Emergency Preparedness

(Note: More information will be added to this page, so please check back often)

picture of hurricane, fire, electrical storm, and flood

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin

Emergency Preparedness Workshop
for People with Disabilities

You can take small steps every day to become better able to survive an emergency. Be informed, Identify your resources, Make a plan, and Create a Ready Kit and a GoBag.
Start today to become better prepared, safer, and more secure.

The ABIL Independent Living Team is hosting an educational class on:

WHEN: Tuesday May 21, 2013

Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan - 10:00am to Noon

Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

WHERE: The Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona
Conference Room
5025 E. Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85034

REGISTRATION: Either go to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2825480087#

Contact Liticia Hawkins at 602-443-0715 to sign up for the class.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation will be available for both classes however, seating is limited, and is on a first come, first serve basis.

Call Leonard Smith at (602) 386-4281 to sign up for transportation.

No transportation reservations after May 14th, 4pm.

Emergency Preparedness -
How prepared are you really?

Preparing for an emergency such as a hurricane, fire, thunderstorm, flood, or other natural disaster is not something most of us like to think about. We like even less to think about preparing for a terrorist attack.

Despite this, the fact remains that the more prepared we are the more likely we are to survive such an emergency. Even if it is not a life or death matter and the emergency is short in duration, a little planning and having some basic things on hand will make us much more comfortable.

The following resources are intended to assist persons with disabilities, their caregivers, and loved ones in planning for an emergency or disaster. These resources are also intended to familiarize caregivers or members of a support group with some of the challenges facing their friends, family, and loved ones with a disability.

This information is not limited to people with physical or cognitive conditions specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act. You should find it helpful to, for example, people with even mild vision, hearing, or mobility impairments.

Quick Links

En Espanol More Emergency Preparedness Links

There are three basic steps to planning for an emergency: 1) Be Informed, 2) Make a Plan, and 3) Make an Emergency Supply Kit. These steps are outlined below with links for you to complete each step.

STEP 1: BE INFORMED

What to do before, during, and after an emergency.

Before

Educated yourself as to how to prepare for disasters likely to happen in your area. In Arizona an emergency could involve such natural things as: a fire, wild fire, flood, earthquake, extreme heat or cold, snow, thunderstorm, or dust storm. A disaster could also involve: a nuclear power plant or a terrorist incident.

Your preparation for each potential emergency type may be different or may involve having different items in your emergency kit.

During

How will you know that a natural disaster or other emergency will or has affected the area in which you live? Often we receive such news on the TV or radio but, what if the power has gone out? Do you have a battery or solar operated radio to receive such weather or news story?

How will you communicate with loved ones?

After

How will you communicate with loved ones that to find out if they are safe or to let them know that you are safe?

Register on the Red Cross Safe and Well List - If you have been affected by a disaster, you can use this page to post "safe and well messages" that your loved ones can view.

Check out the links below for information on staying informed.

The Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)

Extreme Heat

Emergency Warnings for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR)

STEP 2: MAKE A PLAN

Graphic of Emergency Preparedness checklist

Each person's needs and abilities are unique, but every individual can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and put plans in place. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation.

A commitment to planning today will help you prepare for any emergency situation. Each of the following links will assist you in making an emergency plan.

"72 Hours" Website

Be Red Cross Ready Pamphlet

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities Pamphlet

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Mobility Disabilities

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Sensory Disabilities

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities

Disaster Readiness Tips for Owners of Pets of Service Animals

Flood Preparedness Guide

Get Ready Now Pamphlet

Just In Case Arizona

Monsoon Storm Safety

Ready.gov Website

Planning for Your Pets

Whether you have a service animal or family pets, your emergency preparations should include them too. Just like you, your pets will need food, water, shelter, and medications. Also, like you during an emergency they may experience many emotions - anxiety, worry, & fear. The links below will help you prepare for your four-legged friends.

FEMA-Caring for Animals

Preparing Pets for Emergencies - Pamphlet

National Hurricane Center - Pet Plan

STEP 3: MAKE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

A disaster supply kit is simply a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or to shop for them. The links below will help you assemble a kit.

"72 Hours" Website

Just In Case Arizona

Ready.gov

Specific Functional Need Focus

Cognitive Disabilities

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities

Deaf / Hard of Hearing

American Assoc of the Deaf-Blind - What to Do in an Emergency?

Making an Emergency Kit - format for Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf / Blind People

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Disaster Preparedness Video

NOAA Weather Radio for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons

Physical Disabilities

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Mobility Disabilities