Emergencies are distressing for anyone, but they can be particularly dangerous for individuals with disabilities. Many of the standard emergency plans carried out in workplaces, schools, and other public places do not always accommodate disabled folks, making it harder to be sure you will be safe during an actual emergency. However, you can take steps on your own to be proactive in these situations and help ensure your safety and preparedness. Regardless of the type of emergency, whether it is a natural disaster, an accident, or a medical emergency, finding ways to take control and prioritize your health and well-being is crucial and could even save your life. With this in mind, take a look at our tips for emergency preparedness for individuals with disabilities.
Create an Emergency Plan
By their very nature, emergencies are unpredictable and can take many forms. Though you never know what may happen, having a plan in place for a number of different situations can help you not only feel safer but genuinely be safer. Consider the places you spend most of your time. For example, maybe you are most often 
at work. All workplaces should have emergency plans for a variety of situations—find out the exact details of this plan and be sure it works for you. For home emergencies, in addition to preset plans, it is great to have an emergency pack with items you may need whatever situation arises. This way, if something is to happen, you can just grab it and get to safety having everything you need from medical devices to medications to contact information. Practice your plans regularly to stay up to date and be prepared!
Know Your Rights
In any emergency situation, whether it is outside or at home, knowing your rights and resources can be a critical factor in helping you get the care you need. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you have the right to equal access to emergency services, including medical services and transportation. You also have the right to request specialized equipment, support, or an attendant during an evacuation if you have specific medical needs. In addition, emergency shelters are required to have space and accommodations for individuals with mobility or sensory impairments. Knowing and invoking your rights is an incredibly important factor in staying safe and prepared for emergencies, both before they happen and during them. For information about your ADA rights in emergency situations, read here.
Keep your Assistive Technology Up to Date
In any emergency situation, there is little to no time for faulty technology. Whether you are using a mobility device, a medical alert system, or a communication tool, keeping your assistive technology functional and up to date can make a huge difference in an emergency. When your necessary technology is functioning properly with the right updates, you will be better equipped to follow emergency procedures, avoid delays in vital times, communicate your needs clearly, and independently take care of them. Some assistive technologies even have GPS functions to notify emergency responders of your location, which will only function if your devices are up to date. Every once in a while, check on your assistive devices and test to make sure they will function currently in emergency situations.
Communicate Your Needs
Even with an emergency plan already in place in locations like work or school, it is important to speak to your boss or principal about how these plans include your needs. Ask to speak about the institution’s Emergency Response Plan, and discuss its accessibility features. Are the fire escape routes wheelchair accessible? Do the alarms have a visual element for those with hearing loss? Is there someone who will accompany you should you need help? It is crucial that you advocate for yourself, as their emergency plans may not consider your needs until you bring them up. This is one of the best ways to stay safe and prepared for emergencies while outside of your home. Speak up, it could save your life.
You never know what could happen. Being prepared for emergencies will help you better handle them when they come up, and give you peace of mind in the meantime. At Delta Center, we want to contribute to this peace of mind. We are proud to offer you many helpful and important resources to help you stay safe and be prepared for any emergency. Need help and not know where to start? Developing strong self-advocacy skills is an important step towards emergency preparedness, as well as helping yourself in many other aspects of your life. We work with our clients one-on-one to help them find their voices and speak up for what they need, which can be crucial in an emergency situation. We will also help you to develop emergency plans for yourself with our personal coaching programs, making sure you have everything you need to stay safe. If you are curious about our advocacy and coaching services, read more here or reach out to us!