While wildfires continue to burn in Oregon, and as we head into storm season we want to remind people across the state to be prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency. Other common emergencies in Oregon include disease outbreaks, landslides, flooding, and storm-related power outages. We also recommend expecting the unexpected—including earthquakes, which in Oregon can cause tsunamis.

Older people and those with disabilities are resilient and overcome challenges to maintain their independence every day. Yet, during a disaster they may need additional help to stay safe and recover.

Children and youth, too, often need additional help and rely on their family and caregivers. Nearly one out of every five children in the United States has a special health care need, such as a physical, developmental, intellectual, behavioral, or emotional condition that requires specialized interventions or care.

Some disabilities are plain to see (e.g., people with wheelchairs, etc.), but many are not. Some disabilities that may pose challenges during a disaster include:

• Deaf or hard of hearing.
• Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
• Intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Speech disabilities.
• Blindness or low vision.
• Mobility disabilities.

Check out this series of short videos created by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), designed to help people with disabilities and their families be prepared.

Before, during and after

Disaster preparation includes advanced planning for what to do during a disaster, as well as what to do after a disaster.

CMIST is a flexible framework that helps us think about the additional needs people may have when they plan for, respond to and recover from a disaster. Asking about your own needs and the needs of your loved ones and neighbors can help customize disaster kits and emergency plans.  

• Before a disaster: Ask your neighbors about their emergency plans and how you can support one another. Some neighbors may have visible disabilities, while others are unseen. Opening the conversation up around mutual support may help you learn or share about each other’s unique needs.
• During a disaster: Make sure you are safe and then remember to check in on family, friends and neighbors who may need added assistance.
• After disaster: Communicate your needs around maintaining health, independence, provide support or safety, or support transportation (CMIST). Help neighbors and loved ones when and where you can.

Kits

Emergency preparedness kits found online are not one-size-fits-all, but they can be helpful in getting ideas for your preparedness kit. Tailor your kit to fit you and your family’s needs at work, school and home.

In addition to basic kit items recommended for all people, including food/water, flashlight, maps, extra batteries, etc., people with disabilities or special needs should consider including:

• Face coverings.
• All medications (in original bottles or packaging if possible) or written copies of all prescriptions.
• Essential medical supplies (syringes, blood sugar monitor, catheter, etc.).
• Important medical equipment (walkers, wheelchair, canes, oxygen concentrators, etc.).
• Need-to-know medical information for any first responders who may need to help you, as well as a communication assistance card to help first responders assist a person whose disability may make it difficult for them to communicate their needs.
• At least one change of clothing, including sturdy shoes.
• Eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, communication devices, including cell phone and charger.
• Contact numbers for family, health care provider and pharmacy.
• Supplies for special dietary needs.
• Photo ID, if possible.
• Health insurance information.

Remember your service animal’s needs!

In an emergency, a service animal must be allowed inside a shelter, clinic or any other facility with their owner. A service animal can be made to leave only if it threatens the health or safety of other people, or bothers people with bad behavior, such as barking or peeing.

Kits for your beloved service animal should include:

• Documents (rabies vaccination certificate, prescriptions for medications, microchip information, etc.).
• A two-week supply of food and water, manual can opener, pet first aid book, leash, collar with ID, and more.
• A photo of you and your pet together (in case you get separated).
• Familiar items such as their favorite treats/toys/bedding, which can reduce their stress levels.
• Pet litter and litter pan, plastic bags, grooming tools and other items to keep them clean.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.

Also, prepare boarding instructions in advance in case your animal needs temporary boarding at a shelter or vet.

▶ VIDEO: Prepare Your Service Animals and Pets (1:58)

The following section applies to all people

Oregon recommends you be 2 Weeks Ready. That means be prepared to survive without normal access to basic resources for two weeks. Remember, it’s OK to take small steps toward that goal. It takes time to build kits and make a plan. The important thing is that you make progress.

Know your risk level

Hazards + Exposures + Vulnerabilities = RISK LEVEL

Answer the following questions to understand your risk and lower it, if possible, and to help choose items to include in your kit.

• Hazards:  What types of hazards could affect your area? What do you need to know about how a severe hazard will impact your community?
• Exposures:  How will you, your family and community be affected by local hazards. What local resources may be affected by a hazard?
• Vulnerabilities:  Who and what may be affected more than others due to the built or natural environment around them, or due to social, economic, physical and health factors?

Sometimes, as you learn about hazards in your area, exposures and vulnerabilities, you become aware of ways to reduce or eliminate the risks to you, your loved ones and your community. Some may be quicker and easier than others. The important thing is to take even small steps to lower risk when you can.

Make a plan

• Make sure you know how you will receive emergency alerts. Oregon’s Department of Emergency Management has a quick guide to emergency management to help you learn how to receive notifications in Oregon.
• Make a communication plan with your family members, because you may not be together when emergencies happen.
• Make a shelter plan.
• Know your evacuation route.

Children

Consider enrolling family members ages 26 and under in the free HERO Kids Registry (young adults 15 and older can register themselves), which can provide first responders and emergency medical providers with details of a child’s health background when making split-second decisions. It’s especially useful for young people with complicated or chronic health conditions, and for those who experience developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. You can also include emergency contact information, which can help reunite families during a disaster. Learn more here.

Also, if you are a new or expectant parent you’ll want to learn what you need to know about feeding your child during and after a disaster.

Pets and Livestock

If you have pets, service animals or livestock it is important to include them in your emergency plans and have items they will need in an emergency at the ready. Oregon Department of Agriculture has more about disaster preparedness for animal owners here. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a template for boarding instructions that you can prepare in advance in case your animal needs temporary boarding at a shelter or vet.

If you have larger animals on your property such as horses, goats or pigs, check out these tips to make sure they stay safe during disasters.

▶VIDEO: Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners (4:22)