Solutions for Climate Change: How to Safely Evacuate Your Home in an Emergenc
Firefighters Attacking a Building Engulfed in Flames
FEMA: 6 Ways People with Disabilities Can Prepare for Evacuations
Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of natural disasters, including the recent wildfires in California. The devastating fires in Los Angeles, which resulted in significant loss of life and property, underscores the critical importance of everyone being prepared for emergency evacuations. If you are challenged with disabilities, plan in advance and evacuate early before it’s too late.
Ongoing budget and Federal funding constraints continue to severely hamper response efforts. So it’s crucial to be prepared to evacuate yourself, your family and your animals in emergencies and natural disasters
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Safe Evacuation: 7 Essential Steps
1. Develop a Comprehensive Evacuation Plan:
Identify Multiple Exit Routes: Familiarize yourself with all possible exits from your home and neighborhood. Plan alternative routes in case primary paths are blocked.
Establish a Family Meeting Point: Designate a safe location where family members can reunite if separated during an evacuation.
Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Ensure each family member knows their specific tasks during an evacuation, such as gathering emergency supplies or assisting pets.
2. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit:
Basic Necessities:
At a minimum, include:
A three-day supply of water and non-perishable food.
A first-aid kit.
An emergency supply of necessary medications.
Any essential pet or service dog supplies.
Pack N95 masks to shield against smoke inhalation.
Create a detailed list to avoid leaving critical items behind, including:
Medical devices, equipment and supplies.
Medications.
Medical alert tags or bracelets.
Place your prepared Emergency Kit near an exit.
Important Documents: Place copies of identification, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof container inside your Emergency Kit.
Medical Devices and Supplies:
If possible, use lighter, portable equipment to evacuate.
If you or a family member rely on medical devices such as oxygen tanks/monitors, CPAP machines, or insulin pumps, ensure you have backup batteries and portable power sources. (Source: Red Cross)
3. Stay Informed:
Sign Up for Alerts: Today’s outdated and fragmented communication systems contribute to an overall lack of critical information and chaotic evacuations.
Ensure your mobile device can receive WEAs or Wireless Emergency alerts.
Enroll in community alert systems to receive real-time emergency updates.
Tune into the National Weather Service Radio for real-time alerts and updates.
Download the free FEMA Mobile App to your phone.
Regularly check trusted news outlets and official social media channels for information.
Red Cross Resource Directory: Find local resources by zip code.
Understand Local Climate Risks: Educate yourself about the specific natural disasters prevalent in your area and their seasonal patterns and plan accordingly.
4. Prepare Your Property:
Create Defensible Space: Clear flammable vegetation and debris within at least 30 feet of your home to reduce fire risk. (Source: NPR.org)
Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Incorporate fire-resistant building materials for roofing, siding, and ramps to enhance your home's resilience and facilitate a safe evacuation.
Install Emergency Systems: Ensure smoke detectors are functional and consider installing external sprinkler systems.
Multi-Story Buildings: If you live or work in a high-rise building, go to the nearest stairway exit and wait for help; rescue workers will go first to the stairways to search for people who need assistance.
5. Engage in Community Preparedness:
Participate in Training Programs: To acquire essential skills, join local emergency response training, such as CERT: Community Emergency Response Teams. (Source: TheGuardian.com)
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) Logo
Collaborate with Neighbors: Develop neighborhood communication networks to share information and resources during emergencies.
Advocate for Infrastructure Improvements: Support initiatives to enhance local emergency services and evacuation routes.
6. Plan for Special Needs:
Assist Vulnerable Individuals: Ensure elderly family members, children, neighbors, and those with disabilities have customized evacuation plans, necessary medical supplies, and a support network of people.
Prepare for Pets or Service Animals: Have carriers, leashes, and pet food ready to evacuate animals quickly.
Ensure Backup Power for Medical Devices: If you or a family member depend on electrically powered medical equipment, have a portable generator or battery backup system. Keep a list of nearby medical facilities that can provide support if needed.
7. Regularly Review and Practice Your Plan:
Conduct Drills: Regularly practice evacuation procedures, pre-established routes and channels of communication to identify and address potential issues.
Update Plans and Kits: Revise your evacuation plan and refresh emergency supplies periodically to account for changing circumstances and expired items.
Red Cross and FEMA:
“Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs.”
Conclusion
Mariel Fonteyn, a disaster preparedness expert with Americares, emphasizes the importance of readiness: "Proper planning and preparation can significantly reduce the impact of disasters on individuals and communities."
Take away lessons from past emergencies and natural disasters and proactively implement these measures into your planning and preparation to enhance your safety and resilience in climate-induced emergencies!
Disaster Help (Courtesy: MobilityDog.org)
MobilityDog is here for those who’ve lost their mobility devices due to fires, displacement, or denial. We support Service Dog Teams and people with disabilities and aging to help them regain their independence. If you need assistance, we’re here for you. (Courtesy: MobilityDog.org)