Emergency Preparedness for those with Special Needs

An emergency can be a car that won’t start, a power outage or other event that disrupts your day. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends having a supply kit that includes necessities based on your family and its needs.

ADHS offers the following suggestions for people with disabilities:

• Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.Wear any medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
• Know the size and weight of your wheelchair and if/how it collapses for travel.
• Label any equipment with your name and contact information.
• Make a list of prescription medications including your dosage for your supply kit.
• Have a list of your allergies in your supply kit.
  
• Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries.
• Have extra special equipment (like wheelchair batteries, etc.) in your kit.
• Make a list of serial numbers for any medical devices for your kit.
• Keep a list of doctors and emergency contacts.
• Register with your city or county emergency information management office so they may quickly locate you in an emergency situation.
• Register with your local electric utility company if you use medical equipment (such as a ventilator) at home.