Emergency Preparedness & Safety Planning
Disabled people face extra challenges during emergencies. Good planning helps you stay safe and have what you need.
This page covers:
- Creating an emergency plan
- Preparing for disasters
- Medication and equipment backup
- Communication during emergencies
- Evacuation with disabilities
- Support networks
WHY EMERGENCY PLANNING MATTERS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
Section titled “WHY EMERGENCY PLANNING MATTERS FOR DISABLED PEOPLE”Disabled people face barriers during emergencies:
- Evacuation routes not accessible
- Shelters don’t have accommodations
- Medications and equipment lost
- Communication systems fail
- Service animals not allowed in shelters
- No accessible transportation
- Medical equipment needs power
- Support systems disrupted
Good planning helps you stay safe and maintain independence.
PART 1: CREATE YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN
Section titled “PART 1: CREATE YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN”Step 1: Know Your Risks
Section titled “Step 1: Know Your Risks”What emergencies could happen where you live?
Natural disasters:
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes/typhoons/tropical storms
- Flooding
- Tornadoes
- Wildfires
- Severe weather (snow, ice, extreme heat)
Human-made emergencies:
- Chemical spill
- Power outages
- Water contamination
- Structural collapse
Personal emergencies:
- Medical crisis
- Hospitalization
- Caregiver emergency
- Loss of housing
Write down which could affect your area.
Step 2: Make a Disability Accommodation List
Section titled “Step 2: Make a Disability Accommodation List”What you need to survive and stay healthy:
Medications:
- Name, dosage, frequency
- How long your supply lasts
- How to store safely
- Backup doses location
Medical equipment:
- Wheelchair, crutches, cane, walker
- CPAP, ventilator, oxygen
- Dialysis equipment
- Insulin pump or glucose monitor
- Hearing aids, cochlear implant, batteries
Assistive technology:
- Screen reader or magnification software
- Speech-to-text device
- Communication device (AAC)
- Adaptation equipment
Supplies you need:
- Specialty food (gluten-free, texture-modified, etc.)
- Incontinence supplies
- Pain medication
- Mental health medication
Care support:
- Personal care attendant (how often)
- Service animal
- Interpreter (if Deaf)
- Other support needs
Write this all down. Keep copies in multiple places.
Step 3: Prepare Emergency Kits
Section titled “Step 3: Prepare Emergency Kits”72-Hour Kit (bare minimum for 3 days):
For everyone:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered radio
- Phone charger (portable battery)
- Cash (ATMs might not work)
- Important documents copies
- Contact information
For disabled people, add:
- Medications (full 30-day supply if possible)
- Backup power source for equipment
- Extra batteries for hearing aids, mobility aids, etc.
- Backup glasses/contacts
- Colostomy bags, incontinence supplies
- Catheter supplies
- Medical alert ID
- List of needed accommodations
- Copies of prescriptions
- Doctor contact information
- Proof of insurance
Store in:
- Go-bag (backpack, wheelie bag)
- Waterproof container
- Multiple locations (home, work, car)
Step 4: Create Communication Plan
Section titled “Step 4: Create Communication Plan”If separated or unable to contact family:
Designated contact person:
- Out of area (if local infrastructure fails)
- Knows your situation
- Can relay messages
Communication methods:
- Text (often works when calls don’t)
- Email (can check later)
- Social media (post location/status)
- Emergency alert system (register for)
Give your contact information to:
- Family
- Friends
- Coworkers
- Doctor
- Service provider
Step 5: Plan Evacuation
Section titled “Step 5: Plan Evacuation”How will you evacuate if you need to?
If you use mobility aid:
- Do you have accessible transportation?
- What if vehicle breaks down?
- Can you stay with accessible destination?
- Do you know accessible routes out?
If you need power:
- Do you have backup power (generator, battery)?
- How long will it last?
- Where will you go if power lost long-term?
If Deaf:
- How will you get emergency alerts?
- Do you have relay services number?
- Video relay service accessible during emergency?
If Blind:
- Do you have guide to help navigate?
- Do you have mobility cane/guide dog supplies?
- Do you need verbal instructions or maps?
If you need care:
- Can your caregiver evacuate with you?
- Is there backup care available?
- Can you function independently if caregiver can’t leave?
If you have service animal:
- Does shelter allow animals?
- Do you have supplies (food, water, waste bags)?
Write down your evacuation plan. Practice it.
Step 6: Register for Special Needs Services
Section titled “Step 6: Register for Special Needs Services”Many areas have registries for people with mobility/medical needs:
Benefits:
- Emergency services know where you are
- Can prioritize evacuation
- Can check on you during emergency
How to register:
- Contact local emergency management
- Contact fire department
- Contact disability services
- Search “[Your area] special needs registry”
Registering helps save your life.
Step 7: Prepare Your Home
Section titled “Step 7: Prepare Your Home”Make it safer for emergencies:
Structural safety:
- Strap tall furniture to walls (earthquakes)
- Secure water heater (earthquakes)
- Know how to turn off gas, water, electricity
- Remove hazards from accessible routes
Accessibility during emergency:
- Keep accessibility aids accessible (not stored)
- Keep medications in one accessible place
- Keep important documents together
- Keep first aid kit easily accessible
- Keep emergency kit ready (not buried)
Test these locations and accessibility.
PART 2: DISASTER-SPECIFIC PREPARATIONS
Section titled “PART 2: DISASTER-SPECIFIC PREPARATIONS”Earthquake Preparedness
Section titled “Earthquake Preparedness”Before:
- Secure furniture and equipment
- Know safe spots (under sturdy table, doorway)
- Practice “drop, cover, hold on”
- Know how to turn off utilities
- Have emergency kit ready
During:
- Drop, cover, hold on immediately
- Stay where you are
- Protect head/neck
After:
- Check for injuries
- Don’t use elevators
- Stay out of damaged buildings
- Move to safer area if needed
Disability considerations:
- Have backup mobility aids
- Have medications accessible
- Can you use “drop, cover, hold on”? (Use alternatives if needed)
- Make sure evacuation route isn’t blocked by fallen items
Hurricane/Typhoon Preparedness
Section titled “Hurricane/Typhoon Preparedness”Before (days ahead):
- Stock medications (30-day supply minimum)
- Stock water and food
- Prepare go-bag
- Know evacuation zones
- Reserve accessible hotel/shelter outside zone
- Arrange transport if you need it
- Fill prescriptions
During:
- Listen to emergency alerts
- Don’t leave unless ordered
- Protect yourself from flying debris
After:
- Don’t leave home until safe
- Boil water until authorities say safe
- Report downed power lines
Disability considerations:
- Accessible evacuation route?
- Does accessible destination exist?
- Can you get transport?
- Do you need power for medical equipment?
- Does shelter accept service animals?
Flooding Preparedness
Section titled “Flooding Preparedness”Before:
- Know flood zones/risk in your area
- Know evacuation routes (accessible ones)
- Prepare go-bag and important documents
- Have emergency supplies
- Consider flood insurance
During:
- Listen to evacuation orders
- Evacuate immediately if told
- Don’t drive through flooded areas
After:
- Don’t return until safe
- Watch for contaminated water
- Be careful of mold growth
Disability considerations:
- Can you navigate wet/slippery surfaces?
- Do you need accessible transportation to evacuate?
- Will accommodations work if displaced?
Extreme Heat/Cold
Section titled “Extreme Heat/Cold”Extreme Heat:
- Stay indoors in cool place
- Drink water constantly
- Wear light clothing
- Take cool showers/baths
- Check on neighbors
Extreme Cold:
- Stay indoors if possible
- Keep home warm
- Wear layers
- Eat and drink warm food/liquids
- Check on neighbors
Disability considerations:
- Temperature-sensitive conditions (MS, etc.)?
- Medications affected by temperature?
- Can you access shelter/heating?
- Can you stay hydrated/cool?
Power Outages
Section titled “Power Outages”Before:
- Have battery-powered radio, flashlights
- Keep phone charger (portable battery)
- Know how to operate medical equipment on backup power
- Have backup power for equipment
During:
- Avoid opening refrigerator
- Use alternate lighting
- Check on neighbors
- Stay warm or cool as needed
After:
- Don’t use stove for heating (fire hazard)
- Be careful of downed power lines
Disability considerations:
- Does your medical equipment need power?
- Do you have backup power source?
- Can you manage without power?
- Do you need generator?
- Is generator accessible for you?
PART 3: SUPPORT NETWORKS
Section titled “PART 3: SUPPORT NETWORKS”Build Your Network
Section titled “Build Your Network”People who can help in emergency:
Close relationships:
- Family
- Close friends
- Neighbors
- Trusted coworkers
Professional:
- Doctor
- Mental health provider
- Service provider
- Disability advocate
Community:
- Disability community connections
- Faith community (if applicable)
- Support groups
- Online communities
Tell them:
- Your disability needs
- How to help you
- Emergency contact info
- Where your supplies are
Mutual Aid Networks
Section titled “Mutual Aid Networks”Disabled-led mutual aid:
- Networks of disabled people helping each other
- No government involvement
- Sustainable local support
- Sharing resources and skills
How to participate:
- Find local mutual aid (search online)
- Join disability justice groups
- Connect with disability community
- Build reciprocal relationships
PART 4: IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Section titled “PART 4: IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS”Documents to Gather and Backup
Section titled “Documents to Gather and Backup”Essential documents:
- ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card (US) / equivalent
- Insurance cards (health, auto, home, disability)
- Medication list
- Allergy list
- Doctor contact information
- Emergency contacts
- Deed/lease
- Will/power of attorney
- Custody documents (if applicable)
Where to Keep Copies
Section titled “Where to Keep Copies”Multiple locations:
- Home (fireproof safe if possible)
- With trusted family member
- Bank safe deposit box
- Cloud storage (password protected)
- Go-bag
Waterproof containers recommended.
PART 5: SPECIFIC DISABILITY PREPAREDNESS
Section titled “PART 5: SPECIFIC DISABILITY PREPAREDNESS”Mobility Disabilities
Section titled “Mobility Disabilities”Specific needs:
- Accessible routes out of home/building
- Accessible transportation
- Extra batteries for mobility aids
- Backup mobility aids (cane, crutches, backup wheelchair)
- Accessible shelter/housing
Plan for:
- How to evacuate if not independently mobile
- Backup care if caregiver unavailable
- Accessible routes/facilities at evacuation sites
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Section titled “Deaf/Hard of Hearing”Specific needs:
- Visual alarm systems (for emergency alerts)
- Video relay service available
- Written emergency information
- Interpreter availability
- Backup communication methods
Plan for:
- How you’ll get emergency alerts
- How you’ll communicate with emergency responders
- Written info about your needs
- Relay services contact info
Blind/Low Vision
Section titled “Blind/Low Vision”Specific needs:
- Guide dog (food, water, waste supplies)
- Mobility cane supplies (extra tips, handles)
- Large print/audio emergency instructions
- Talking emergency alert system
Plan for:
- How you’ll navigate unfamiliar shelter
- Whether you can function independently
- Guide dog evacuation and care
Mental Health/Psychiatric Disabilities
Section titled “Mental Health/Psychiatric Disabilities”Specific needs:
- Mental health medications
- Mental health support continuity
- Quiet/safe space (crowded shelters problematic)
- Contact with peer support
Plan for:
- Stress management during emergency
- Who supports you during crisis
- How to access mental health care if displaced
- Medication backup
Chronic Illness
Section titled “Chronic Illness”Specific needs:
- Medication backup (30+ day supply)
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Dietary needs (if applicable)
- Rest/energy management
- Pain management
Plan for:
- Healthcare if clinic closed
- How to access medication if displaced
- Pain management options
- Rest requirements
Neurodivergence
Section titled “Neurodivergence”Specific needs:
- Consistent routine/structure
- Sensory considerations
- Clear communication (no complex jargon)
- Trusted person support
Plan for:
- How disrupted routine affects you
- Sensory management in shelter
- Who can provide emotional support
- Clear instructions for help
EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST
Section titled “EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST”Basic Emergency Kit
Section titled “Basic Emergency Kit”- Water (1 gallon/person/day, 3+ days)
- Non-perishable food (3+ days)
- Flashlight + batteries
- Battery-powered radio
- First aid kit
- Phone charger (portable battery)
- Medications (full supply)
- Important documents (copies)
- Cash (small bills)
- Sturdy shoes
- Change of clothes
- Blanket/sleeping bag
Disability-Specific Additions
Section titled “Disability-Specific Additions”- Mobility aids (backup cane, crutches, walker)
- Backup wheelchair (if possible)
- Hearing aid batteries
- Backup glasses/contacts
- Medical alert ID
- Prescription copies
- Doctor contact info
- Insulin/auto-injector (if diabetic)
- EpiPen (if severe allergies)
- Incontinence/catheter supplies
- CPAP supplies or oxygen
- Pain medication
- Mental health medication
- Specialty food (gluten-free, texture-modified)
- Service animal supplies
Keep Kit
Section titled “Keep Kit”- Accessible location
- Somewhere you’ll remember
- Waterproof container
- Multiple locations (home, work, car)
AFTER EMERGENCY: RECOVERY
Section titled “AFTER EMERGENCY: RECOVERY”Short-term (First weeks)
Section titled “Short-term (First weeks)”- Assess damage to home
- Check on family/friends
- Access temporary shelter if needed
- Locate medications/supplies
- Document damage (photos for insurance)
Medium-term (Weeks to months)
Section titled “Medium-term (Weeks to months)”- Rebuild/repair home
- Restore accessibility
- Re-establish routines
- Access support services
- Reconnect with community
Long-term (Months+)
Section titled “Long-term (Months+)”- Process trauma
- Rebuild life
- Connect with disaster recovery resources
- Support others
Mental Health After Emergency
Section titled “Mental Health After Emergency”Trauma is normal response to emergency.
Seek support:
- Counseling/therapy
- Support groups
- Peer support
- Crisis services if needed
RESOURCES
Section titled “RESOURCES”Federal Emergency Management (FEMA)
Section titled “Federal Emergency Management (FEMA)”- Ready.gov (US emergency preparedness)
- Disaster recovery information
- Disability-focused resources
Disability-Specific Disaster Resources
Section titled “Disability-Specific Disaster Resources”United States:
- Disability and Disaster Hotline: 1-800-626-4959
- Ready with Disabilities: fema.gov/disability
Australia:
- Disaster Assist: 1-800-018-444
- Disability service provider coordination
International:
- International Federation Red Cross/Red Crescent
- UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Climate & Disability Resources
Section titled “Climate & Disability Resources”- Climate Refugees + Disabled People
- Climate Justice + Disability Justice
- Disability-led climate adaptation
REMEMBER
Section titled “REMEMBER”You have the right to:
- Stay safe during emergency
- Access accommodations during emergency
- Support from community
- Information in accessible format
- Dignity and respect
Planning now helps:
- Protect your health
- Maintain independence
- Reduce panic
- Help others
RELATED PAGES
Section titled “RELATED PAGES”- Main Crisis Help Section
- Crisis Hotlines (All Countries)
- Abuse & Violence Resources
- Medical Emergency Cards & Info Sheets
You deserve to be safe. Plan ahead. Take care of yourself.
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Section titled “Contribute to This Page”Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.