Disability Specific Supplies for Emergency Kits

Edition 2.0, 2016 By June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant

and Associate Director Harris Family Center for Disability and Health Policy at Western University of Health Sciences,

Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California

jik@pacbell.net || www.hfcdihp.org || www.jik.com

Required Citation

© Kailes, J.I., Emergency Supplies Kits for People with Disabilities and Activity Limitations, 2010, Edition 2.0, 2016, Published and distributed by June Isaacson Kailes, Disability Policy Consultant, jik@pacbell.net

Distribution is encouraged and permission is granted to copy and distribute this material provided that:

1. Proper copyright notice and citation is attached to each copy;

2. No changes are made to the contents of the document;

3. Document is not sold for profit; and

4. June Kailes is notified of such use: jik@pacbell.net

Prepare different kits for different places and situations:

• Keep it with you (KIWY) or carry-on you kit is for the essential items you need to keep with you at all times.

• Grab and go kit is an easy-to-carry kit you can grab if you have to leave home (or school, workplace, etc.) in a hurry. They have the things you cannot do without but are not so big or heavy that you cannot carry them.

• Home kit is a large kit with water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies, and disability-specific items. It includes all the things you would most likely need if you had to be on your own for days either at home or in a shelter of other temporary housing location.

• Bedside kit has items you may need if you are trapped in or near your bed and unable to get to other parts of your home.

• Car kit has items you will need if you have to evacuate the area and / or are in or near your vehicle during an emergency

Tailor the contents of these kits to your needs and abilities. It is ideal to plan for supplies for up to two weeks (medication syringes, ostomy bags, catheters, padding, etc.). Do what is realistic and affordable for you. Know what you are able to carry in a fanny pack, backpack or bag from a wheelchair, scooter or other assistive device. If you can only carry a 3-day supply of insulin in your grab-and-go kit than that is what’s right for you. Plan for what you can do.

Resources:

1. Emergency Evacuation Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety, A Guide For People with Disabilities and Other Activity Limitations, June Kailes [2002], contents include:

   • create, review and practice plans

   • gather emergency health information

   • evaluate your need to identify as someone who will need during an evacuation

   • practice the skill of giving quick information on how to best assist you

   • establish personal support networks

   • conduct an ability self-assessment

   • know your emergency evacuation options

2.  Emergency Health Information June Kailes [2011 Edition 2], in PDF, Microsoft Word. contents include:

   • create your emergency health information (includes forms)

   • storing copies in key places

3. Emergency Preparedness: Taking Responsibility For Your Safety - Tips for People with Activity Limitations and Disabilities Written by June Kailes for Los Angeles County Emergency Survival Program [2006], in: PDF, Microsoft Word 1 & 2, content includes:

   • Know why preparing is key

   • conduct an ability self-assessment

   • establish a support team

   • create emergency plans

   • collect disability-specific supplies for emergency kits / go kits and check lists

   • make an out-of-state contact list (includes form)

4. Tips for Emergency Use of Mobile Devices – June Kailes [2015 Cell phones, smart phones and other mobile wireless devices like tablets are a big part of our lives. We rarely leave home without them and we often store important information on them. In a small or large emergency, they can be a communication life line. Provides details regarding preparing your device to quickly get and give emergency information which includes a checklist, emergency contacts and documents, alerts, texting, apps, bookmarks of important mobile sites, “no service” backup plans, skill drills and other resources.

For more information on:

• Supply kits visit: http://www.redcross.org/

• Individual Preparedness for People with Disabilities, Their Families And Support Networks (guides, videos, checklists) visit: http://www.jik.com/disaster.html