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Article Series:
Home Emergency Preparation Tips &
Family Disaster Plans
Helping
Disabled People Before Disaster Strikes
Disaster can strike your community at any
time. Some disasters, such as hurricanes give ample warning,
while others can happen without so much as a hint of impending
trouble. Many people assume that if a disaster strikes, there
will be an organization such as the Red Cross right around
the corner to help. While the Red Cross and other organizations
are great at helping during disasters, they can only do so
much. Their first priorities are to provide food, water, and
shelter to those who need it. Secondly, they will often deal
with some of the issues disabled people may deal with during
and after a disaster. To ensure the disabled will be provided
for as needed, consider these areas of danger and follow these
helpful tips.
Medication
Some of the most common disability issues when disaster strikes
revolve around medication. Many organizations will work with
the disable to ensure that they have their medication as needed.
However, this is not usually the number one priority on the
list of the organization. If you or a family member is disabled
and must take medication daily, never let the medication supply
run under seven days. This means that at all times; the disabled
person should have at least seven days worth of medication
if needed. This will help ensure that the disabled person will
not run out of their medications directly following a disaster.
If the disaster is still causing community turmoil after seven
days, the disabled person will likely be able to find help
receiving more medication at this point.
Equipment
Another concern and danger during and after a disaster is
the lack of functional medical equipment. Many disabled people
must have working medical equipment to survive. If you or a
family member must have electric operated medical equipment
to survive, talk to your doctor or technician about a backup
battery. If the power fails, you backup battery should kick
right in. Keep several batteries handy, in case the power is
off for an extended period of time. If at any time your batteries
fail, you should call emergency personnel immediately and be
taken to a hospital. Hospitals have backup generators that
allow them to use medical equipment even when the entire town
is without electricity.
Evacuation Plans
Disabled people can still be very capable of living on their
own. They can do everything a healthy person can do in many
cases. When disaster strikes however, it may be impossible
or more difficult for a disabled person to quickly evacuate
their home if needed. Any disabled person who lives alone should
have a plan for evacuation from each room in their home. There
should also be a neighbor who will commit to helping the person
flee if necessary. Be sure that every disabled person has someone
close to their home with a key to their residence. This will
help ensure they will not be left behind if an evacuation occurs.
Asking For Help
The number one reason disabled people may perish more often
in disasters is because they will not ask for help. If you
are disabled and need help, ask for it! There is no shame in
asking for help, especially when a disaster is involved. If
you need help getting out of your home, finding water or food,
or getting your medication, there is someone who can help you.
If neighbors or family can’t help you, call local churches,
organizations, or government offices. They will be able to
assist you or point you in the right direction. If you cannot
call anyone, try to get the attention of those around you by
yelling, waving flags out of the window, or making signs.
The
truth is that disasters have a huge impact on disabled
people. They are often left without necessary items others
may be able to do without. Being prepared for disaster is the
best thing disabled people can do however. If you are prepared
and know what should be done in a disastrous situation, then
you will be less affected in the aftermath. So, be sure to
stock up on medications, have backup plans for medical equipment,
create evacuation plans, and ask for help to ensure you or
your disabled friend will be safe during a disaster. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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