Lets Make A Plan! Brought to you by the Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition, in conjunction with Nancy Svirida, Esq., Disability Law Center, under a grant from the National Association of County and City Health Officials, May 2007

2 Why are we here? Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition Franklin Regional Council of Governments National Association of County and City Health Officials Project Demand Disability Law Center

3 What is Personal Preparedness? Know what you can offer AND what you need in many different situations Be creative One persons perceived disability is often a strength in many situations! Be aware and try to reduce risk

4 Personal Preparedness Planning Develop a plan for before, during and after an event Implement that plan and talk to others Practice your plan with emergency drills Maintain your plan with review and updates

5 Language Person-first language and reference No assumptions of particular needs We may make mistakes but lets keep trying!

6 Federal Legal Updates Federal Laws Project Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees (SNAKE) Report Court Cases

7 Massachusetts Updates February 2007 Statewide Emergency Preparedness Summit Goals of the Summit

8 Projects Sponsored by Franklin Regional Council of Governments Provides support to member towns on emergency preparedness activities. Host for the Mohawk Area Public Health Coalition, Regional Emergency Planning Committee and Franklin County Medical Reserve Corps/Community Emergency Response Team.

Your Personal Preparedness Plan

10 Gather Information Insurance Policies Medical Contacts, alert bracelets, medical records Important Papers Photographs Equipment information Utility valves

11 Gather Emergency Supplies Non-perishable food Communication Devices & Batteries Cash and Checks Sanitation and hygiene items Prescriptions

12 Extra Considerations for Individuals with Emotional and/or Mental Disabilities: Maintain your individual safety plan Consider setting up wellness or quiet room at shelter Keep sensory tools with you

13 Extra Considerations for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities Heavy gloves to use while wheeling around over glass and debris Patch kit to repair flat tires Back up lightweight manual chair Spare cane or walker

14 Extra Considerations for Individuals with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities Communication devices and spare batteries Favorite item to help you maintain focus while waiting in lines Paper and writing materials

15 Extra Considerations for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities Extra batteries for portable TTYs, etc. Extra pair of dark glasses, if medically required National Weather Radio (NWR) Folding mobility cane Paper with pens or pencils

16 Extra Considerations for Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Breathing Conditions Beware of fumes from idling vehicles Towels, masks, industrial respirators N95-rated particulate filter mask

17 Extra Considerations for Owners of Pets or Service Animals Cage/carrier labeled with contact information Identification tags and/or microchip implant Food, medicine, favorite toy First aid kit and manual

18 Reach Out to Others Network of Support Distribute Copy of Your Plan Emergency Contact Lists Disability Indicator Form

19 Reach Out to Others Phone Tree Learn Others Plans Consider Volunteering for Medical Reserve Corps, etc.

20 Minimize Risk Prepare for power outages Install carbon monoxide and smoke alarms Always evacuate when told to

21 During an Event Be gentle with yourself/others Common Reactions to Emergencies: AnxietyHeadaches Inability to Communicate Crying Nausea Increase Subst. Abuse Insomnia Chest PainFamily Problems Flashbacks Anger Indecisiveness Heart Palpitations Confusion

22 After an Event Reach out to others for support Consider volunteering Exercise helps reduce stress

23 Practicing your Personal Preparedness Plan Use whatever equipment you plan on using in an emergency Include your personal network

24 Practice Being Clear and Brief Quickly explain to people the best way to guide or move you and your equipment Brief, clear, and specific instructions to rescue personnel, either orally or in writing Explain what kind of accommodation you need

25 Keep it up! Execute plans at school, work, restaurants, libraries, independent living centers, clubhouses, etc. Review and update at the beginning of each month Learn about drills in your community and try to participate

26 Community Resources Franklin Regional Council of Governments See Packet