Persons with disabilities, older people and people from other at-risk groups should have individual preparedness plans for different locations (home, work, school). The plans should be planned together with their personal support network (assistants, family, friends, neighbours or co-workers who are able to provide assistance on a short notice in case of a disaster).
Consider the following when developing an individual preparedness plan:
- Identify accessible safe places for evacuation in case of flood, earthquake, cyclone, tornado, fire and other hazards, both inside buildings (bathroom, basement, stairwell, etc.) and outside (public shelter, store, parking lot, etc.).
- Identify primary and secondary routes to the safe place and remove barriers.
- Practice using different ways out of a building, especially if you are above the first floor.
- Practice evacuation with your personal support network.
- For persons with mobility limitations, consider working and sleeping in the location that provides the fastest escape route (e.g. on the ground floor, near the door).
- Decide what type of equipment you will need for assistance during an evacuation (e.g. an evacuation chair).
- In addition to basic disaster supplies kit, stock essential items such as food supplements, medicines, medical-and hygiene supplies, and assistive devices.
- Identify and prepare suitable devices to receive early warning and stay informed during disaster (mobile device, laptop computer, radio, television, etc.).
- Fill out a medical information list. Include information about (i) Medical providers; (ii) Medications you use; (iii) Adaptive equipment and/or body system support equipment you use; (iv) Allergies and sensitivities; (v) Communication or cognitive difficulties.
- Attach copies of health needs and related information to your medical information list.
- For persons with mobility limitations, ask your local emergency management office if accessible transportation services are available during an emergency evacuation.
- Prepare an emergency information list. If you have difficulty communicating, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you. Include: (i) Medical and emergency contact information; (ii) Names and numbers of the nearest disability service providers or representative organisation; (iii) Name and number of a relative or friend who can be contacted, if required.