Some members of our population require special supplies, assistance or adaptations to successfully respond to emergencies. Use these links to address the unique preparedness needs of people and animals in your life.
As you work to build a disaster response plan, don't forget the unique needs of people and animals. Each one of the four groups listed below requires your understanding of what their needs are on a day-by-day basis as well as what they will need post-disaster. A sudden evacuation to a shelter, loss of electrical power for an extended period of time and decreased access to necessary medications, food and water can greatly impact vulnerable populations. The links provided below are to reliable resources from a variety of organizations.
Individuals with disabilities or access and functional needs
- Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs – FEMA
- Individuals with Disabilities – Ready.gov
- Emergency Evacuation Preparedness Guide – Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy
- – FEMA
- – National Organization of Disability
- Emergency Preparedness for People with Kidney Disease
- Disaster Preparedness Planning for Dialysis Dependent Individuals - ESRD; CMS
- Emergency Preparedness: Including People with Disabilities - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Seniors
- Emergency Planning for Older Americans – Administration for Community Living
- Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors – American Red Cross
- Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans - FEMA
Children
- Family Communication Plan for Parents and Kids – FEMA
- Emergency Preparedness for Children with Special Health Care Needs - American Academy of Pediatrics
- Ready Kids – Ready.gov
- Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times – National Association of School Psychologists
- Pillowcase Project – American Red Cross
Animals
- Pets and Disasters – American Red Cross
- Saving the Whole Family – American Veterinary Medical Association
- Resources to Help Rural Communities Prepare – The Center for Food Security and Public Health
- Disaster Preparedness for Horses – The Humane Society
- Disaster Preparedness for Livestock – The Humane Society
- Disaster Preparedness for Pets – The Humane Society
- Preparing Your Pets for Disasters – Ready.gov