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Earthquake Preparedness Tips For People with Disabilities

By: Kim Hudson

All those living in earthquake prone areas, like California, must have an emergency strategy that addresses their individual needs. A backpack located close to an exit is the most efficient way to store basic necessities. The items should include: three to seven days worth of freeze-dried food, as much survival water as possible, eating utensils, a can opener, matches, flashlight, a portable radio, extra batteries, a multifunctional tool such as the Swiss Army knife or Leatherman, a first aid kit, an extra pair of glasses if needed, warm clothing, sturdy shoes, heavy gloves, and at least $50 in cash (small bills). There are also hand crank radios available with onboard cell phone charging capabilities. These items can be purchased at emergency preparedness centers and camping supply or home improvement centers. In addition to these basic necessities it is also recommended to have extra canned foods and bottled water in your pantry.

People with disabilities must also take steps to ensure that they maintain their health during and after an earthquake. Many people with disabilities are dependent on medications, which could be difficult or impossible to get from a pharmacy after an earthquake. If you are on any medications you should carry at least a week’s worth with you at all times. Along with your earthquake supplies keep copies of your prescriptions, a list of any allergies, and your doctor’s names and contact information. If you take insulin to manage diabetes you will need to have ice and an ice chest on hand so that you can store your insulin properly if the electricity goes out. The power might not be restored for several days, so if you are dependent on breathing machines or other life-support systems that run on electricity you need to purchase emergency generators to keep your equipment working.

After the 1994 earthquake in Northridge, California many people with disabilities realized that they needed to redesign their homes and create a safe exit path to their door. Books or other heavy equipment should not be placed by doors or in areas that may fall on you and/or block exit routes. It’s best to have at least two ways to exit your home in case one is obstructed. Secure heavy or tall furniture, such as bookcases or large televisions, to the wall using earthquake straps which can be purchased at a hardware store. It’s also essential not to place pictures or other objects above the bed. Such wall hangings could fall on your head during an earthquake.

Many people wonder where to go in their homes or apartments that is safe during an earthquake. If you are in bed, the safest thing to do is to cover your head with the blankets and stay put. Always have clothing, shoes, glasses, and a flashlight located close to your bed so that you can get dressed and evacuate your home quickly. If objects are falling it is best to take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table. However, if you use a wheelchair and cannot take cover the best thing to do is to move away from windows or large objects that are not secured to the wall. Protect your eyes and head as much as possible.

Be aware that during an earthquake all elevators will stop working. . If you have limited mobility and live or work in a building that has elevators you need to make emergency evacuation plans. Before an earthquake happens you need to network with your neighbors or coworkers and make arrangements for someone to assist you during an evacuation. It’s best to work out a buddy system so that everyone has someone looking out for them during and after an earthquake. In many cases you may have to be carried down the stairs, so you need to instruct your earthquake buddy how to safely carry you. Perform a few practice drills if possible

. People with disabilities often depend on personal care assistants (PCA) for their daily care needs. Your PCA may not be able to get to you after an earthquake so you need to make backup arrangements. If you have friends or neighbors close by make sure that they know to come and check on you after an earthquake. It would be wise to give a trusted friend or neighbor at key to your home as well as your emergency medical and contact information so that they can better assist you following an earthquake. Your local Independent Living Center may also be a valuable resource for you following an earthquake. After hurricane Katrina local Independent Living Centers provided much-needed information, access to services, and replacement equipment for people with disabilities affected by the tragedy. You may want to contact the Independent Living Center in your area to ask them if they have earthquake preparedness or other disaster plans in place. If they do not have any policies in place you may want to volunteer to help create them.

The most important tip of all is not to procrastinate. All of us make excuses to postpone things, but we all know that a serious earthquake will happen. Take Action Today! If you follow these steps you will protect yourself and you may even save the lives of others. For further information you can also refer to these websites:

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Kim Hudson has Cerebral Palsy, she is a social worker, former disaster preparedness specialist, and advocate living in Los Angeles, California

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