The best time to prepare for an emergency is well ahead of time. When you prepare from a position of safety and calm, you and your caregivers can better cope with an emergency or disaster situation when it happens. An emergency or disaster may present unique challenges for people with disabilities and special needs. If you or someone you care for has a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family.

Learn more about making a plan on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.

Other Helpful Tips

• Wear medical alert tags/bracelets to help identify your disability/special need.
• Practice how to quickly explain your condition and your adaptive equipment to someone who is helping you.
• Wheelchair users need to have more than one exit from their residence that is wheelchair accessible. Practice how to escape from your home.
• Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
• If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment or equipment, know the locations and availability of more than one facility in your area.

Source: FloridaDisaster.org