Disaster Preparedness Plan for Disabled and Elderly Individuals
Disasters and emergencies can present unique challenges for the elderly and people with disabilities, who often have specific health, mobility, and communication needs. Creating a comprehensive disaster plan is essential to mitigate these risks and stay safe.
Here are a few key steps for developing a plan tailored to their needs, focusing on building a support network, ensuring personal preparedness, and coordinating with healthcare providers.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit:
- Assemble a kit that includes a seven-day supply of medications, medical supplies, and essential documents such as medical records and a list of medications and dosages.
- Include assistive devices like hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, and mobility aids such as canes or wheelchairs.
- Pack non-perishable food, water, hygiene supplies, and comfort items. Don’t forget to include important contact information and a copy of your emergency plan.
Do you have everything? Download our Hurricane Supply Kit Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Get Your Hurricane Supply Kit Document
Do you have everything? Download our Hurricane Supply Kit Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
- Secure Important Documents:
- Store important documents such as identification, insurance policies, medical records, and emergency contacts in a waterproof and easily accessible container.
- Make digital copies of these documents and store them on your device or a secure, accessible cloud service.
- Prepare Your Home:
- Identify safe areas in your home where you can take shelter during disasters.
- Ensure all safety and medical equipment are in working order and accessible.
- Make necessary home modifications to ensure accessibility and safety, such as installing ramps and securing heavy furniture to walls.
Make sure your family is safe today! For more resources on creating a Family Emergency Plan, click here.
Get Family Emergency Plan Document
Make sure your family is safe today! For more resources on creating a Family Emergency Plan, click here.
- Build a support network:
- It is vital to identify key contacts such as family members, friends, neighbours, and caregivers who can be part of your support network, ensuring these individuals live nearby and are reliable.
- Share information with your support network, including details of your medical conditions, medications, and emergency contact information.
- Ensure at least one person in your network is trained to use life-saving equipment and administer medications you might need during an emergency.
- Give a trusted individual a spare key to your home, making sure they know where to find your emergency supplies.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers:
- If you receive routine treatments like dialysis, physical therapy, etc., then, discuss emergency plans with your healthcare providers and identify alternative healthcare facilities or providers that can deliver the same treatments if your primary location becomes unavailable.
- Keep a list of your healthcare providers, including their contact details and emergency protocols in an easily accessible place.
- Evacuation Planning:
- Know the local evacuation routes and the location of the nearest emergency shelters, ensuring they are accessible and can accommodate your specific needs.
- Arrange accessible transportation options ahead of time.
- Have a “go-bag” ready with essential items like medications, medical supplies, and important documents.
- Practice and Educaiton:
- Teach those in your support network how to operate any necessary equipment you rely on, labelling equipment clearly, and attaching laminated instructions for easy reference during an emergency.
- Practice evacuation and emergency drills at least twice a year with your support network and caregivers to ensure everyone knows their roles.
- Stay Informed:
- Follow and sign up for emergency alerts and notifications from the DRM Authority, the Department of Meteorology etc. Follow these trusted sources on social media for real-time updates. Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area and stay updated on weather reports and the news.
Last Updated:
02/01/2025
