Plan for Individuals with Special Needs![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Being prepared for emergencies can reduce the fear, panic, and inconvenience that surrounds a disaster. Disaster Preparedness PSACHECK FOR HAZARDS IN THE HOMEDuring and right after a disaster, ordinary items in the home can cause injury or damage. Anything that can move, fall, break or cause fire is a home hazard. Check for items such as bookcases, hanging pictures, or overhead lights that could fall in an earthquake or a flood and block an escape path. BE READY TO EVACUATEHave a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or friends for assistance, if necessary). Also, plan two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster. Have disaster supplies on hand. Click here for more information on disaster supplies.
Maintain a list of the following important items and store it with the emergency supplies. Give a copy to another family member and a friend or neighbor.
CREATE A SELF-HELP NETWORK OF RELATIVES, FRIENDS OR CO-WORKERS TO ASSIST IN AN EMERGENCYIf you think you may need assistance in a disaster, discuss your disability with relatives, friends, and co-workers and ask for their help. For example, if you need help moving or require special arrangements to receive emergency messages, make a plan with friends. Make sure they know where you keep emergency supplies. Give a key to a neighbor or friend who may be able to assist you in a disaster. Contact your local emergency management office now. Many local emergency management offices maintain registers of people with disabilities so they can be located and assisted quickly in a disaster. Wearing medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability may help in case of an emergency. Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment. IF YOU HAVE A SEVERE SPEECH, LANGUAGE, OR HEARING DISABLITY
IF YOU NEED A WHEELCHAIRShow friends how to operate your wheelchair so they can move you if necessary. Make sure your friends know the size of your wheelchair in case it has to be transported. PLANNING FOR AN EVACUATIONPeople with disabilities have the same choices as other community residents about whether to evacuate their homes and where to go when an emergency threatens. Listen to the advice of local officials. Decide whether it is better to leave the area, stay with a friend or go to a public shelter. Each of these decisions requires planning and preparation. ![]() ![]() NJ Register Ready Sign up to be included in the Statewide RegisterReady program. ![]() Checklists ![]() ![]() Subscription Service!
You can now subscribe to receive emails or rss feeds whenever a new emergency alert is posted.Emergency Notification System
Register your cellular telephone or Voice Over Internet Protocol phone number in the Emergency Notification System.
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