Family Preparedness Guide
For People With Access and Functional Needs

For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, sensory, or other functional needs, emergencies such as fires, floods, and acts of terrorism present a real challenge. The same challenge also applies to the elderly and other special needs populations. Protecting yourself and your family when a disaster strikes requires planning ahead.

Create a Personal Support Network

• A personal support network can help you prepare for a disaster. They can help you identify and get the resources you need to cope effectively. Network members can also assist you after a disaster happens.
• Organize a network that includes your home, school, workplace, volunteer site, place of worship, and any other places where you spend a lot of time.
• Your network should have people you trust and who can check to see if you need assistance.
• Your network should know your capabilities and needs, and be able to provide help within minutes.
• Do not depend on only one person. Include a minimum of three people in your network for each location where you regularly spend a lot of time.

Complete a Personal Assessment

• Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during, and after a disaster. This will be based on the environment after the disaster, your capabilities, and your limitations.
• To complete a personal assessment, make a list of your personal needs and your resources for meeting them in a disaster environment.