How People with Disabilities Can Prepare for a Disaster

In this video by Disability Rights Texas, you’ll learn what people with disabilities need to know so they can prepare for a disaster or an emergency. This informative video covers what to do before a disaster occurs–like signing up for emergency alerts and assembling an emergency supply kit. The video also covers what to do during and after a disaster. 

See How Do You Prepare for a Disaster? 

Before disaster strikes, you should prepare the following emergency information:

• Emergency Alerts: register for alerts with your local emergency department.
• Emergency Contacts: prepare a list of emergency contacts, such as family members, friends, and neighbors, in the event you need help during a disaster.
• Emergency Shelter: try to stay with friends and family if you can. If not, look into accessible shelters in your area. 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 Kit: prepare a kit including the basics, such as a three-day supply of water, food, and clothing per person as well as first aid supplies, essential documents, medications, cash, and any other essential item you can think of (such as a charger or batteries for your devices).

It is crucial to get in contact with any caregivers to create a plan in the event that your caregiver is not able to join you when disaster strikes.

For medications: contact your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for an extended supply of medications. An extended supply can range from 30 to 90 days. If you have 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.

Keep a printed or digital copy of any important documents, including: 

• Your ID;
• Your Driver's License; and
• Your Insurance Cards;

Evacuation routes and public pick-up points may be announced before and during a disaster. Contact your local emergency management to verify how this information will be made public. 

It is possible 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. 

First, check to make sure it’s safe to go home and that water and power are back on before returning. 

Then, you should apply for FEMA assistance to ensure an opportunity to address your housing, job, and other needs.  

If you run into problems related to shelters, or you feel you have been wrongfully denied disaster services, contact your state’s protection & advocacy organization (also called the P & A). Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Texas.