In an emergency, are you prepared?
Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly and without warning, forcing people to quickly leave or be confined in their home unexpectedly. For the thousands of New Yorkers who are living with Spina Bifida, emergencies, such as fires, floods and acts of terrorism, present a real challenge. Learn how to prepare for emergencies, stay safe, and locate potential resources to help you!
Emergency Preparedness Tips:
- Develop a plan for each place you spend time – home, work, school and in the community. Provide copies of your plan to members of your support network.
- Keep an extra copy of your plan in your “go bag or kit.”
- Sign up for your parish’s emergency registry for people with disabilities to self-identify to receive targeted assistance during emergencies or disasters.
- Bring enough medical supplies to last you up to 10 days.
- This includes urological/incontinence supplies, medication and ancillary items.
- Keep an Emergency First Aid Kit in your backpack or bag.
- Having a medical tag or bracelet that includes information on medical history, allergies and emergency contact information.
- Keep a list of emergency contact information in your wallet, purse or bag.
- If you use assistive technology devices, plan how you will evacuate with them or determine how you will replace them if they get lost or destroyed.
- Know where your local Emergency/Special Needs Shelters Are.
Resources you may find helpful:
- 988 Helpline: Need emergency emotional support? Call, text or chat online to connect to a 988 specialist who can help. 988 specialists provide free, confidential support, 24/7. Because getting help is human.
- NYS Disaster Relief Resources
- NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
- NYS Office of Emergency Management
- NYC Office of Emergency Management for People with Disabilities
- NYS Independent Living Centers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities