[Audio Description]
-[Narrator] Hurricanes, floods,
fires, earthquakes,
tornados, blizzards,
pandemics, and even power outages -
disasters can happen no matter where you live.
If you have a disability, you know what you need,
but others may not.
And what you may need on a daily basis
may not be available during a disaster.
So make sure to be prepared.
In a disaster,
you might need to evacuate or leave to another location,
such as an emergency shelter,
or you may need to shelter in place by staying at home.
Here are some things to keep in mind when a disaster strikes.
EMERGENCY ALERTS
Plan ahead and register for alerts
with your local emergency department.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Have a list of emergency contacts,
such as your family members, friends and neighbors
in case you need help during a disaster.
Also have contact information for people who you will be staying with
if you decide to evacuate.
SHELTERS & SHELTERING IN PLACE
Try to stay with friends and family if you can.
If not, look into accessible shelters.
You cannot be turned away at a shelter because of your disability.
However,
there may be a designated shelter that can better meet your needs.
EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
Your kit should include the basics
such as a three-day supply of water and food per person,
extra clothing,
first aid supplies,
important documents,
medication,
extra batteries and cash.
CAREGIVING SERVICES
Touch base with your caregivers to create a plan
if your caregiver is not able to join you if you decide to evacuate.
MEDICATION
Contact your insurance provider to see if you are eligible
for an extended supply of medications.
An extended supply
can range from a 30 to 90 day supply.
If you evacuated to another area
and your medication runs out,
contact your insurance provider to find the nearest pharmacy
that accepts your insurance
or has an out-of-network option.
DOCUMENTS
Keep a printed or digital copy of important documents
such as your ID or driver license,
insurance cards, and social security card.
TRANSPORTATION
Evacuation routes and public points of pick-up
may be announced before and during a disaster.
Contact your local emergency management
to verify how this information will be made public.
However,
know that public and accessible transportation
may become unavailable due to the disaster.
Call your local metro or public transit
to check when transportation stops running.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Make sure you have any specific equipment you need for daily living
because in a disaster,
electricity and running water are not a given.
For example,
shower chairs for bathing
and chargers for motorized scooters.
SERVICE ANIMALS
If you have a service animal,
make sure you have the supplies they need
like food and water.
RETURNING HOME
Check to make sure it's safe to go home
and that water and power are back on
before returning.
APPLY FOR BENEFITS
Lastly, apply for FEMA assistance
to ensure an opportunity to address your housing,
job, and other needs.
If you run into problems related to inaccessible shelters
or you feel you have been wrongfully denied disaster services
or need resources to prepare for a disaster,
contact your state’s protection & advocacy organization
(also called the P&A).