Emergency planning for disabilities and medical needs¶

If you have a disability or a health condition, an emergency can take away the things you rely on every day, such as power, transport, or help from others. This page shows how to plan ahead so you can stay safe, based on guidance from Ready.gov.

If you only do three things¶

1. Build a personal support network of people who know your needs and can help.
2. Plan how to keep medicines and any powered medical equipment working.
3. Keep a card or note that tells responders how to help and communicate with you.

Build a personal support network¶

You may need help, and the people closest to you may not be nearby. Ready.gov suggests building a group of people who can help you in a disaster.

• Ask at least three people, such as neighbors, relatives, friends, or coworkers, to be part of your network
• Share where you keep your supplies, and how to use your equipment
• Give each person a copy of your plan and contact list
• Consider giving a trusted person a key to your home
• Agree on how you will contact each other if phones are down
• Practice the plan, so everyone knows their part

Keep the contact list in a waterproof container and on your phone.

Medical devices and power¶

Think through what happens to each device if the power goes out or you have to leave your home.

• Ask your doctor or equipment supplier how to keep devices running in an outage
• Keep spare batteries, chargers, and a backup power source if you can
• Write down the model and serial number of each device
• Keep a lightweight manual wheelchair as a backup if you use a power chair
• Know how long a battery lasts, and where to go before it runs out
• Ask your power company if it keeps a priority list for customers who depend on medical equipment

Ready.gov advises asking your power provider to add you to its priority restoration list. If you receive dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, find out about more than one facility that can help you.

... warning "Do not wait for the battery to die" If a device keeps you alive, plan to move to a hospital, shelter, or a home with power while there is still battery left. Call your local emergency number if you are in danger (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom).

Medicine supplies¶

Prescription medicine can be hard to refill after a disaster. Plan ahead with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Ask how to build an emergency supply of your medicines, and whether your insurance allows it
• Keep a list of every medicine, dose, how often you take it, and your diagnosis and allergies
• Keep medicines in their original containers
• Use a cooler and ice packs for medicines that must stay cold
• Keep spare eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Pack supplies you use for your condition, such as test strips, syringes, or dressings

See the first aid kit checklist for more on personal medications.

Communication cards¶

You may not be able to explain your needs when you are stressed or when your usual communication tools fail. Prepare cards ahead of time.

• A card that says how you communicate, and how responders can help you
• A list of your conditions, medicines, allergies, and doctors
• A medical alert bracelet or tag if your doctor recommends one
• Laminated cards with phrases or pictures, in case your communication device stops working
• Contact details for your support network

Keep a copy in your wallet, your bag, and on your phone. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, a weather radio with text display and flashing alerts can warn you of danger, as Ready.gov notes.

Evacuation and shelter¶

Plan how you will leave, and where you will go.

1. Know your exits, and have a backup if an elevator stops working.
2. Ask your support network who can help you move, and how.
3. Find shelters and transport that are accessible, before you need them.
4. If you use a service animal, plan for its food, water, and records.
5. Keep your go bag near the door.

Tell responders about your needs as soon as you meet them.

Register with local services¶

Many places keep voluntary registries for people with disabilities or medical needs. Ready.gov notes that city and county emergency management agencies often keep these lists, so responders know who may need help.

In the United States, contact your local emergency management office to ask whether a registry exists. Elsewhere, contact your local government, civil protection agency, or health service. Registering is voluntary, so ask how your details will be used. A registry does not replace your own plan, because help can take time to reach you.

... tip "Review your plan each year" Update your lists, contacts, and supplies at least once a year, and after any change in your health or equipment.

Related guides¶

• Family plan
• Emergency kit
• First aid kit
• Power outage
• Emergency numbers