various trade names
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Ice bag (rubber or heavy-duty
zip-lock), or chemical ice pack
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Kaolin and pectin liquid
(anti-diarrhea)
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Kao-Pectate
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Safety pins, assorted
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Soap, plain
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Ivory, Dr. Bonner's
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Thermometer, rectal
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Veterinary and/or infant |
Tweezers (adapted to user)
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Regular or magnifying
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A modified soda-bottle aid for
canine resuscitation
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*Acetaminophen and
ibuprofen are NOT for canine use
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A
Rural, Camp, or Emergency First Aid Kit for a Service Dog Team
(For use in
situations where veterinary and medical help may be distant or
unavailable.)
In addition to above items in the Basic
Home First Aid Kit, assemble:
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Additional adhesive bandages
- butterfly shape
- knuckle shape
- medium squares
- large squares
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Bulb Syringes
- infant or adult ear syringe
- Infant or adult nasal syringe
- adult enema syringe
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Chemical ice pack(s)
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For use when ice is unavailable
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Gauze pads, sterile
4-inch and 6-inch
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Commercial or homemade |
Muzzle
(or extra head collar with easily
adjustable nose strap) |
Must be easy to slip on and
remove. ( Nylon ones are good for this, but they are fitted and not
adjustable for different dogs.)
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Pliers, needle-nosed
|
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Razor blades,
single-edged with protective holder
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Rope, 1/4-in or 3/8-in nylon
(4 -6 feet)
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For emergency leash, or
restraint of injured
animal, if necessary
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Saline solution, commercial or
homemade
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For wound irrigation, nasal
irrigation
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Sanitary pads, female
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Will double as pressure
bandage pads.
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Tongue depressors
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Oral exam and small splints.
Clean, undyed "popsicle
sticks" will also work
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Waterless hand sanitizer
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Purell, Dial, etc
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Wire cutters
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For cutting fence wire, etc.
away from an injured animal or person. Need to be sharp.
|
| Wooden paint stick or ruler |
For larger splint
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A
72-Hour Emergency Evacuation Kit
For a Service Dog Team
These are items to
be kept in a separate duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack, ready to go
with you at all times in case you must leave your home suddenly in an
emergency.
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Important
papers, human and canine
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For human: Passport,
driver's license or photo ID; list of current medications and
dosages; list of emergency contacts and how to locate them;
copies of prescriptions for eyeglasses, contacts, oxygen, etc.
For dog: Photo ID; Copy of prescription or physician's orders for
service dog; rabies and vaccination certificates; most recent travel
certificate.
Note: Place these in a sealed zip-lock bag for protection.
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Medications and
medical supplies
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Three-day supply of
medications and medical supples (oxygen, incontinence, catheter,
ostomy, etc.)
Note: Rotate medications and supplies so they do not become outdated.
|
Water
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As much as can be
carried easily.
|
| Water bottles |
For both dog and
human. Full if possible. |
Cash (in small bills
and change)
|
For telephone calls
an emergency purchases
|
Can opener
|
Adaptive if
necessary, but do not omit.
|
Knife
|
Folding knife or
knife with sheath, such as fishing knife
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Eating utensils,
human
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Especially if
adaptive.
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Eating utensils,
canine
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Travel bowls or
plastic bowls for food and water.
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Food, Human
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Three day food
supply for human. (Freeze-dried, dried, vacuum-packed, canned,
non-perishables, ready-to-eat, hard candies, etc.)
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Food, Canine
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Three day food
supply for dog. (Canned, vacuum packed, non-perishable)
|
Clothing
|
Three day clothing
supplies.
Layered options for all-season local weather conditions.
Note: This is a great way to make use of old
clothing that is still sturdy and usable.
|
| Extra "clothes" for
dog |
Dog T-shirt,
bandanna, spare vest or cape, canine life vest with markings, etc. -
Clearly marked to
identify dog as a service or assistance dog. (IMPORTANT - Even if you
do not normally dress your dog.) |
Sanitary supplies
|
Plastic bags for
waste and garbage disposal.
Baby wipes or skin wipes. Waterless hand sanitizer.
Toilet tissue - Remove core, flatten roll, and put in zip-lock plastic
bag |
Seasonal supplies
|
Seasonal supplies
for all seasons in your area. Sunscreen, gloves, hat, socks, etc.
|
| Sturdy shoes or boots |
Protect feet from
temperature extremes, broken glass, debris, and chemical spills. |
| Heavy-duty dog boots* |
Protect dog's feet
from temperature extremes, broken glass, debris,
and chemical spills.
*Use of dog boots requires prior training for dog. |
Dust mask, human
|
Disposable dust
masks from hardware store or bandanna to cover nose and mouth.
|
Dust mask, canine
|
Made from a standard
nylon muzzle with a human dust mask or cloth filter added. |
Flashlight,
Glow sticks
|
Extra batteries and
bulb, or "shake" light.
Long-life glow sticks.
|
Small AM/FM Radio
|
Extra batteries,
solar, or dynamo-powered. Get one with NOAA (Weather) capabilities if
possible.
|
Towels
|
Microfiber or sports
towels are best
|
Washcloths
|
Microfiber.
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Small First Aid Kit
|
Travel-type First
Aid Kit for minor wounds.
|
Book
|
Stress relief and
comfort. Choose accordingly.
|
Deck of cards or
travel game
|
Stress relief for
humans
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Canine chew toy or
other comfort object
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Stress relief for dog
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Extra dog leash
|
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Matches or lighter
|
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A 72-Hour Home
Emergency Kit For
A Service Dog
Team
In addition to the basics contained in the "Evacuation Kit" These are
items to be kept readily available in the home for emergencies
requiring "sheltering in place".
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Three-day supply of
stored water for drinking and sanitation
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Approx 10 gallons of
water -
3 gallons per day for human.
1 gallon per day for large dog. |
Camp shower
|
May be used in
existing bath or shower, or set up outside.
|
Minimum three day
additional supply of non-perishable foods for both dog and human
|
Canned,
vacuum-packed, instant, ready-to eat, dehydrated mixes, and other foods
with extended shelf life.
|
Lighting
(Flashlights, lanterns, etc.)
|
Battery, solar, etc.
in case of power failure
|
Alternative cooking
source
|
Outdoor grill or
BBQ, camp stove, etc.
|
Blankets or sleeping
bags
|
Enough to keep all
occupants of the house warm, or to help shade windows against excessive
heat in the event of lack of heating or air-conditioning.
|
Duct Tape
|
"Universal" repair
tape for many items.
|
Duct Tape and
plastic sheeting kit
|
Duct tape and
plastic sheeting can be used for many emergency situations, including
making temporary shelters or repairs to storm-damaged homes.
If possible: Pre-cut plastic sheeting to fit doors and windows of your
residence. Mark with permanent marker to indicate where pieces go.
|
Canine Litter Box
System*
|
For any situation
where your dog is unable to go outside to "potty".
Canine litter in a child's plastic wading pool works for larger dogs.
*Use of canine litter system requires prior training for dog. |
Sanitary waste
disposal
|
For use when
plumbing or water supply is disrupted for any reason.
A portable chemical toilet
OR
A commode, bucket, or dry toilet bowl lined with plastic bag for waste
removal and disposal.
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Items
to Keep in Your
Car
If you have a car,
you will need to keep some basic supplies in it for road emergencies.
In addition, you may also want to keep a few extra emergency supplies
for backup. Anything stored in the car is one less item to worry about
packing in an emergency.
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Empty fuel can
|
Many gas stations
cannot dispense gas into any other type of container.
|
Prepaid phone
card, change for pay phone,
cell phone
|
|
Emergency stash of
spare keys and cash
|
Use can safe or hide
in magnetic key holder(s)
|
Water and water
containers
|
Enough for both
drinking and filling radiator.
|
Windshield shade
with "Send Help" or "Call Police" sign printed on opposite side
|
Double duty for
shade and signaling.
|
Flashlight and
batteries
|
|
Emergency canned
"tire inflater"
|
Does not work for
tire damage, but will help with low tire or slow leak.
|
Bright red cloth or
bandanna
|
Can be used for
emergency flag
|
Sack of sand or clay
cat litter
|
Traction aid.
(Double bagged with heavy duty plastic or cloth.)
|
Small shovel
|
Traction aid.
(Folding camp shovels work well for this.)
|
Spare bulb and fuse
kits
|
Spares for turn
signals, brake lights, etc.
|
Tire pressure gage
|
|
Jumper cables or
jump-start unit
|
|
Tire pump or
compressor
|
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Emergency safety
engine fuel
|
"Rescue" or other
brand
( Do not keep gas
in trunk or vehicle!)
|
Extra oil and fluids
|
Windshield washer,
brake, automatic transmission, engine oil, etc.
|
Lap robe/ blanket(s)
|
Poly-fleece works
well for this, and is easy to wash.
"Quillow" style or "pillow blankets" are good.
|
Emergency blankets
|
Mylar or "space
blankets" for passengers - Work for insulation against both heat and
cold.
|
Emergency rain poncho
|
|
Non-perishable snack
foods for human and canine
|
Comfort, blood-sugar
control, extra emergency supplies.
|
Chew toy or comfort
item
|
For canine stress
relief
|
Jack and tire iron,
spare tire.
|
|
Misc. minor repair
items
|
Duct tape, extra
hose clamps, extra fan and alternator belts. |
Basic tools
|
Adjustable wrenches,
screwdrivers, socket set.
|
Wheel chocks
|
For parking on
inclines
|
Tire chains or
traction cleats, windshield de-icer, scraper
|
For winter or
mountain conditions
|
Mini "travel bag"
|
Travel size
toothpaste, soap, toothbrush, shampoo, razor,
hand cleaner, bug repellent, etc.
|
Extra copies of important emergency
papers
|
|
Items to Keep in a
Wheelchair
or Scooter Pack
If you use a
wheelchair as a main means of transportation outside your home, treat
it as you would a car in terms of preparedness. Your wheelchair pack
should carry some basic emergency items, just as any other vehicle
should.
Many standard backpacks can fit seat backs with little or no
alteration, and are a good choice for carrying supplies.
|
Basic First Aid Kit
|
Small kit for
treating minor wounds, discomforts, etc.
|
Small flashlight
|
|
Small portable radio
|
|
Extra personal care
supplies
|
Lancets, syringes,
glucose tabs, cath supplies, etc.
|
Air horn (boat
horn), whistle, or personal alarm
|
To signal others in
an emergency situation,
To deter unfriendly dogs at large.
|
Cell phone, prepaid
phone card, or change for pay phones
|
For emergency
communication
|
Waterless hand
cleaner or skin wipes
|
For hand washing
when water is not available
|
Tire inflation can
|
For pneumatic tires
|
Extra rain poncho,
sun hat, gloves, etc
|
Can also be used by
a companion or helper
|
Bottled water, or
other hydration system
|
|
Towel
|
For drying off after
rain,
Cool compress for heat,
Utility use.
|
Book, deck of cards,
travel game, etc.
|
Stress relief,
pastime while waiting
|
Writing supplies
|
|
|
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Twelve Months to Preparedness:
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