Evacuation and Special Populations: Week 24
Personal Care Needs for Evacuation
“Special Populations”: This group of people is so large and diverse, there is no way to address all scenarios. You need to look at the individuals in your life and discuss a particular situation with them. Guidelines for considering scenarios.
Please understand that people with special needs may be denied entry to emergency evacuation shelters. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to plan ahead to shelter with friends, relatives, or other caregivers out of the area.
**If this issue does not touch your life, consider becoming a buddy to assist a neighbor or friend.**
Some Things to Consider
Medical Needs: If you use medical services, such as dialysis, is there an alternative facility to the one you usually visit? Do you need a pre-packed stock of consumable medical supplies, a smaller/portable wheelchair/scooter, extra insulin?
Transportation: Emergency transportation systems are going to be swamped. How will you or your loved one be able to move?
Communication: Do you have an alternative translator if your usual translator is unavailable? What about assistance hearing verbal announcements, seeing directional signals, or understanding complex instructions?
Assistants: Do you have secondary assistants if your usual assistants are unavailable? (This is the perfect place for a buddy to fit into your life!)
Supervision: How will you make critical information available to potential helpers for the very young, the very old, or persons who have trouble coping in new situations?
