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Disaster
Preparedness
By Norman Smith
The 2006 hurricane season has been under way since
June 1. Following the major devastation and deaths caused primarily by
Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma last year, hurricane preparedness has taken
on new urgency. This is especially true in the disabled community, where
inadequate planning contributed to the suffering in 2005.
. “In
anticipation of hurricane season, people with disabilities must ensure that
they have made their own personal preparedness plan, including identifying
their personal support network,” said Betsy Barry, program assistant with
the Emergency Preparedness Initiative for the National Organization on
Disability.
A hurricane is a tropical storm with winds that have
reached a constant speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in
a large spiral around a relative calm center known as the “eye.” The
eye is generally 20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may extend outward 400
miles. As a hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will
grow in strength. As a hurricane nears land, it can bring torrential rains,
high winds and storm surges. August and September are peak months during
hurricane season, which lasts until Nov. 30.
Before hurricane season
starts, people with disabilities should:
• Identify media sources
where they can obtain information.
• Plan an evacuation route.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Contact the local emergency
management office or American Red Cross chapter and ask for the community
hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest
evacuation routes and nearby shelters. People with physical disabilities should
verify that these shelters will meet their needs. Unless they have other severe
disabilities, most people with disabilities should have little or no difficulty
staying in a public shelter for a short time. People with more serious needs
might be directed to use the nearest “special needs” shelter, where
those with more severe medical conditions can receive appropriate
attention.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit with: Flashlight and extra
batteries Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries First-aid kit
and manual Emergency food and water Non-electric can opener Essential medicines
Cash and credit cards
• Make arrangements for pets by contacting your
local humane society for information on local animal shelters. Service animals,
such as Seeing Eye dogs, are legally permitted to enter general population
shelters.
• Develop an emergency communication plan. Have a plan for
getting family members back together in case they are separated from one
another during a disaster. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as
the family contact person. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name,
address and phone number of the contact person. After a disaster, it’s
often easier to call long distance.
• Listen to a battery-operated
radio or television for hurricane progress reports. • Check emergency
supplies.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings.
Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store
drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils. •
Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest
level of your home.
*****
Norman Smith is a free-lance writer on
disaster preparedness and other subjects. He lives in New Jersey
Copyright © 2006 by ILCHV
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