{"id":15835,"date":"2025-05-16T12:36:41","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T16:36:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/?page_id=15835"},"modified":"2025-09-25T16:40:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T20:40:00","slug":"emergencypreparedness","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/get-support\/emergencypreparedness\/","title":{"rendered":"Emergency Preparedness For People With Paralysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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From record-breaking blizzards in upstate New York and devastating wildfires in California to powerful hurricanes off the coast of Florida, natural disasters are increasingly wreaking havoc on communities throughout the United States.<\/p>\n

Severe weather poses a particular risk for people living with disabilities as the routines and infrastructure they depend on are dangerously disrupted. Impassable roads can prevent critical supplies such as prescription medicine or caregiving help from arriving. A lack of transportation may thwart the ability to quickly evacuate. Power outages can prove catastrophic for those who depend on ventilators.<\/p>\n

It is critical that people living with paralysis plan today for tomorrow\u2019s challenges. The chaos and destruction caused by a natural disaster may feel too overwhelming to even imagine –but the reality will be even more terrifying if encountered unprepared. Before a crisis is underway, take time to identify and prepare for the risks likely to affect your community. Knowing what to do, before, during and after an emergency will help keep you independent, healthy, and safe.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Before a Disaster<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Assess Your Needs<\/strong>
\"GraphicKeep a detailed journal for one week to track the supplies, resources, and routines that are critical to your daily function. Do you use adaptive utensils to eat? Is your wheelchair electricity-dependent? Does a baclofen pump help you manage spasticity? Can you get out of bed on your own if local roads are closed and your caregiver cannot reach you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronicle every aspect of your life — big and small, within the home and beyond — and use these notes to create contingency plans for an array of worst-case scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understand Your Risks<\/strong>
Location matters. Whether you live in a seaside town prone to flooding and hurricanes or within a mountain range beset by wildfires, severe weather can instantly upend a carefully managed life. Begin planning for future emergencies with help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Risk Index<\/a> a searchable map that compiles natural hazard data by region. Once you have identified your local risks, use the disaster-specific tips outlined in the Weather Hazards section of this booklet to understand what to do before, during and after any severe weather events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in a high-risk region prone to repeated storms, consider purchasing rental or homeowners\u2019 insurance to match the risks you face. For example, California residents may benefit from earthquake insurance, while those in the Midwest might consider tornado protection. To manage the costs of persistent floods, contact local government officials to determine whether your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP<\/a>, managed by FEMA: if so, you may be eligible to purchase federally backed flood insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter where you live, or what risks you face, preparing for emergencies now will better protect you and your family down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pack a Go Bag<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Assume there will be no time to waste when a disaster strikes. Having a bag packed and ready to go helps ensure that you not only reach safety faster but are able to maintain your health and independence in unpredictable circumstances.\n<\/div>\n
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Assemble an Emergency Kit for Home<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
It is not always possible or safe to leave home during severe weather events. Keep a box filled with any supplies that you (and family members) will need to survive on your own for a week.\n<\/div>\n
\n\tSee the Checklist<\/a>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Create Evacuation Plans<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
The first step in a successful evacuation is always having a go bag packed. Next, anticipate the challenges that may arise in chaotic circumstances, whether trying to leave a high-rise apartment building during a power outage or waiting in long lines for gas on your way out of town. Prepare for what you can.\n<\/div>\n
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Stay Informed<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Being prepared for an emergency requires paying attention. Before, during and after natural disasters, it\u2019s important to know where to find accurate, up-to-the-moment weather alerts and public safety information. Stay informed using a variety of government and media resources to help you prepare and stay safe.\n<\/div>\n
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