Whether it is a tornado or a fire, you will need to have some essentials ready. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a great template to help you get started with making a plan. This is a general template that anyone can use.
If you prefer, this video of Emergency Preparedness Tips is presented in Sign Language.
No matter the type of emergency, there are a variety of items your household may need, however, there are common items you will need in every emergency. BUILD YOUR KIT NOW. You may not have time to gather the supplies you need when an emergency happens.
Tap here for a video in sign language of items to include in your emergency preparedness kit.
You should gather and make copies of important family documents such as proof of identification, proof of medication (can take a picture of the Rx bottle) insurance policies, service animal records, and cash money in a waterproof container. You can make copies and scan them to a jump drive or make copies and put them in a waterproof bag in your Go Bag. In addition to the items listed above, you may also need the following:
- Helmets to protect your heads
- Shoes
- Comfort/fidget toys and favorite books, games
- Water (one gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Protein bars
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Weather Radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle
- Extra clothing
- Coat or jacket
- Hearing aid batteries
- Sunglasses
- Mobility cane
- Note pad and pen – black, thick, felt-tip pen with white paper
- Supplies for toileting/diapering
- Extra glasses and hearing aids – if available
- Food, water, and medicine for service animal
If you or a family member has a unique communication style or mode, it is a good idea to include instructions describing how to communicate with the DeafBlind person in case of separation. You may want to print out a disaster preparedness word board and make it accessible in braille if necessary.
To make communication cards, simply write information or questions on index cards so a sighted person can read them, laminate them, then emboss the information using a braille labeler. Stick the labels to the back of the laminated cards. This can also be done with pictures for non-verbal persons to let their needs be known. If you punch a hole in the corner of the stack of cards, a key ring or zip tie could be used to secure them together.
Does anyone in your household have a chronic health condition? Do they have or need a medical alert bracelet? You can find out more from Med Alert Foundation here.