Emergency preparedness is the science and strategy of being ready for a potential or impending disaster or emergency situation. These disasters and situations can include hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes, or any other devastating event. Emergencies and disasters can happen with short notice, forcing people to quickly leave or be confined to their homes unexpectedly, often with little to no resources.
The impact of natural and manmade disasters has been seen around the globe, affecting millions of people every year. They can cause a magnitude of damage, leaving people and communities to face both short- and long-term effects. Disastrous effects can be heightened when individuals are not adequately prepared.
Individuals with disabilities, including those with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), are at an increased risk for secondary complications and adverse health outcomes resulting from natural disasters. Specifically, those who use assistive technology and other medical equipment, such as powered wheelchairs or ventilators, face significant challenges in disasters when electrical power is lost, or when homes are damaged in ways that prevent the use of their devices. To mitigate these negative outcomes, special focus and planning is required to address specific needs.
Research has shown individuals with SCI/D often confront physical, emotional, and financial stressors as they attempt to fulfill their needs in emergency planning. These factors create significant barriers for individuals with SCI in the creation of adequate emergency plans. As a result, many individuals do not have personal emergency plans in place, leaving them inadequately prepared for disasters.
This is why the United Spinal Association has created its “Ready to Roll” initiative focused on disaster preparedness for individuals with SCI/D, with the goal to lessen the effects and risks associated with natural or human-caused disasters.
Ready to Roll
So far, Ready to Roll has distributed 4,000 of its disaster readiness starter kits to members of the SCI/D community, providing life-saving essentials to individuals with the specific needs of wheelchair users in mind.
We’ve also come through for our community in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, and Ida. Over the last five years, we have distributed $1 million of disaster relief assistance to individuals with mobility disabilities in Florida, Texas, the Gulf States, and Puerto Rico to assist with their urgent and immediate needs. In the case of Hurricane Ida, we were able to distribute significant assistance that helped people with SCI/D rebuild their homes and regain their livelihoods in the wake of incredible destruction. We’ve also provided assistance to the survivors of recent wildfires in Oregon and Colorado and the tornado in Kentucky.
With ongoing efforts to build preparedness nationwide we will be pointing you to various resources (such as personal assessments; checklists; information pages; and how-to guides) all month long. These resources will assist in equipping individuals with recommendations on how to prepare themselves, their homes, and their equipment for disastrous circumstances.
Check out the “Ready to Roll” resources at https://unitedspinal.org/ready-to-roll/.
Being equipped both intellectually and physically for unexpected events can save lives, lessen the emotional impact and facilitate a quicker adjustment in times of transition.
Below are some useful tips to plan for emergency evacuations, prepare for power outages, and access local resources. But no matter where you live, one of the most important ways to find information about accessible resources in your area is to dial 2-1-1 or contact your emergency management coordinator.
Winter Weather
With winter weather occurring nationwide, make sure you’re prepared in the event of weather-related emergencies. Pay attention to weather reports in your area and be on the lookout for winter weather and freezing temperatures. Always listen for emergency information and alerts.
Sign up for your community’s warning system and additional apps for emergency alerts such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and The American Red Cross Emergency Alert System (EAS).
Winter storms can last from a few hours to a few days and may bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice, and high winds along with them. Storms can often lead to loss of power, heat, and communication services. Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work, and in your car. Build an emergency preparedness kit with this easy-to-use checklist!
More information about how to prepare for winter weather:
- https://www.fema.gov/blog/get-ready-winter-weather
- https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
- Amazon Emergency Preparedness Supply List
Hurricanes
Hurricane season will be here again before you know it. Will you be Ready to Roll when the next hurricane is in your area?
Stay informed and sign up for weather alerts and information in your area. Contact your emergency management office for evacuation routes and local alerts.
You may need to evacuate with short notice. Know who to call and where to go.
Before a storm make sure to review available resources in your community.
Need transportation? Plan ahead. Call local transportation providers and emergency management offices to find accessible options. Many local emergency management offices maintain registries of people with disabilities so they can be located and assisted quickly during a disaster. Are you on their list?
Have your own car? Keep a bag of supplies with you at all times. Include items such as blankets, water, food, first aid, and more. Check out United Spinal’s pre-made checklist for help and consider your personal needs.
In any kit, be sure to have supplies for up to 3 days or more.
Need shelter? Find accessible shelters in your area by contacting local officials and emergency management offices.
Do you have a service animal? Be sure to identify which shelters will allow animals.
Do you need power for medical equipment? Be sure to ask which shelters have generator options.
More information about preparing for hurricanes:
Louisiana Residents:
- Visit your Parish’s website for evacuation routes and local alerts.
- Join the Louisiana Chapter Facebook for local updates and resources during and after storms.
- Visit the Get A Gameplan website
Texas Residents:
- Register on STEAR, the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) allows residents to provide information on their specific situation to emergency management officials who will work to help them evacuate safely, or provide them with the appropriate life-sustaining help they need in a disaster.
- Texas A&M Disaster Education Network: Hurricane Evacuation
Florida Residents:
- Know your evacuation zone: https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone/
- Florida offers “special needs shelters” that you may qualify for. Know where to go ahead of time: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/evacuations-and-shelters/shelter-information/
East Coast:
- Join your local chapter group or Facebook page for additional information
- All states have an emergency management office that can provide information on emergency preparedness; search your state and city for contact information
- Search your location for more at: https://www.fema.gov/locations
Wildfires
Evacuation: You may need to evacuate with short notice. Know your zone ahead of time and actively watch notices to know if and when you have to leave. Plan ahead and know who to call and where to go.
Transportation: If you rely on public transportation, make sure you plan ahead and contact local transportation providers and emergency management offices to find accessible options. Many local emergency management offices maintain registries of people with disabilities so they can be located and assisted quickly during a disaster. Are you on their list?
Supplies: Whether you shelter in place or evacuate, make sure you have at least 3 days of supplies. For consideration of what supplies to prepare view this checklist.
Research articles for additional suggestions such as these: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gear-for-your-bug-out-bag/
Always sign up for your community’s warning system and additional apps for emergency alerts such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and The American Red Cross Emergency Alert System (EAS). In addition, track air quality in your area.
More information about preparing for wildfires: