Hurricane Preparedness for the Disabled Hurricanes are a variety of storms that occur from June to October and can cause devastating damage to structures--they also displace, injure, and even kill hundreds every year. These storms can be quite mild at times and cause little to no damage or injury; but that same storm, when combined with the right pressure or temperature, could become damaging and possibly even fatal. America is the most severe weather-prone country on earth; no one else has the variety and recurrence of sever weather patterns as the U.S. does. Because hurricanes recur every year and in many different states across the U.S., and because they can cause so much damage, preparing for this kind of emergency is perhaps the most important emergency planning a person can do. And because there are so many different types and levels of severity in these storms, people basically have to prepare for anything and everything to go wrong if they are to be prepared for all the different types of weather that could happen in their area. It is even more important to those who are not able to move freely or who are chronically ill. More than anyone else, disabled persons need to prepare for hurricanes and make plans far in advance. They are at a disadvantage, but they should be able to survive just as well as anyone else as long as they are prepared. The first step to hurricane preparedness is hurricane awareness. Disabled people should be aware of any emergency buildings or phone numbers, and they should know where emergency supplies will be handed out if possible. Communities will also often have some sort of warning system if there is a hurricane in the area, so know where to look for those and how to interpret the different levels of severity. It’s also imperative that people watch or listen to the news during hurricane season (June-October), so they’ll have warning along with everyone else. They should also know that is a difference between a storm watch and a storm warning. A watch is when there is a possibility of a hurricane being in or near the area sometime in the next 36 hours. A warning, however, is when a hurricane will certainly be, or already is in the area. Watches mean to be wary; warnings mean to prepare for the worst and to evacuate if told to do so. There could be other, community-specific codes and warnings, which is why it is so important to be well aware of the community’s plan of action during any emergency, especially a storm. Besides just knowing the basics of hurricane survival in the area, it’s also important for each individual to have a plan. Every member of the household should know the plan to the best of their ability; when possible, run emergency drills. This will familiarize everyone with what will be a very stressful situation, should a storm ever force the drill to become a reality. These plans are especially important for disabled persons to practice. People in wheelchairs, with walkers, on oxygen or dialysis, or any other number of disabilities need to understand their role in emergency preparedness. During a hurricane, people will be panicking and it will probably be very difficult to think straight. If they practice, however, then being prepared will just be habit and people won’t make mistakes that could cost them their lives. As far as individual plans go, each household should establish at least two different meeting places--one in the neighborhood, and one elsewhere, just in case it isn’t safe. Be sure that children know what to do when they’re at school, and check with managers or company owners to find out what the workplace is doing as far as disaster preparedness. When it comes to disabled persons, even more preparation is involved. Create a support network to help in an emergency; this network could include family members, neighbors, or friends. Be sure to tell them where you keep your emergency supplies so they can help if anything ever happens. It’s also a good idea to give one trusted member of the support network a key to the house or apartment. People cannot help during a hurricane if there’s no way in.
Finally, disabled peoples need to contact their city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency. These officials can be a vital part of the support network, since they will have the manpower and supplies to help disabled persons. It’s imperative that the disabled wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify their disability. If they are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one treatment facility, since the storm could close down the closest, more familiar ones. Be sure to show those in the support network how to operate a wheelchair, and know the size and weight of that wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported. Finally, encourage electronic payments for federal benefit recipients. Hurricanes can delay mail for weeks at a time--and can occasionally even destroy it. And if disabled people are forced to evacuate because of a hurricane, they may never get the lost (or stolen) checks. If people are dependent on Social Security benefits or other recompense from the government, then they should seriously consider going electronic and having them directly deposit that money into their bank accounts. Sometimes it will not be safe to return home during or even after a hurricane, which is why it’s so important to have a meeting spot besides the house. Disabled persons especially need to know what to do if they are ever caught outside during a storm: basically, they must find shelter, preferably indoors as quickly as possible. The safest place indoors is usually below ground and away from any windows or doors. Being aware of hurricanes before they occur is the first step to avoiding any disaster, but there is a good deal more to do before anyone can comfortably sit back and relax during a terrible storm. After people learn about severe weather, they must prepare for it. This preparation takes the form of storm proofing the house and having medical supplies and some training. Ambulances cannot drive any better than a regular car on roads that have been totally blocked by debris or in winds that are simply too strong. People must know how to take care of themselves as well as they can, or there will be many more casualties of this weather than there needs to be. Storm-proofing the home can be broken down into three easy-to-remember parts: stormproof the roof, the windows, and the doors. In order to storm-proof the roof, first determine what type it is. Old gable roofs are susceptible to high winds; these can be fortified by either adding additional braces and galvanized metal hurricane straps or calling a builder to come examine and analyze the risk. The second option is probably best, even if the builder does nothing but tell his customers how much work needs to be done. Even if the roof looks as though it is in good shape, only professionals are qualified to make that judgment. Therefore, at the very least, people should let the builder tell them what’s wrong with the roof before attempting to fix it themselves. Although it sounds cliché, the old saying, “Better safe than sorry” applies here. Next, try to get someone from the support network to storm proof the windows. While the most effective way to protect windows and glass doors is to install storm shutters, for those without the resources to do so, then precut wood will also work fairly well. Both kinds of supplies can be found at any typical “Home Depot” kind of store; and if someone isn’t certain of what sort of supplies they need, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask. Storm safety is the most important thing, and remaining misinformed could have grave consequences. Finally, storm proofing the doors is yet another easy solution: because the hinges on most doors aren’t strong enough to withstand powerful winds, consider installing extra hinges. It doesn’t cost much, it’s easy to do without the help of a professional, and it will come with the peace of mind that only those who are certain their house won’t be completely blown over in the next bad winter storm can have. People must also take the time to prepare themselves for emergencies, and that doesn’t just mean taking CPR classes (although it is a good idea). Everyone should have a storm emergency kit, just in case. According to the authorities, these kits should contain at least
two weeks’ worth of food and water for every member of the family. The food should be nonperishable and easy to prepare, like these MREs, or freeze-dried food. Storms can cause major damage to water mains, so it could be many days before it is safe to drink water out of the tap again; hence, the two week water supply. Storms are unpredictable, and as stated above, come in such a variety that they can literally cause any kind of damage to any kind of structure. Therefore, it is vital to have a comprehensive emergency kit. Good kits will include different types of light (flashlights, lightsticks, etc.), a first aid kit, cash and important information, sleeping materials and shelter, and any other important items like prescription medication. Have this kit, know where it is (and make sure everyone else in the household knows too), and make sure that everyone knows how to use it. For the disabled, also include the following items in the emergency kit: prescription medicines, a list of medications including dosage, a list of any allergies, extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries, extra wheelchair batteries, and oxygen. Also keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices, medical insurance and Medicare cards, and a list of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt. Little things, like keeping the car’s gas tank full in case authorities order an evacuation, or even making plans for the family pet, often doesn’t cross people’s minds until it’s actually time to go; and then it’s too late. Remember details like that, or like removing dead foliage or underbrush to lessen the chance of a fire if lighting strikes. If people do not allow themselves to be caught unawares, then the storm does not have to be a catastrophe. Finally, the last thing the disabled can do in order to ensure their survival and the survival of their family members during a storm is remain informed. Have an emergency, batterypowered radio so everyone can listen to updates. If the storm is severe enough that everyone has to stay inside, then odds are, all the electricity will be out as well. Hurricanes are dangerous and should never be taken lightly, even if they seem harmless. The severity can change in an instant, so it is crucial that people do not leave their homes until authorities have announced that the state of crisis is over.