HURRICANE PREPARATION FOR A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY OR
ACCESS/FUNCTIONAL NEED
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/hurricane-preparation-person-disability-or-accessfunctional-need]


Release Date: 
Jun 9, 2022 

Do you or a family member have a disability or condition that requires
specific accommodations? Take advantage of the time before a hurricane
to plan how you will evacuate safely.

KNOW WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED

Think about the equipment you use regularly.  If you must evacuate,
there may be portable equipment that will be lighter and easier to
take with you such as a lightweight manual wheelchair.  Pack cords
for a C-PAP machine, oxygen monitors, test strips, or other vital
accessories. Supplies for a service animal will make your preparations
complete.

BUILD A TEAM

Think of people who would be available to assist in an emergency such
as friends or neighbors or if a family member or regular caregiver
cannot be there. Make sure they have a key to the house and know how
to use any medical or mobility equipment and are familiar with the
location and dosage of medications.

DIALYSIS, PHYSICAL THERAPY OR OTHER SYSTEMATIC REQUIRED TREATMENT

Learn from your usual provider what their procedures will be in an
emergency. If your evacuation plan requires relocating, know where
providers are located and if they accept your insurance.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR KIT

If you depend on them, be sure to include glasses, hearing aids,
batteries/chargers, and written prescriptions. Making a list helps
make sure you won’t leave important items behind. Even if you need
help with preparations, be involved with the process. It is important
that each person acts as their own emergency manager. Doing a little
every day to be prepared is empowering and gives you better control
over the outcome. 

The following websites list basic items to take if you need to
evacuate. Go online to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security
and Emergency Preparedness
http://gohsep.la.gov/MITIGATE/OVERVIEW/Fact-Sheet-Index/Disaster-Supply-Kit
or to https://www.ready.gov/disability. 

For additional preparedness tips, a FEMA video with American Sign
Language interpretation can be viewed here: Preparing Makes Sense for
People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs -
YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLLMDOScE4g]. More
information on how to prepare for a hurricane is available at
Ready.gov [https://www.ready.gov/].