GEORGIANS WITH ACCESS AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS
Making a plan that fits your needs ensures everyone can be ready for emergencies before they happen.
BE INFORMED
Make sure you know how to respond to the different types of disasters that could affect your area and require you to evacuate.
You can find American Sign Language preparedness videos with tips for specific natural and man-made disasters at the following links:
The Georgia Emergency Preparedness Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults is a key component in statewide preparedness efforts:
MAKE A PLAN
After a disaster, you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore, so it’s crucial to know what resources you need regularly and plan accordingly.
- Create a support network and keep a contact list in a watertight container in your Ready kit. If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information notes the best way to communicate with you.
- Inform your network of where you keep your emergency supplies and give one member a key to your house or apartment.
- Inform your city or county government’s emergency information management office of your disability so they can be of help quickly in an emergency.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility.
- Talk to your doctor or health care provider about how you can use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity during a power outage.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets.
- Follow these preparedness tips for diabetics.
BUILD A KIT
Consider the items you use on a daily basis and which ones you may need to add to your Ready kit, or use our custom profile tool to create your list.
- At least a week-long supply of prescription medicines, along with a list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, oxygen
- A list of the style and serial number of medical devices and special instructions for operating your equipment
- Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards and contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified
- Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service animal
For the deaf:
- A weather radio with text display and a flashing alert
- Extra hearing-aid batteries
- A TTY
- Pen and paper in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language