Having a plan for an emergency is crucial to being prepared. An emergency doesn’t have to be a natural disaster.
An emergency can be a car that won’t start, a power outage or other event that disrupts your day. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) recommends having a supply kit that includes necessities based on your family and its needs.
ADHS offers the following suggestions for people with disabilities:
- Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.Wear any medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
- Know the size and weight of your wheelchair and if/how it collapses for travel.
- Label any equipment with your name and contact information.
- Make a list of prescription medications including your dosage for your supply kit.
- Have a list of your allergies in your supply kit.
- Pack an extra pair of eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries.
- Have extra special equipment (like wheelchair batteries, etc.) in your kit.
- Make a list of serial numbers for any medical devices for your kit.
- Keep a list of doctors and emergency contacts.
- Register with your city or county emergency information management office so they may quickly locate you in an emergency situation.
- Register with your local electric utility company if you use medical equipment (such as a ventilator) at home.