COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Collaboration for Inclusive Emergency Preparedness and Response Center for Disabilities Studies University of Delaware 461 Wyoming Road Newark, DE 19716 (302) 831-6974 http://www.udel.edu/cds/
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) University of Delaware • Founded in 1993 • One of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Research, Education, and Service nationwide • Part of the national Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CDS offers a variety of services and supports that advance the independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities and their families. CDS works on behalf of people with disabilities in such key areas as • health and well-being • early intervention • Inclusive education • transition from school to work • assistive technology • family centered practices • employment, housing, and transportation
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT The focus of our work in emergency preparedness: • Enabling individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to prepare for emergency situations, and
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT • Promoting the seamless integration of emergency planning for individuals with developmental disabilities into existing emergency operational plans in Delaware.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Planning Grant Four Emergency Preparedness Forums were held throughout the State; Data collected from the participants indicated 25.6 % did not feel prepared, and 41 % somewhat prepared but recognized gaps in their degree of preparedness.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Sheltering in Place: If remaining in home were required for more than a few days – 22 % of individuals with disabilities were not at all prepared – 44 % of individuals with disabilities were not well prepared – 32 % of individuals with disabilities were somewhat prepared Evacuation: If leaving home for several days were required, – 7.3 % of individuals with disabilities were not all at prepared – 17.1 % of individuals with disabilities were not well prepared – 53.7 % of individuals with disabilities were somewhat prepared
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Why Prepare? • Help may not arrive for a few days. • You retain more control over what happens to you and your family. Shelters should be a last resort. • You know your own unique needs better than anyone else and can therefore better prepare for a disaster.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Individuals with disabilities must take responsibility for their own safety. Individuals with disabilities often need assistance in the development of their personal plan. They may need help assembling supplies to evacuate or shelter in place.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT The Personalized Emergency Preparedness Planning Tool • Includes emergency preparedness information appropriate for all individuals… • But emphasizes emergency preparedness planning based on one’s functional needs.
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Steps in a Personalized Planning Tool Step 1: My Important Information Step 2: My Plan for Taking Care Of My Needs Step 3: Should I Stay Or Should I Go? Step 4: Post Emergency Plans
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Step 1 – My Important Information • Vital information needed by first responders • Important contacts (family members, local police, local fire) • Contact information for people who can help with specific challenges. • Medical Conditions • Pharmaceutical prescriptions with Rx numbers • Medical Contact Information (Physicians, Phone numbers for Pharmacy, Home Healthcare Providers, Medical Suppliers, etc.) • When the plan was last updated
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Make Copies of Important Documents Examples of emergency documents or papers include: • Copy of driver’s license or photo ID • Social Security card • Copies of prescriptions/pharmacy prescription numbers • Medical equipment/device warranties/manuals • Legal papers such as guardianship or power-of-attorney forms, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates • Bank account/credit card information • Insurance policy numbers and information • Copies of utility bills (used as proof of residence at a location)
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Portability of Information • Printed material (Keep in waterproof bag or container.) • Smart Phone Apps • Clouds and drop boxes (example, www.Dropbox.com) • USB flash drives Scan important documents Store vital information for those who are non-verbal Protect privacy with USB Safeguard (http://usbsafeguard.altervista.org/)
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT USB Bracelets and Keys
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT First, place a check next to any area of need you care for every day If Yes If Yes Area of Need Area of Need Behavioral Medication Cognitive/Intellectual Memory Loss Communication Mental Health Deaf Mobility Challenges Deaf/Blindness Personal Needs Dialysis Severe Allergies Electricity-Dependent Equipment Use of Oxygen Hearing Loss Use of Service Animal/Pet Learning/Attention Vision Loss Medical Equipment Other
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT MY DAILY NEEDS What are my daily needs? How do I take care of these daily needs? EXTRA CHALLENGES: SHELTERING AT HOME What would be the extra challenges to caring for my needs if I sheltered at home? How would I take care of these extra challenges if I sheltered at home? EXTRA CHALLENGES: EVACUATING What would be the extra challenges to caring for my needs if I must evacuate? How would I take care of these extra challenges if I evacuate?
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Step 3: Prepare a Plan for Sheltering in Place & Evacuating Should I stay or should I go?
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT How will you get information during an emergency? NOAA Weather Radio Twitter: @DelawareEMA Phones: land line; cell phone Phone tip: use text; have an out-of-state contact Radio (See Resource list of local radio stations.) Television EMA announced phone line; 2-1-1
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Sheltering in Place What supplies will you need for your family and pets to safely stay in your home for 3 days? What supports must be in place for you to safely address your needs at home?
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Develop an Evacuation Plan • Where you will meet family members if you must evacuate – A place in the neighborhood – Out of town – Out of State • How will you get there? • Assemble a Go-Bag in advance – Remember to plan for pets – Always have half a tank of gas – Keep cash on hand for an emergency
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Step 4: After Emergencies are Over • Reunification Plan for your Family • If a disaster is declared, you may be eligible for disaster assistance • Re-use of assistive technology
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Train Navigators Train navigators who are already in place to assist people with disabilities: Examples: – Centers for Independent Living – People First – Family Voices – Faith-based Organizations – Home visiting nurses/home health care agencies\ – Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers – Other Community service providers
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT The plan and navigator’s guide are available for download. Please contact me if you have questions: Phyllis Guinivan Center for Disabilities Studies University of Delaware pguiniva@udel.edu 302-831-7464
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