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Communication with Others

You must COMMUNICATE with others, such as family members, neighbors and direct support professionals.

Develop a network of individuals that you can rely on for assistance. Meet with these individuals and create a preparedness plan, discuss what would happen in different types of emergencies: Fore, tornado, flood, etc. Remember, when creating an emergency preparedness plan, proximity is very important, so rely most on those closest to you. This plan goes beyond home: It applies to locations where you spend significant time, such as schools, clubs, community centers, work and volunteer settings.

Communicate your issues and train your NETWORK OF PEOPLE in how best to assist you in an emergency. 
  • How to notify  you of an emergency if you are deaf or hard-of-hearing;
  • how to use your evacuation equipment if you have a mobility disability;
  • how to notify you of an emergency if you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or how to guide you if you are blind or low vision;
  • how to identify support needs and provide assistance if you have an intellectual or cognitive disability, or are a person with autism spectrum disorder;
  • how to do a blood pressure check, assist with an injection, or assist with a transfer, etc.

If you live with a mental illness: 

  • Tell your network of people how to secure the documents and assistance you might need in an emergency, e.g., how best to notify you of an emergency; information on your disability, your current medication, name of your therapist, psychiatrist or psychopharmacologist; where to be taken in a health emergency; contact information for a family member or friend who listens to you and can advocate for you in a crisis.
  • Also brings a week's worth of medication, and slip-on clothing without strings or ties.
  • Tell responders: "Do not escalate the situation. Talk softly, listen closely to what I an saying. Don't be judgmental, help me get the proper resources."

Developing a network is a two-way street, so as you identify what you can do for others. Many individuals with disabilities have organizational and communication skills or other skills and abilities that can be utilized in a plan.

Once you have the emergency plan and network in place, this forms the basis of your plan. Be sure to PRACTICE. PRACTICE AND PRACTICE!!! 

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