Disaster Emergency Preparedness Tips for the Disabled & Service Animals

Everyone should have a plan in the event of an emergency or disaster. People with disabilities should review their needs with family, friends and care givers to ensure optimum safety with certain risk factors. Everyone works more efficiently with a partner, especially those who have special needs or employ service animals. Gathering and utilizing information can help the disabled be more prepared in the event of a disaster.

Disaster Plan

• Meet with your family, friends or caregivers and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team, if an event takes place while you are together. Be prepared to evacuate alone or with just your service animal. Discuss different plans for different types of disasters. Contact your local Red Cross chapter or state office of emergency management for guidance on setting up a plan for service animals and disabled members of the community. Your plan should include meeting points, general shelter and evacuation routes. Practice emergency drills and assemble an emergency kit for you and your service animal.

Emergency Kits

• An Emergency kit should be catered to the needs of the disabled person in case of a disaster. Water, food, a flashlight with batteries, blanket and sleeping bag, any prescription medications and glasses, as well as a complete change of clothing should all be included. In addition to a personal kit, you should also assemble a kit for your service animal; one with enough supplies for seven days. Pack the animal kit in a bag that the service animal can carry in case of evacuation. Service animal kits should include a bowl for water and food, a seven-day supply of food, blanket for bedding, plastic bags and paper towels for feces disposal, antibiotic ointment for minor wounds, a favorite toy and an extra harness.

Alternate Mobility Cues

• Be prepared for the unexpected. Service animals can become confused, scared, disoriented or may even panic during and after a disaster. It may be necessary for trainers to teach service animals alternative cues in the event of a disaster. Animals, like people, should practice their disaster plans. Keep service animals securely leashed or harnessed at all times; this is important for managing a nervous or upset animal and preparing it for evacuation. In the event that the animal cannot serve you or is injured, be prepared and have a plan to use alternative ways to negotiate within or around your environment.

Shelter in Place

• In the event of a chemical spill or environmental disaster it may be necessary to "shelter-in-place." This means to take immediate shelter wherever you are --- home, work, school, or in between. If at home, work or school you should have a roll of electrical tape handy in order to seal any doors and windows to prevent air from getting in. It is also important to listen to a TV or radio to understand what authorities would like you to do during the disaster. Choose a room and plan for your shelter, the best room being one with few or no windows. A room connected to a bathroom is ideal, too. Keep an emergency kit located in your shelter room for both you and your service animal in case you are stuck there more than 24 hours; making sure you both have plenty of food and water.