Plan Your Escape!

In the event of fire, weather or natural disaster we each need to know our escape plans.  This is easier for some than for others.  Those persons with handicapping conditions and/or mobility issues face the greatest challenges when it comes to planning an escape route.  Family members, friends and caregivers must help to devise a realistic plan.  What is a realistic plan for the able-bodied may not be feasible for those with handicapping conditions and/or mobility issues.  Where some can climb out a window or, step out a door, others cannot.  It may not be realistic to assume that everyone can execute the same plan.  Family or caregivers must consider how they can get themselves to safety as well as how they can get the person with a handicapping condition to safety.  This plan should be shared with family members who do not live in the household, caregivers, and neighbors.

While you are developing your plan it would be a good idea to contact the American Red Cross.  They can help you in identifying what kind of natural disasters to prepare for in your area.    Notify your local fire department that there is a person in your home with mobility challenges.  Rescue professionals will make administering help and rescue a priority for you.  

Not all emergencies are alike.  It’s important to plan, as much as possible, for each type of emergency.  For storms, for example, most people know to head for the basement.  This, however, is not a viable option for those with mobility issues.  A safe room needs to be identified that is accessible for the person with a handicapping condition.  When exiting the premises is in order, there should be two exits that a wheelchair can fit through.  For those who use power equipment, a battery operated back-up is necessary.  Make sure that everyone who is caring for your person knows all of the emergency plans, how to operate various equipment and how to hook up alternative power sources.

Designate an outside place to rendezvous when evacuation is necessary.  If an evacuation is necessary a place should be designated where everyone will meet.  Identify an out-of-state and local friend or relative to contact someone who lives alone in the event of a natural disaster in your area.  For apartment dwellers it is important that all exits are clearly marked.  Emergency phone numbers, doctor’s numbers, family member’s numbers should be clearly marked near a telephone and should also be kept in one’s wallet.  Keep a list of all medications on the refrigerator and in one’s wallet.  It is important to know how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in a natural disaster.  If a person with handicapping conditions is able, he should know how to turn off these utilities as well. 

Some people are dependent upon medications.  For those people, it is important to prepare a disaster relief kit which contains these medications.  These things can be stored in airtight containers and kept in a safe room.  If a wheelchair is the mode of transportation, a manual wheelchair should be kept in the safe-room as well.  Here are some other things to be included in a disaster relief kit:  flashlight and extra batteries, battery-operated radio, first-aid kit, prescription medications and extra glasses, a supply of water for each person in the household (1 gallon/day/person), non-perishable food and a hand operated can opener and hygiene items that don’t require water. 

Being prepared requires forethought.  Think about all the things that are needed for your household.  If special equipment is needed make sure you have an alternate power source.  Make sure you have extra blankets, a change of clothes, sturdy shoes and an extra set of car keys.   Being prepared can sound overwhelming.  But being prepared is certainly better than being unpleasantly surprised and being unprepared.