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ShareNew Online Disaster Preparedness Resource for People with Disabilities
A new Web site, www.disability911.com , has been launched by Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) to help people with disabilities prepare for the 2008 hurricane season in the event they have to leave their homes or shelter in place. The hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November.
The Web site includes hurricane planning tips for people with disabilities, their family members, and caregivers, as well as information for emergency planning and response officials.
"Preparation is the key to surviving a hurricane or any other type of disaster," says Lex Frieden, Lex Frieden, professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston and member of the SCI Hall of Fame.
"You need to be prepared to evacuate if you live in a surge zone, Frieden says. "You need to know where you are going and when you need to leave. You need to be packed well before a disaster is imminent and ready to leave when directed by responsible authorities."
According to Frieden, many individuals with disabilities were not prepared for the 2005 hurricanes.
"Among the biggest problems with the evacuees fleeing Katrina and Rita were the loss of medical records, prescriptions, life-sustaining health supplies, and even eyeglasses," he says. "People with disabilities and others should be prepared to follow the directions of emergency officials as to whether or not there is a need to evacuate. "Public authorities have improved plans and methods for instructing evacuations since Katrina and Rita.
"If a person with a disability gets trapped by rising water or other calamity, it is important to have a cell phone or landline handy to summon assistance," Frieden says. "It is also a good idea to let family or friends know your plans in case of emergency, so they can check on you."
He also encourages those with disabilities, who may need assistance during a disaster, to register with the 2-1-1 information service ahead of time. Operators on the 2-1-1 line will help them complete a registration form to determine their particular needs. Emergency responders can access this information in the event of an evacuation.
The NSCIA Resource Center can also help people prepare for, and recover from, disasters. For more information, call 800-962-9629 or email the RC at info@spinalcord.org .