If you or someone in your family has functional or access needs, it is extremely important to plan ahead to stay safe in case of a disaster in McKinney. As you prepare, consider all the strategies, services, devices, tools and techniques that are used to live with a functional or access need every day.
Examples of Individuals With Functional & Access Needs
Those without vehicles or a personal mode of transportation
Those with visual, hearing, memory or mobility difficulties
Single, working parents
Those with special dietary needs
Those with intellectual disabilities
Those that do not speak English
When planning, keep in mind your individual situation. People with functional and access needs are the most knowledgeable about their own needs. No one will have the exact same needs in time of disaster.
Think about including these in your emergency supply kits and plans:
Medications: Have 7 to 14 days’ worth of necessary medications on hand at all times
Medical equipment and supplies: Keep these in designated areas for easy access
Your service animal: Keep extra food and supplies in a kit
Communication tools: Have assistive tools such as a whiteboard and marker or notebook if you need help being understood
Written descriptions of your needs: Use this or a medical alert tag to describe your support needs in case you are unable to communicate the situation during an emergency
Electricity: During an event, there may be no power. Plan for an alternate power source
Involve a caretaker throughout the entire process
Work with your medical providers, in-home support services and any other service providers to create back-up plans to personalize your responses to any given emergency
More preparedness and planning information for individuals with functional and access needs can be found from Ready.gov and FEMA.