Emergency Preparedness for People who are Blind and Visually Impaired

The Emergency Kit

There are a number of things that you, as a visually impaired individual can do to prepare both yourself and your family in the event of a disaster. One of the easiest things you can do is assemble a supply kit. This would include basic necessities for 72 hours; many of the items are things you may already have in and around your home. Supplies should be marked with large print, fluorescent tape or Braille.

1. Three days supply of water (one gallon per day per person).

2. Three days supply of non perishable food (and can opener). Items such as canned ready to eat foods, boxed or canned juices, crackers, cereal, granola bars, or trail mix are all good examples. Be aware of salt content as it can make you thirsty. Check and replace your food supply every 6 months.

3. Battery operated radio (and extra batteries). The radio is the first source of information during an emergency.

4. Flashlight and plastic emergency whistle
Flashlights and whistles are imperative for visibility and signaling purposes. A human voice can only shout for a few minutes.

5. First Aid Kit
Make sure you are familiar with the contents and their placement in the kit. You might consider adding a blanket and toiletries to the kit.

6. Toiletries and change of clothing
These can include a toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, toilet paper and garbage bags with ties. Be sure to include a change of clothing and a sturdy pair of shoes.

7. Prescriptions and Assistive Devices
Make sure you not only have your medication but a separate sheet with the names and dosages as well as your doctor’s contact information. Also, include eye glasses, non prescription meds and portable devices such as magnifiers, hearing aids, and communication devices.

8. Cane
Even if you have some useable vision or are a guide dog user, a cane can be essential for mobility to help maneuver around obstacles and negotiate and identify barriers.

9. Identification and Important Papers
It is a good idea to put photocopies of important documents in a plastic bag and an accessible (large print, Braille, or cassette) version of important numbers, i.e. identification, social security card, health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid cards, home/auto insurance papers, deeds, bank account numbers, emergency contact numbers, etc.

10. Pets or Service Animals
If you have a pet or service animal, make sure you have included food and water for your animal as well as bedding and a favorite toy. Also be certain that your service animal has appropriate identification.

Surroundings

Do you know what to do if you are at work or at a conference or on vacation? Where is the nearest exit? What will your family do if you are all separated? Who should you all contact?

1. Become familiar with alternate transit, transportation, and pedestrian routes in your neighborhood and work environments.
2. Become familiar with exits of buildings such as office buildings, apartment/condo complexes and hotels, as well as conference and special event facilities.
3. Have a designated family contact or check in person, preferably someone who is out of state. Local phone lines may be overloaded but long distance lines may still operate. Ensure that all family members know the phone number of the contact person or have the number in their possession. Make sure the contact person does not have an unlisted number in case you need to look it up.
4. Create a Buddy System

Have a reliable designated driver for home, school, and work in case you need a ride in the event of an emergency. 70% of assistance after an emergency is made by neighbors, friends, or other “buddies.”

1. Have a means of writing and taking down information to assist you with communication in the event of an emergency. Have paper, pens and markers, or slate and stylus in your possession in addition to assistive technology and back up power supplies.
2. Keep a copy of local emergency numbers rather than 911 easily available. During an emergency 911 may be overwhelmed with calls.
3. Practice emergency plans with your family.
4. If you must evacuate your home, post a message indicating where you have gone, take your emergency kit, and make sure you have a plan for the care of your pets.

The Community

First responders, emergency planners, local transportation departments and many other officials involved in emergency management, are interested in knowing how best to serve the needs of people with disabilities. There are ways for visually impaired individuals to offer experience and expertise to aid in their planning process to better serve neighborhoods and communities.

1. Ask about specific vulnerabilities for your community.
2. Ask your local Dept. of Transportation if their emergency evacuation plan accommodates people with disabilities.
3. Contact your first responders to explore the creation of a voluntary registry of people with disabilities. Such a directory would give them the ability to contact or assist local residents during emergency situations.
4. Talk to your community Emergency Management Agency about your concerns as a person with a disability. Ask what plans are in place for before, during, and after a disaster.
5. Demand pre event emergency planning information in accessible formats.
6. Encourage your community to disseminate information through creative alternatives, such as radio reading services or reverse 911.
7. Work with your own neighborhood to develop a neighborhood evacuation plan.
8. Help prepare yourself by contacting your local Red Cross for information and classes.
9. Ask your local media to make sure all emergency contact information is captioned and read slowly and repeatedly for those who cannot see the screen.

If you are unaware of who to contact in your community regarding emergency preparedness for people who are blind or visually impaired, contact your local fire department. Your local fire service is usually integral to a community’s disaster plans both prior to and after an event and will know who to direct you to.

Information provided by the American Council of the Blind