Being prepared for the unexpected saves lives. Ready to Roll helps people with spinal cord injuries and all wheelchair users plan for disasters, whether caused by humans or nature. We guide wheelchair users through emergency preparedness planning and coordinate our efforts with disaster relief organizations and agencies.
United Spinal thanks the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation for helping us offer financial grants to individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders impacted by natural and human-caused disasters.
Here are a few of the lives we have touched.
Greg Nichols - ‘I Don’t Know Where I Would Be Today’
Greg Nichols evacuated his home to seek safety and shelter from Hurricane Ida. After the category 4 storm subsided, he returned home to find severe damage to his property, including a roof that needed to be fully replaced, water damage and no working air conditioning.
Terrell Patterson - ‘They Gave Me The Hope I Needed’
Terrell Patterson’s home was severely damaged by Hurricane Ida making it uninhabitable and needing major repairs. Terrell and his family struggled to find accessible housing as they tried to piece their lives back together and return to their home.
April & Maddie Young - ‘They Were There For Us’
April and Maddie Young had their home completely destroyed by Hurricane Ida. Maddie was in need of accessible home modifications but the damage caused by Ida dashed any hope of that possibility.
Jason Homer - ‘We Had Our Lives Back'
Jason Homer evacuated his home of 19 years to ride out Hurricane Ida in Houston. When he returned, he saw firsthand the devastating aftermath of the damage. Everything from his home’s siding and roof to his accessible van were damaged by Ida’s powerful winds.
Be Prepared: R-E-A-D-Y
Best Practices & Checklists
Evacuating to a Shelter
Learn how shelters work and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Pets and Service Animals
In a disaster, pets and service animals need extra help and should always be a part of the plan.
Power Outages
Learn about local power outages and how you can do to prepare in advance.
Wheelchair Prep
Take inventory of your wheelchair(s) and supplies. Pack a “wheelchair go bag”.
Your Local Resources
Know what your local risks are and use the resources and organizations available in your area.
Emergency Preparedness Blogs
The Wheelchair Emergency Preparedness Compendium You Always Wanted
Everything you need to know to create a support network and communication plan
Your Power Just Went Out. Now What?
How to Build Emergency Preparedness Go-Bags and Stay-at-Home Kits
What Can Wheelchair Users Do In An Emergency Evacuation?
Supporting Maui’s disability community in their journey toward healing
Additional Resources
- Visit our Resource Center for a variety of resources and information
- Learn more about what to include in your kit
- Learn more about developing a plan
- Red Cross
For more information contact Abby Ross, aross@unitedspinal.org.