Emergency
Preparedness Guide For Citizens With Disabilities |
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Should
you need to Evacuate.
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Ensure you have all Items you will need in a Hurricane
Shelter for at least the first 72 hours.
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Know your Evacuation Zone, Maps based on Hurricane
Categories are available from the Emergency Management Office.
Always plan 1 category higher then what is forecast.
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The Primary Public Information Station is AM 740
KTRH which will give directions to Shelters opening in and for
the Houston area.
There are several important things that can be done in
order to reduce the effects of a disaster:
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Make sure you have a support system in place.
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Complete your individual personal assessment and
prepare your individual disaster plan.
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Gather the supplies you will need before, during
and after a disaster. Make sure the supplies are specific to your
disability.
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Make sure your residence is as safe as possible
in the event of an emergency.
REMEMBER PREPAREDNESS MUST BEGIN WITH YOU
SUPPORT SYSTEM
A support system, sometimes called the "buddy system," can
help you prepare for a disaster as well as during and after a disaster.
Members of your support system, or "buddies", can be roommates,
relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, or anyone you choose. They
should be people you trust to determine if you need assistance. Your
support system members should know your capabilities and needs and be
able to help in a matter of minutes.
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Have your "buddies" assist you in preparing
a written personal assessment
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Give your support system copies of your emergency
information list, medical information list, disability related
supplies and special equipment list, evacuation plans, any emergency
documents, and your personal disaster plan.
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Arrange for your support system to check on you
immediately if local officials announce a recommendation to evacuate
if a disaster occurs.
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Agree on methods of communication to be used during
a disaster.
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Give your "buddies" any keys they need
for your place of residence or vehicles.
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Make sure your support system knows how to operate
and transport any equipment specific to your disability. Make sure
it is labeled and laminated instruction cards are attached.
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If you have a service animal, ensure the animal
is familiar with your support system members and have written instructions
on any care the animal may require.
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Review and update your personal assessment and
disaster plan with your support system on a regular basis.
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PRACTICE
YOUR PLAN
PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
The assistance you will need before, during, and after
a disaster will be determined by the nature of the disaster itself and
your individual capabilities. The answers to the following questions
should be written or recorded and distributed to all members of your
support system:
Personal Care:
- Do you need assistance with activities of daily living, such
as bathing and grooming?
- Do you use adaptive equipment to help you get dressed?
Water Service:
Personal Care Equipment:
- Do you use a shower chair, tub-transfer bench, or other similar
equipment?
Adaptive Feeding Devices:
- Do you use special utensils that help you prepare or eat food
independently?
Electricity Dependent Equipment:
- What equipment do you have that runs on electricity and how will
you operate it if electrical service is disrupted?
Transportation:
- Do you need a specially equipped vehicle or accessible transportation?
Necessities:
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How will this be accomplished if the roads are
blocked because of the disaster?
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Who will get groceries, medication, and medical
supplies?
Evacuating:
Exits:
Service Animals
and Pets:
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PERSONAL
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Remember preparedness must begin with you. Preparation, which includes
practice, is the key to success in dealing with a disaster. Preparation
is an ongoing process. Keep in mind the usual means of support and assistance
may not be available during an evacuation and after the disaster. Prepare
a personal disaster plan. Included in this preparedness guide is information
for the plan and a disaster plan checklist for you to follow. Keep several
copies at different accessible locations and remember, share the plan
with your support system.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION LIST:
A emergency information list is to let others know the people that
should be called if you are found unconscious, unable to speak, or
need assistance to evacuate. Include emergency out-of-town contacts
as well as names and phone numbers of your support system.
Have a relative or friend who lives from 50 - 100 miles
away from you as your "contact person". This is advisable
because normally someone outside a disaster area is easier to contact.
Ask your "contact person" to relay information to others;
this will help reduce phone calls into and out of the affected area.
Be sure your emergency information list states the best way to communicate
with you.
MEDICAL INFORMATION LIST:
A medical information list should contain information about your medical
providers, the name, dosage and prescribing physician of medications,
your medical condition and physician's phone number. List any adaptive
equipment you use, your allergies and sensitivities, and communication
or cognitive difficulties you may have. Attach copies of health insurance
cards. Make arrangements to have additional medication, enough to
last 14 days, in case of a disaster. Have additional copies of prescriptions.
GENERAL PREPARATION
INFORMATION:
- Install adequate smoke detectors. If you are hearing impaired,
install a system that utilizes strobe lights. Test your detectors
monthly and replace the batteries at least twice a year. The spring
and fall time change is an excellent time to change the batteries.
- Write down the location of the utility cutoff valves and how
they are turned off, if directed by city officials. Have the proper
tools available and provide the information to your support system
members. Remember, if it is necessary to turn off the gas, it should
only be turned back on by a professional.
- Have a floor plan of your residence. Note your primary and alternate
escape routes. Practice using different ways out of your residence.
Note the location of your disaster supply kit.
Identify a specific evacuation location if an evacuation
is recommended:
Have a floor plan of your residence:
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Identify primary and alternate exits.
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Practice using different ways out of your residence.
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List any equipment you will need for assistance.
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Practice or write down brief, clear, specific instructions
or directions.
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Write down plans for your pets and/or service animal.
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DISASTER
SUPPLY KIT
The following list contains your basic disaster supplies
for your residence and your disability related supplies:
You should keep enough basic supplies to maintain you
in your home for at least three days, preferably seven or more:
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A supply of water for drinking and cooking (one
gallon per person per day). Store in sealed, unbreakable containers.
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A supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food
and a non-electric can opener.
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A change of clothing, shoes, and rain gear
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Blankets or sleeping bags (one per person).
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A first aid kit and additional prescription medications.
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Extra eyeglasses or contact lens supplies.
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A battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra
batteries.
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Credit cards and CASH in a water-proof container.
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Extra keys.
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Books, magazines, cards, toys, and games.
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Important documents in a water-proof container
(will, insurance policies, deeds, etc.)
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Photographs or videotapes of personal property
and an up to date inventory.
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Hygiene and sanitary supplies, grooming supplies.
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Tools (hammer, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
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Fire extinguisher.
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Food, leach, harness, and other items for service
animals and/or pets.
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Eating utensils.
Make arrangements for your pets in case of a disaster.
Emergency shelters will only accept service animals.
Prepare an evacuation plan. Make arrangements for evacuation
and transportation assistance if necessary. Make arrangements for a
place to stay outside of your area in case of an evacuation. Keep your
vehicle's fuel tank filled during hurricane season.
Practice how to explain specific needs to others, such
as how to move you and your adaptive equipment. Practice giving brief,
specific instructions or have them written down. |
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DISASTER
PLAN CHECKLIST
As you complete each section of your personal disaster
plan, mark the date completed on the checklist below:
Review and update your plan on a regular basis.
Make an Emergency Information List. Include the
following:
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Medical and emergency contact information.
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Emergency out-of-town contacts.
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Names and phone numbers of your support system.
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Name and phone number of a "contact" person
who lives 50 - 100 miles from you.
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Means of communication if you have a communication
disability.
Make a Medical Information List. Include the
following:
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Medical providers.
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Medications you use.
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Adaptive equipment, body support equipment.
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Allergies and sensitivities.
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Communications or cognitive difficulties
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Attach copies of health insurance cards.
Have an additional 14 day supply of medication available.
Have extra copies of prescriptions.
- Dressing, writing, or hearing devices
- Source of oxygen and flow regulator.
- Suction equipment
- Dialysis equipment.
- Urinary supplies
- Osmotic supplies.
- Wheelchair, walker, crutches, cane.
- Monitors.
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FIRST
AID KIT
A first aid kit is a part of your disaster supply kit.
The following items are suggested as a minimum:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
- Scissors, tweezers, needle.
- 2 inch and 3 inch sterile gauze pads
- Safety razor blade.
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape.
- Bar of soap.
- 2 inch and 3 inch sterile roll bandages.
- Moistened towelettes.
- Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks.
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant.
- Antiseptic spray.
- Safety pins in assorted sizes.
- Thermometer.
- Cleansing agent/soap.
- Latex gloves.
- Sunscreen, insect repellent.
- Aspirin, antidiarrheal medication, antacid, laxative, and other
non-prescription drugs.
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MAKING YOUR RESIDENCE SAFER
One of the best ways to reduce damages from a disaster,
as well as avoid possible injuries, is to prepare your residence before
the disaster.
The following is a list of suggestions to help make your
residence safer:
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Check the hallways, stairwells, doorways, windows,
and other areas for any hazards that may keep you from leaving
your residence.
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Secure or remove furniture and other items that
may block your escape route.
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Keep a battery powered emergency light or provide
illumination in case of a power outage.
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Bring any outdoor items which may be blown around
indoors.
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| During
the Disaster |
Watches
and Warnings:
The National Weather Service gives severe weather information to the
public. This includes thurderstorms, winter weather, floods, and tornadoes.
Listen for the following terms:
"Watch"
Means that severe weather is threatening and may occur in your area.
Continue to listen to the radio or watch televison for information
and advice.
"Warning"
Means that the event is happening now; it is imminent or has been seen
on weather radar. This is the time to immediately protect yourself.
Some events happen quickly and there may not be time to issue warnings.
The time to take action is when severe weather may be moving into
your area, even if no official watch or warning has been issued.
HURRICANES
If you hae not been advised to evacuate the area, stay in the middle
of your residence, away from windows. If you are visually impaired,
use a long cane in areas where debris may have fallen or furniture
may have shifted. This is recommended even if you do not usually
use a cane indoors. Watch your television or listen to your NOAA
weather radio for updates. Stay in close contact with your support
system "buddies" and be prepared to evacuate if recommended.
FLOODS
Flooding not only can accompany hurricanes, but torrential rains can
also cause serious flood on Galveston Island. In case of flooding,
evacuate immediately if recommended. Avoid areas subject to flooding.
Do not attempt to cross or drive over a flooded road. The roadbed
may be washed out and you could be stranded or killed. If you have
a two story residence, move to the second floor.
TORNADOES
Hurricanes also spawn tornadoes. A tornado warning means a tornado
has been sighted; take shelter immediately. Stay away from windows,
doors, and outside walls. Protect yourself from falling objects or
flying debris. Go to an interior part of the structure on the lowest
level (closet, interior hallway). If at all possible get under something
sturdy; such as a heavy table, and stay there until the danger has
passed. |
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| After
the Disaster |
Disasters have many affects.
Some are predictable and others or not. You should know what can happen
and what your evironment may be like after a disaster.
HURRICANES
Do not return to your residence until local officials have informed
you it is safe. Keep tuned to the radio and television for instructions.
Drive carefully along debris filled streets. Roads could be undermined
and collapse under the weight of a vehicle. Avoid loose or dangling
wires and report them immediately to your power company or to the
police or fire department. Report broken sewer or water mains. Avoid
using open flames. With decreased water pressure, fire fighting becomes
difficult. Check refrigerated food for spoilage if power has been
off during the storm. When you arrive home, have your "buddy" assist
you in checking for visible structural damage before you go inside.
FLOODS
Roads and sidewalks may be covered with mud, water, or debris, so you
may not be able to tell where they begin or end. If fresh food has
come in contact with flood waters throw it out. Local authorities
may issue a boil water order. Boil drinking water before using if
pressure is low or the water is cloudy. Electrical equipment should
be checked and dried before using. Use flashlights, not laterns,
torches, candles, or matches. Report broken utility lines.
TORNADOES
Homes and buildings may be totally destroyed or left isolated. Your
residence could be damaged so that it is unlivable for a long time.
Streets may be filled with debris, power lines may be down, sewer
and water mains may be broken. Tornadoes are nature's most violent
and erratic storms. A tornado can travel for miles along the ground,
lift and suddenly change direction and strike again.
- Your usual way of getting groceries, medications, and medical
supplies may be disrupted. It may take several days before stores
reopen, so you may not be able to readily replace even basic items
related to your disability, i.e. hearing aid batteries and prescription
medications.
- You may not be able to carry out your daily activities as you
did before the disaster.
- You may have difficulty reaching the police, fire department,
EMS, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, veterinarians, or home health
providers.
- Utilities may be disrupted for a long time.
- You may not be able to cook, cool or heat your home, use the
telephone, watch television, use medical equipment dependent on
electricity, use banks or ATM machines, or fill your vehicle with
gas.
- Public transportation may not be operating. Routes and schedules
may be changed.
- Roads may be damaged or blocked. Road signs may be down. Traffic
lights may not be operating. Travel time may be longer because
of obstacles, detours, and additional traffic.
- You may need temporary housing for your pets.
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DISASTER RELATED STRESS
Experiencing a disaster can be overwhelming. Stress can make many medical
conditions worse. If you experience any symptoms that affect your
ability to function, seek medical attention. Some people may never
have a reaction. Others may have delayed reactions that can appear
days, weeks, or even months after a disaster.
After a disaster, be sure to talk to someone about how
you are feeling, i.e. a friend, a member of the clergy, a counselor,
or seek the assistance of a mental health professional who can help
you deal with the stress related to your disaster experience.
You are accustomed to being in a certain environment.
A disaster can change your ability to deal with the environment. It
is important that you anticipate for the lowest level of functioning
for your individual disaster plan. Your condition may become worse
because of physical or emotional reactions to stress. For example,
people who do not need the aid of devices on a daily basis, may need
a wheelchair after a disaster.
After a disaster, you may need to ask for help to do
things you usually would have done independently. This may make you
feel especially vulnerable. You may need assistance putting your home
back in order, filling out forms, or providing documentation and information
to disaster relief agencies. This can add to the stress you may be
feeling. A personal support network that knows your needs may anticipate
some of them and make your recovery easier and less stressful.
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For more information
concerning emergency preparedness please contact your local emergency
management office.
Bayou Vista 409-935-0449
Clear Lake Shores 281-334-1034
Dickinson 281-337-2489
Friendswood 281-996-3335
Galveston 409-797-3710
Hitchcock 409-986-5559
Jamaica Beach 409-737-1142
Kemah 281-334-1611
LaMarque 409-938-9260
League City 281-338-4837
Santa Fe 409-925-3092
Texas City 409-643-5707
Tike Island 409-935-1427
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