Build your emergency kit now before a wildfire emergency happens. It can make a big difference.
Below are tips on what Oregonians with disabilities can do now. For a full list of tips for people with disabilities on how to prepare for a disaster, go to this Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) webpage: https://www.ready.gov/disability
Tips for Building an Emergency Kit
In general, you should prepare a supply of basic survival items, such as water, non-perishable food, blankets, cash, and a weather radio.
For a full list, visit FEMA’s page on creating a kit: www.ready.gov/kit
You will also want to prepare what YOU use every day—items like medications, batteries for any equipment, and needed medical supplies like oxygen or catheters. If you use a medical device, create a list of the type and serial numbers of your devices. If you use a guide dog or service dog, keep food for the animals.
FEMA offers the following tips for specific communities of individuals with disabilities.
Tips for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Keep a weather radio that has a text display and a flashing alert.
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Label your emergency supplies with Braille or large print.
Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Include in your kit communication devices that you need.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
Plan for evacuating with your assistive technology. Make a note of model numbers of your communications device and other assistive technologies in case they are destroyed. Write whether you received the equipment through Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurer.
Have a back-up plan for non-working equipment. Have laminated cards with pictures or phrases to use if your equipment is not working.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a wheelchair, try keeping:
a patch kit or can of sealant and/or extra inner tube if it’s not puncture proof
a portable air pump
an extra seat cushion if you use one
If you use a power wheelchair:
keep a lightweight manual wheelchair as a backup. Note if your wheelchair can collapse if it needs to be transported and its size and weight.
Teach other people how your wheelchair works.
Backup batteries: Buy an extra battery. If you cannot afford one, look into which agencies or organizations can help you.
Keep extra batteries on a trickle charger at all times.
If you use a scooter, try keeping “a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if it’s not puncture proof.”
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Tips for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities (including autism spectrum disorder)
Individuals who have sensory disabilities may want to keep:
“Handheld electronic devices (loaded with movies and games)
Spare chargers
Sheets and twine or a small pop up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy)
Headphones (to decrease auditory distractions)
Comfort snacks”