A good emergency plan takes individual needs and abilities into account, improving the odds of successfully sheltering in place or evacuating in the event of an emergency.

ReadyWisconsin recommends a three-step plan to help those with special needs and their caregivers to prepare now in case of an emergency.

Step 1: Make an emergency kit. This kit should include at least a three-day supply of food and water, cash, flashlight with batteries, first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, a dust mask, plastic bags with toilet paper and moist towelettes for sanitation, blankets or a sleeping bag, a wrench to turn off utilities, maps, and food for pets, extra medications and prescriptions, copies of important documents such as medical, family and insurance records in a waterproof pouch, and extra eyeglasses or hearing aids.

Step 2: Make a plan. Develop a personal support network and a family communication plan, options for sheltering in place or evacuating, and care plans for pets. An emergency will likely mean a disruption of normal routines, so plans should consider how to cope without utilities, medical treatment, transportation, communication or special needs devices and equipment. Find out if there is a local emergency management office, and if that office maintains a registry of special needs individuals.

Step 3: Stay informed. Learn about the potential emergencies that may occur in your area as well as the location of emergency shelters, should evacuation be required.

ReadyWisconsin recommends that plans include an out-of-town contact to report your situation to, escape routes from your dwelling and responses to different emergencies. FEMA also calls for reviewing emergency plans every six months and updating as needed. FEMA suggests that, in the event of an evacuation, seek shelter first with a friend or relative, if possible, who is able to provide for special needs. Medical alert tags or bracelets should be worn during any emergency.

Other considerations for individuals with special needs include:

• The visually impaired may be reluctant to leave familiar surroundings, and their service animal may become disoriented during a disaster.
• The cognitively disabled may need help responding to emergencies and seeking shelter.
• Individuals with special diets should keep an adequate emergency supply
• Those with medical conditions should know of more than one facility able to treat their condition

Emergency plans should also include medication regimens for individuals with such conditions as Parkinson’s Disease or epilepsy who would experience serious setbacks if that regimen was interrupted. Respiratory ailments might be aggravated by an emergency.

More information about emergency preparedness for those with special needs can be found online at http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov.