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.
