Collaboration for Inclusive Emergency Preparedness and Response
Center for Disabilities Studies
University of Delaware
461 Wyoming Road
Newark, DE 19716
(302) 831-6974
http://www.udel.edu/cds/
CDS works on behalf of people with disabilities in such key areas as
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health and well-being
early intervention
Inclusive education
transition from school to work
assistive technology
family centered practices
employment, housing, and transportation
The focus of our work in emergency preparedness:
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Enabling individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to prepare for
emergency situations, and
Promoting the seamless integration of emergency planning for individuals with
developmental disabilities into existing emergency operational plans in Delaware.
Planning Grant
Four Emergency Preparedness Forums were held throughout the State;
Data collected from the participants indicated 25.6 % did not feel prepared, and 41 %
somewhat prepared but
recognized gaps in their degree of preparedness.
Sheltering in Place:
If remaining in home were required for more than a few days
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22 % of individuals with disabilities were not at all prepared
44 % of individuals with disabilities were not well prepared
32 % of individuals with disabilities were somewhat prepared
Evacuation:
If leaving home for several days were required,
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7.3 % of individuals with disabilities were not all at prepared
17.1 % of individuals with disabilities were not well prepared
53.7 % of individuals with disabilities were somewhat prepared
Why Prepare?
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Help may not arrive for a few days.
You retain more control over what happens to you and your family. Shelters should
be a last resort.
You know your own unique needs better than anyone else and can therefore better
prepare for a disaster.
Individuals with disabilities must take
safety.
responsibility for their own
Individuals with disabilities often need
assistance in the development of their
personal plan.
They may need help assembling supplies to evacuate or shelter in place.
The Personalized Emergency Preparedness Planning Tool
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Includes emergency preparedness information appropriate for all
individuals…
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But emphasizes emergency preparedness planning based on one’s
functional needs.
Steps in a Personalized Planning Tool
Step 1: My Important Information
Step 2: My Plan for Taking Care Of My Needs
Step 3: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?
Step 4: Post Emergency Plans
Step 1 – My Important Information
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Vital information needed by first responders
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Important contacts (family members, local police, local fire)
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Contact information for people who can help with specific challenges.
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Medical Conditions
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Pharmaceutical prescriptions with Rx numbers
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Medical Contact Information (Physicians, Phone numbers for Pharmacy, Home
Healthcare Providers, Medical Suppliers, etc.)
When the plan was last updated
Make Copies of Important Documents
Examples of emergency documents or papers include:
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Copy of driver’s license or photo ID
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Social Security card
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Copies of prescriptions/pharmacy prescription numbers
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Medical equipment/device warranties/manuals
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Legal papers such as guardianship or power-of-attorney forms, wills, deeds, birth
and marriage certificates
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Bank account/credit card information
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Insurance policy numbers and information
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Copies of utility bills (used as proof of residence at a location)
Portability of Information
USB Bracelets and Keys
Step 3: Prepare a Plan for Sheltering in Place & Evacuating
Should I stay or should I go?
Sheltering in Place
What supplies will you need for your family and pets to safely stay in your home for 3
days?
What supports must be in place for you to safely address your needs at home?
Develop an Evacuation Plan
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Where you will meet family members if you must evacuate
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A place in the neighborhood
Out of town
Out of State
How will you get there?
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Assemble a Go-Bag in advance
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Remember to plan for pets
Always have half a tank of gas
Keep cash on hand for an emergency
Step 4: After Emergencies are Over
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Reunification Plan for your Family
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If a disaster is declared, you may be eligible for disaster assistance
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Re-use of assistive technology
Train Navigators
Train navigators who are already in place to assist people with disabilities:
Examples:
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Centers for Independent Living
People First
Family Voices
Faith-based Organizations
Home visiting nurses/home health care agencies\
Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers
Other Community service providers