If you are a person with special needs, it is important to establish a personnel support network of friends, relatives, health-care providers, co-workers and neighbors who understand your specials needs.  Write down details about your medical condition, allergies, surgeries, family medical history, medications, emergency contacts and insurance information.  Speak with your doctor about preparing a grab-and-go bag with a two-week supply of medications and medical supplies.  Include prescriptions and medical documents.  Remember that pharmacies may be closed for some time, even after an emergency is over.

If you require the use of a wheelchair, plan how you will evacuate in an emergency and discuss it with your personnel support provider.  If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup. 

Have a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or friends for assistance, if necessary). Also, plan two evacuation routes because some roads may be closed or blocked in a disaster.

• Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends, and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
  
• Discuss your needs with your employer.
  
• If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair.
  
• If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you leave the building.
  
• Keep specialized items ready, including extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, prescriptions, food for service animals, and any other items you might need.
  
• Be sure to make provisions for medications that require refrigeration.
  
• Keep a list of the type and model numbers of the medical devices you require.
  
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
  
• Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment .

Want more Information?  See GET LINKED for links to websites dealing with this topic.

 For more information please contact:
Shuswap Emergency Program
Direct Line: (250) 833-5927
Fax: (250) 832-1083
Email:  sep@csrd.bc.ca