Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities April 28, 2010 WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED About Integration & Inclusion of Disability Communities into the Disaster Response and Recovery Process In Mississippi? Opening Slide

In such crisis, no one should be left behind. Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? April 28, 2010 In Mississippi, emergencies and disasters happen quickly and many times without warning. Emergency response teams, local officials, and relief workers are usually the first responders on the scene. In such crisis, no one should be left behind. There is still a great need to educate, train, and bring awareness of disability issues an needs to state agencies, local government, and communities as they relate to disaster preparedness and emergency response. In Mississippi, emergencies and disasters happen quickly and without warning. Emergency response teams, local officials, and relief workers are usually the first responders on the scene. In such crisis, no one should be left behind. The MCVS Connect 1 Summit is designed to educate, train, and bring awareness of disability issues to communities as they relate to disaster preparedness and emergency response. Workshops will provide vital knowledge and valuable resources that will prepare you to assist people with disabilities and special needs during times of emergency. This program is intended to specifically focus outreach efforts to people with disabilities and seniors living in these communities.

What Mississippi Says It Learned Robert R. Latham Jr, Executive Director Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Testimony Before the House Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate Preparation for and Response to Hurricane Katrina, 12/07/05

What Mississippi Says Worked Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process April 28, 2010 What Mississippi Says Worked Coordination with County Emergency Plans and Capabilities. The State of Mississippi has a very comprehensive emergency management law that outlines roles and responsibilities for implementation of the Governor’s authorities during emergencies and disasters. This law makes MEMA responsible for the emergency management plan and tasks us with oversight of all emergency plans at the state and local level. Through this law we are able to ensure consistency and compliance with the state Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the National Response Plan (NRP). The law also requires that this plan include an evacuation and shelter component, a disaster response and recovery component, use of the National Guard, communication and warning, training and exercise, and urban search and rescue. The State of Mississippi has a very comprehensive emergency management law that outlines roles and responsibilities for implementation of the Governor’s authorities during emergencies and disasters. This law makes MEMA responsible for the emergency management plan and tasks us with oversight of all emergency plans at the state and local level. Through this law we are able to ensure consistency and compliance with the state Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the National Response Plan (NRP). The law also requires that this plan include an evacuation and shelter component, a disaster response and recovery component, use of the National Guard, communication and warning, training and exercise, and urban search and rescue.

What Mississippi Say Needs Improvement Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process What Mississippi Say Needs Improvement April 28, 2010 Clarification of the Roles and Responsibilities of the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and Principle Federal Official (PFO) Federal Logistics System. Temporary Housing. Subject-Matter Experts. Debris Removal. Contracting and Sub-Contracting. National System to Track Missing Persons. Clarification of the Roles and Responsibilities of the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and Principle Federal Official (PFO) Federal Logistics System. Temporary Housing. Subject-Matter Experts. Debris Removal. Contracting and Sub-Contracting. National System to Track Missing Persons. NOTHING ABOUT EVACUTION, SHELTERING, HOUSING, of individuals with disabilities and their families. NOTHING ABOUT BRING INDIVIDUALS with disabiities or disabiity organizaiton to the planning table.

Sponsored by the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Prepare • Training Sponsored by the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund April 28, 2010 The goal is to raise the level of awareness and preparedness so that individuals living in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are increasingly resilient in the event of future disasters. This program is intended to specifically focus outreach efforts to people with disabilities and seniors living in these communities. Disaster awareness and preparedness training is sponsored by the Bush-Clinton Katrina fund. The goal is to raise the level of awareness and preparedness so that individuals living in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are increasingly resilient in the event of future disasters. This program is intended to specifically focus outreach efforts to people with disabilities and seniors living in these communities.

Sheltering During Katrina Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Sheltering During Katrina April 28, 2010 Evacuations and sheltering during and after Hurricane Katrina were a challenge to say the least.

Prepare • Sheltering Task Force Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Prepare • Sheltering Task Force April 28, 2010 A Sheltering Task Force has been established by the MS Department of Human Services to improve the efficiency of evacuations and sheltering in future disasters. MEMA, County EMA Directors, the MS Dept. of Human Services, MS Dept. of Health, State Representatives, local Elected Officials and the American Red Cross have partnered for Regional Council Meetings. Issues related to emergency preparedness and response that impact these areas during disaster events are discussed at these meetings. A Sheltering Task Force has been established by the MS Department of Human Services to improve the efficiency of evacuations and sheltering in future disasters. MEMA, County EMA Directors, the MS Dept. of Human Services, MS Dept. of Health, State Representatives, local Elected Officials and the American Red Cross have partnered for Regional Council Meetings. Issues related to emergency preparedness and response that impact these areas during disaster events are discussed at these meetings.

Disability Community Evacuation Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Disability Community Evacuation April 28, 2010 For evacuations of disability communities, school buses have been modified to accommodate wheelchairs and other disability related equipment. Bus evacuations, if required, will be coordinated by the local emergency agencies. For evacuations of disability communities, school buses have been modified to accommodate wheelchairs and other disability related equipment.

We have buses that seats can be removed and cots can be placed and tied down for people with disabilities. What about chairs? If we know in advance we can make arrangements What about guide dogs? If w know in advance we can make arrangements.

Special Needs Sheltering Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process April 28, 2010 The American Red Cross provides for non-medical special needs evacuees at the general population shelters. The MS Department of Health provides sheltering for those with special medical needs. The American Red Cross provides for non-medical special needs evacuees at the general population shelters. The MS Department of Health provides sheltering for those with special medical needs.

Special Medical Needs Sheltering Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process April 28, 2010 A special medical needs shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to residents whose medical conditions are such that they exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross Shelter but are not severe enough to require hospitalization. Health Department nurses support these shelters. The Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Board of Animal Health coordinate the operation of special medical needs shelters and pet shelters with the American Red Cross. A special medical needs shelter is a temporary emergency facility capable of providing care to residents whose medical conditions are such that they exceed the capabilities of the Red Cross Shelter but are not severe enough to require hospitalization. Health Department nurses support these shelters. The Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Board of Animal Health coordinate the operation of special medical needs shelters and pet shelters with the American Red Cross.

Current Special Medical Needs Shelter Locations Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Current Special Medical Needs Shelter Locations April 28, 2010 Jackson State University Jackson, MS Holmes Community College Grenada, MS Hinds Community College Raymond, MS Meridian Community College Meridian, MS Hudspeth Regional Center Whitfield, MS East Central Community College Decatur, MS Pearl River Community College Hattiesburg, MS Copiah Lincoln Community College Wesson, MS This graphic shows the locations of current special medical needs shelters across Mississippi. MS Gulf Coast Community College Lucedale, MS Southwest MS Community College Summit, MS Stone County State SMNS Wiggins, MS Pearl River Community College Poplarville, MS MS Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS

Locations Under Development Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Special Medical Needs Sheltering Locations Under Development April 28, 2010 There are currently four more Special Medical Needs shelters under development. East Central Community College Decatur, MS Holmes Community College Grenada, MS Jackson State University Jackson, MS Meridian Community College Meridian, MS There are currently four more Special Medical Needs shelters under development. East Central Community College Decatur, MS Holmes Community College Grenada, MS Jackson State University Jackson, MS Meridian Community College Meridian, MS

Available Special Medical Needs Shelters Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Available Special Medical Needs Shelters April 28, 2010 Category III to Category V Tropical Storm to Category II The counties highlighted show the available locations of our special medical needs shelters. Notice that the shelters located in the lower six counties are not considered safe locations for any storm above a category II. We realized that some people with medical needs are likely to experience a decline in their current health status if they were to travel even a few hours to reach a special medical needs shelter. With that in mind, the decision was made to construct a facility structurally sound enough to withstand a category 5 hurricane to shelter Mississippians with medical needs. (See next slide)

Stone County Special Medical Needs Shelter Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Special Medical Needs Sheltering Stone County Special Medical Needs Shelter April 28, 2010 Unprecedented facility designed to house a total of approximately 350 patients, caregivers and staff for a minimum of 72 hours Approximately 21,000 square feet with budget of $6,500,000 Will meet and/or exceed FEMA 361 requirements Once the optimal location for the facility was determined, the next objective was to apply for and obtain approval of grant funds to complete the project. While compiling the pre-application and doing more research, we soon realized that this facility was going to be unlike any facility currently available. With a budget of $6.5 million we think we will be able to provide approximately 21,000 square feet for the building, house 350 patients caregivers and staff, and of course this building will meet and in some cases exceed all FEMA 361 requirements. Wiggins, MS

Special Needs Registries Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Special Needs Registries April 28, 2010 Neither the American Red Cross nor the MS Department of Health currently have special needs or special medical needs “at-risk” registries. The MS Department of Health is currently exploring options and working with vendors regarding a web-based registry system. They are also working with 2-1-1 MS for citizens without internet access to register. Neither the American Red Cross nor the MS Department of Health currently have special needs or special medical needs “at-risk” registries. The MS Department of Health is currently exploring options and working with vendors regarding a web-based registry system. They are also working with 2-1-1 MS for citizens without internet access to register.

Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Temporary Housing April 28, 2010 Post Katrina temporary housing ranged from personal tents and campers provided by those affected by Katrina to travel trailers and mobile homes provided by FEMA. It soon became obvious that safer, more comfortable disaster housing would be needed. This led to the creation of the Mississippi Alternative Housing Pilot Program.

Mississippi Alternative Housing Pilot Program Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Mississippi Alternative Housing Pilot Program April 28, 2010 The Mississippi Alternative Housing Program was funded by a $281 million federal grant and is administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of the program was to develop and produce a safer and more comfortable temporary housing unit for use after a disaster. The program also addressed additional goals such as new approaches to management of units and the option of allowing units to go from temporary to permanent. The Mississippi Alternative Housing Program was funded by a $281 million federal grant and is administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. The purpose of the program was to develop and produce a safer and more comfortable temporary housing unit for use after a disaster. The program also addressed additional goals such as new approaches to management of units and the option of allowing units to go from temporary to permanent.

Mississippi Alternative Housing Pilot Program Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Mississippi Alternative Housing Pilot Program April 28, 2010 The Mississippi Cottage, in both two and three bedroom styles, replaced the FEMA mobile home. These units are modular, stick-built homes that can be converted into permanent dwellings. The Mississippi Cottage unit was made available in an ADA-compliant model. The Mississippi Cottage, in both two and three bedroom styles, replaced the FEMA mobile home. These units are modular, stick-built homes that can be converted into permanent dwellings. The Mississippi Cottage unit was made available in an ADA-compliant model.

FEMA State Led Disaster Housing Task Force Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process FEMA State Led Disaster Housing Task Force April 28, 2010 Mississippi is participating in the State-Led Disaster Housing Task Force (SLDHTF) Program coordinated by FEMA. The concept of SLDHTF originated with the FEMA National Disaster Housing Strategy, published January 16,2009, based on goals defined in the Strategy. This program addresses challenges identified in other alternative housing programs. Mississippi is participating in the State-Led Disaster Housing Task Forces (SLDHTF) Program coordinated by FEMA. The concept of SLDHTF originated with the FEMA National Disaster Housing Strategy, published January 16,2009, based on goals defined in the Strategy. This program addresses challenges identified in other alternative housing programs.

FEMA State Led Disaster Housing Task Force Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process FEMA State Led Disaster Housing Task Force April 28, 2010 The program provides specific guidance on: • The functions of an SLDHTF • How to establish an SLDHTF • SLDHTF suggested membership • How an SLDHTF fits into the national disaster housing picture Provisions for citizens with disabilities are included in the documents prepared for implementation of the program. The program provides specific guidance on: • The functions of an SLDHTF • How to establish an SLDHTF • SLDHTF suggested membership • How an SLDHTF fits into the national disaster housing picture Provisions for citizens with disabilities are included in the documents prepared for implementation of the program.

BIG QUESTION? WHO OR WHAT IS MISSING FROM THIS PLAN? Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process BIG QUESTION? April 28, 2010 WHO OR WHAT IS MISSING FROM THIS PLAN? Questions?

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ADVOCATES Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process April 28, 2010

Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process IN CONCLUSION April 28, 2010 All levels of government experienced systemic failures in their efforts to respond to the needs of the disability and aging populations following Hurricane Katrina. It is time now to move from lessons learned to lessons applied. Emergency professionals and response organizations must seek out and utilize the expertise of disability and aging networks to reduce or eliminate barriers to effective service delivery. Conclusion All levels of government experienced systemic failures in their efforts to respond to the needs of the disability and aging populations following Hurricane Katrina. It is time now to move from lessons learned to lessons applied. Emergency professionals and response organizations must seek out and utilize the expertise of disability and aging networks to reduce or eliminate barriers to effective service delivery.

Report on Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees Project Mississippi Integration of Disability Communities Into the Disaster and Recovery Process Report on Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees Project April 28, 2010 (SNAKE) “We, as a nation, can do more to improve the outcomes for people with disabilities and the aging population the next time disaster strikes—and there will be a next time.”. “We, as a nation, can do more to improve the outcomes for people with disabilities and the aging population the next time disaster strikes—and there will be a next time.”.

AN INCLUSIVE PLAN MISSISSIPPI COALITION FOR CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES 1-800-721-7255 601-721-7255 Relay 711 www.mscd.org