Disability Dangers during Disasters

Articles on Emergencies | Topics: emergencies, emergency, disasters, disaster

by Kenneth Underwood

Disaster can strike your community at any time. Some disasters, such as hurricanes give ample warning, while others can happen without so much as a hint of impending trouble. Many people assume that if a disaster strikes, there will be an organization such as the Red Cross right around the corner to help. While the Red Cross and other organizations are great at helping during disasters, they can only do so much. Their first priorities are to provide food, water, and shelter to those who need it. Secondly, they will often deal with some of the issues disabled people may deal with during and after a disaster. To ensure the disabled will be provided for as needed, consider these areas of danger and follow these helpful tips.

Medication

Some of the most common disability issues when disaster strikes revolve around medication. Many organizations will work with the disable to ensure that they have their medication as needed. However, this is not usually the number one priority on the list of the organization. If you or a family member is disabled and must take medication daily, never let the medication supply run under seven days. This means that at all times; the disabled person should have at least seven days worth of medication if needed. This will help ensure that the disabled person will not run out of their medications directly following a disaster. If the disaster is still causing community turmoil after seven days, the disabled person will likely be able to find help receiving more medication at this point.

Equipment

Another concern and danger during and after a disaster is the lack of functional medical equipment. Many disabled people must have working medical equipment to survive. If you or a family member must have electric operated medical equipment to survive, talk to your doctor or technician about a backup battery. If the power fails, you backup battery should kick right in. Keep several batteries handy, in case the power is off for an extended period of time. If at any time your batteries fail, you should call emergency personnel immediately and be taken to a hospital. Hospitals have backup generators that allow them to use medical equipment even when the entire town is without electricity.

Evacuation Plans

Historical Quote

Well had the boding tremblers learned to trace
The day’s disasters in his morning face.

—Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774)

Disabled people can still be very capable of living on their own. They can do everything a healthy person can do in many cases. When disaster strikes however, it may be impossible or more difficult for a disabled person to quickly evacuate their home if needed. Any disabled person who lives alone should have a plan for evacuation from each room in their home. There should also be a neighbor who will commit to helping the person flee if necessary. Be sure that every disabled person has someone close to their home with a key to their residence. This will help ensure they will not be left behind if an evacuation occurs.

Asking For Help

The number one reason disabled people may perish more often in disasters is because they will not ask for help. If you are disabled and need help, ask for it! There is no shame in asking for help, especially when a disaster is involved. If you need help getting out of your home, finding water or food, or getting your medication, there is someone who can help you. If neighbors or family can't help you, call local churches, organizations, or government offices. They will be able to assist you or point you in the right direction. If you cannot call anyone, try to get the attention of those around you by yelling, waving flags out of the window, or making signs.

The truth is that disasters have a huge impact on disabled people. They are often left without necessary items others may be able to do without. Being prepared for disaster is the best thing disabled people can do however. If you are prepared and know what should be done in a disastrous situation, then you will be less affected in the aftermath. So, be sure to stock up on medications, have backup plans for medical equipment, create evacuation plans, and ask for help to ensure you or your disabled friend will be safe during a disaster.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Disability Dangers during Disasters" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by BellwetherPress.com.

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