Preparedness for people with disabilities

Create a support network

• Ask people you trust if they are willing to help you in case of an emergency. Arrange in advance for someone to check on you in the event of an emergency.
• Identify contacts for important locations such as home, work or school. Neighbours are often the closest and most available contacts in an emergency.
• Tell these support people where your emergency kit is stored. Give one member a key to your home.
• Include a support network contact who is far enough away that they are unlikely to be affected by the same emergency.
• Work with your support network to develop a plan that meets your needs.
• Practice your emergency plan with your network. If applicable, show them how your special needs equipment works. 
• Know the location of evacuation shelters that are wheel chair accessible.
• Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or carry an identification card.
• Carry a personal alarm that emits a loud noise to draw attention to your wearabouts.
• Label your equipment and attach instructions on how to use and transport it.

Make your emergency kit

• Prescription drugs, medical supplies and special equipment
• Any information sheet about your special needs or disability
• Foods that meet your dietary needs
• A detailed list of all prescriptions and medications

Assisting people with disabilities or special needs - tips

• Ask if the person wants your help, and how you may best assist them.
• If someone refuses your help, wait for first responders to arrive, unless it is a matter of life or death.
• Do not touch the person, their service animal or equipment without their permission, unless it is a matter of life or death.
• Follow instructions posted on special needs equipment.
• You may be asked to use latex-free gloves to reduce the spread of viral infection or to prevent an allergic reaction to latex.
• Ask the person if areas of their body have reduced sensation and if they want you to check those areas for injuries.
• Do not try to move someone unless you are trained in proper techniques.
• If a person is unconscious or unresponsive do not administer any liquids or food.
• If the person has a service animal, it is the animal owner's responsibility to assess whether or not it is safe for the animal to work through the emergency situation.
• To make this decision, the service animal owner will need information as to the nature of the hazards they are expected to face and any changes to the physical environment.
• If providing sighted assistance, the first responder or caregiver should confirm that the service animal is then not working, and is therefore off duty.