Emergency Preparedness Resources for People with Disabilities

Below please find a comprehensive list of Emergency Preparedness Resources, courtesy of FEMA.

The following links are provided for reference.  FEMA does not endorse any non-Federal government web sites, companies or applications.

http://www.Ready.gov

The ready.gov website has a section focused on preparedness information for people with disabilities or functional needs.  It includes an instructional video as well as the brochure “Preparedness Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs”.  Ready.gov also has basic emergency preparedness resources that may be useful, such as printable wallet cards to write emergency contact numbers or other information on.

• ready.gov publications
• Click here to order larger quantities of the publications (no cost).
• Click here for Spanish language version of ready.gov.

Accessible Emergency Information

This website provides emergency preparedness information in accessible formats, including:

• ASL translated video files that can be downloaded (no cost)
• Braille formatted downloadable documents
• Large print downloadable documents
• General emergency preparedness information (including natural hazard preparedness), and public health information about anthrax, pandemic flu, botulism, smallpox, medical information and others.

Washington Emergency Management Division Preparedness video clips

This website contains personal preparedness videos including:

• How to use a fire extinguisher
• How to secure furniture to the wall
• How to shut of water, electricity and gas
• General safety videos regarding carbon monoxide, downed power lines, setting up and safely using a generator, etc.

NOTE:  Videos are not all accessible - some include text but no voice/audio, others include audio but have no captions or script available.  A few do have both audio and captioning.

Feeling Safe Being Safe

This site provides tools developed by and for people with disabilities, including: 

• A workbook that designed to help individuals to make an emergency plan.
• A video that demonstrates how to complete the workbook and put together a home emergency kit.
• A printable magnet to post important emergency contact information on the refrigerator for first responders.

National Organization on Disability - Emergency Preparedness Resources

The National Organization on Disability's site includes text based and PDF information on:

• Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Mobility Disabilities
• Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Sensory Disabilities
• Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Cognitive Disabilities
• Disaster Readiness Tips for Owners of Pets or Service Animals

Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network

This website promotes awareness among emergency responders and people with disabilities. There is a lot of information and several videos designed for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Prepare Now.org

This website provides earthquake preparedness tips for:

• People with mobility disabilities
• People with cognitive disabilities
• People with multiple chemical sensitivities
• People who use life support systems
• People with psychiatric disabilities
• Many others

In addition, the site provides tips on collecting emergency documents and creating an emergency health information card. All preparedness resources are also offered in Spanish.

Great Central US Shakeout

The website provides information on how you can participate in the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill on April 28th, 2011. Also provides information on modified ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’ procedures for people with functional needs.