Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness
Emergencies are situations that are unexpected, sudden, and often dangerous. Some emergencies are caused by natural disasters that affect a large number of people and cause great destruction, such as a flood or tornado. Large numbers of people may also be affected in a man-made disaster, such as an act of terrorism. Other emergencies may involve a person or their family, such as an accident or medical emergency.
For people with disabilities and their families, emergencies could result in a disruption of services and supports that they need to stay safe and healthy. It is important to create an Emergency Plan now - before an emergency of disaster happens.
For additional information and links, visit the Ohio Legal Rights Service Web site at http://olrs.ohio.gov/asp/GetPrepared.asp
P Battery-operated radio and extra batteries P Flashlight and extra batteries P Signaling device, such as a whistle, beeper or bell P Non-perishable foods to sustain for at least three days P Non-electric (manual) can opener P Extra blankets, especially for winter emergencies P First-aid kit with Band-Aids, bandages, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, topical ointments, flu and cold remedies, and vitamins to boost general health
P Extra supply of medicines you'll need to take (if possible, a two-week supply). Check expiration dates every few months P Extra copies of prescriptions (ask your doctors and let them know the prescriptions are for your emergency supply kit) P Ice chest, if your medication needs to be cold (keep your ice trays filled in your freezer, in case you need ice)
P Equipment and assistive devices that are easy to locate during an emergency P Back-up equipment, such as spare batteries, oxygen tanks, manual wheelchair P Written instructions on how to operate and move your medical and adaptive equipment
P Know where main valves and switches are for gas, water and electricity. Get help adapting handles, valves and switches, if it makes a difference to help you to turn them off P Fire extinguisher P An emergency plan, including transportation, if you need to evacuate to a shelter P Written instructions and copies of important papers
Copyright ©2007 - Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness