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Do
you know what to do in case of fire? A massive power outage? A
natural disaster?
Recent
events have taught all of us to be mindful of potential emergencies,
and neither age nor vision problems should prevent you from preparing
yourself. If you don't know who to contact in your community
regarding emergency preparedness, start with your local fire
department. It is usually integral to a community's disaster
preparation and response and will know where to direct you.
In
the meantime:
- Compile
an emergency kit; include a 3-day supply of nonperishable food and
water, a flashlight with live batteries, prescription medications, a
first aid kit, hand-crank radio, extra batteries, important papers
(home deed, insurance, etc.) and needed vision aids and appliances.
- Know
the locations of emergency exits.
- Learn
about transit systems and routes that are different from the ones
you usually use.
- Prepare
a list of emergency contacts and numbers.
- Practice
emergency evacuation plans.
- Develop
a buddy system and contacts with individuals and agencies both local
(such as the local fire house or Red Cross affiliate) and out of
state.
- Make
sure that contacts outside your area are aware of your emergency
plans.
If
you have a service animal or pet, you should develop a plan for it,
as well.
If
you're interested in getting involved with emergency preparedness
plans in your community, you may want to contact local authorities
and vision loss agencies about developing emergency response systems
(including transportation) for individuals who are blind or visually
impaired.
For
More Information:
- Hadley
School for the Blind. Safety in the Home.
This course gives you the information you need to protect yourself,
your family, and your home in case of emergency. Hadley Courses are
available free of charge in cassette, large print, and braille
versions.
- National Fire Protection Association. Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities. This brochure, while aimed primarily at employers and building managers, contains important information for anyone with a visual impairment or other disability on evacuation procedures.
- Northeast Texas Public Health District.
18 Emergency
Preparedness Topics, formatted to be friendly to deaf,
blind, and limited sight populations. The information is in video and
downloadable document format for public use. There is no charge for use of the materials posted on this web site.
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