Given its struggles with wildfires and earthquakes, California is no stranger to natural disasters. This year, hurricanes were added to the misery list as Hurricane Hilary leaped across Mexico to smash into the Southwest. Despite being in extreme drought for three years prior, California now must deal with the aftermath of flash flooding and other hallmarks of tropical storms.
In partnership with the Neilsen Foundation, United Spinal Association’s Ready to Roll program is ready to help wheelchair users affected by Hurricane Hilary.
To apply for disaster relief from United Spinal, you must:
- Be a person with a spinal cord injury or a wheelchair user who has been affected by a natural disaster.
- Have a financial need.
- Be able to provide documentation of your disability and financial need.
Our Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Many of our Emergency Preparedness Working Group members have first-hand experience dealing with storms like Hurricane Hilary. They compiled their experiences and advice in our Hurricane Preparedness for the Disability Community Resource.
Their number one takeaway? Have a plan.
But even the best plans and strongest support systems sometimes cannot prevent destruction. When the worst happens, we are here to help wheelchair users recover.
Natural disasters like Hurricane Hilary are inevitable. Together with the Neilsen Foundation, so is our support for affected wheelchair users. Watch how we helped Terrell Patterson rebuild after Hurricane Ida:
Here are some more resources for Hurricane Hilary:
Official websites:
- National Hurricane Center
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- Orange County Emergency Management
Non-profit organizations:
Please contact our Community Support team for more information about all United Spinal’s chapters and programs. Join us by signing up for a free membership. To support our mission, donate here.
