Emergency Preparedness

Welcome to Community Health Charities Emergency Preparedness page. Here we provide links to information regarding emergency and disaster preparedness as provided by our community of health charities. Our goal is to make it easy for people with disabilities to find the information and support they need.

The following sites offer information on disaster preparedness:

Independent Living Research Utilization’s Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities site provides information on how to prepare for emergencies if you are disabled.
The American Red Cross offers information on how to prepare for an emergency at home, at the office, and at school.
FEMA’s, Federal Emergency Management Agency, web site offers information on preparing for an emergency as well as recovering from one. Their Ready site is designed to help you prepare, plan , and stay informed for emergencies.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), courtesy of the ALS Association

Get Prepared – An article in the ALS Exchange that discusses steps to take before an emergency arises so that you’re prepared.

Alzheimer’s, courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association

Disaster Preparedness – This link discusses the steps you can take in the event of an emergency, such as how to prepared for a disaster, what to put in an emergency kit, how to handle an evacuation,
Staying Safe – This document by the Alzheimer’s Association discusses issues family members may need to be aware of when adjusting to life with an Alzheimer patient.
Safety Topics – A list of safety related links as presented on the Alz.org web site.

Autism, courtesy of Autism Speaks

First Responders – This page has links to information that will help emergency responders to identify and interact with a person with autism. It also discusses preparing for an emergency with an autistic person.

Cancer, courtesy of the American Cancer Society

Coping with Cancer After a Natural Disaster – This site discusses the things you may need to do to care for yourself or a loved one with cancer after a natural disaster.

Child & Baby Care, courtesy of the March of Dimes Foundation

Emergency Care Plan – This page provides a simple list of information that you child’s care providers should have in the event of an emergency.
Prepare for Disaster – Advice for pregnant women preparing for an emergency situation and managing their health during one.

Child Care, courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Disaster Preparedness – This page provides information on how to prepare for a disaster and links to sites with more information.

Diabetes, courtesy of the American Diabetes Association

Tips for Emergency Preparedness – This site discusses steps diabetics can take to prepare for emergency situations.
Children with Diabetes – This resource guide is geared to help families and schools care for children with diabetes. Page 71 discusses emergency and natural disaster preparedness.

Disabilities, courtesy of Easter Seals

Emergency Preparedness Resources – This page provides links on emergency preparedness from organizations such as the federal government and other nationally recognized institutions.

Epilepsy, courtesy of Epilepsy Foundation

First Aid

Hospice, courtesy of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

Preparedness Resources for Hospices – This page compiles emergency preparedness information from a variety of organizations.

Huntington’s Disease, courtesy of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America

Care Kit – This two page worksheet helps organize pertinent patient information that will be needed in case of an emergency.

Juvenile Diabetes, courtesy of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International

Preparing for an Emergency – Steps to take to ensure supplies are on hand should an emergency or natural disaster occur.
Caring for Children in Troubled Times – Discusses ways to reassure your child after a traumatic event.

Kidney Disease, courtesy of American Kidney Fund

Preparing for Emergencies – This Department of Health & Human Services brochure for people on dialysis discusses how to prepare for an emergency, medical information to have handy, food and supplies to have on hand, how to alter your diet should dialysis need to be delayed, etc.
Medical care in a Disaster Area – This Department of Health & Human Services brochure discusses how to get medical care or prescription drugs in a disaster or emergency area.

Kidney Disease, courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.

Planning for Emergencies: A Guide for People with Chronic Kidney Disease – This publication from the National Kidney Foundation addresses topics such as dialysis and diet in emergency situations.
Emergency Preparedness and Response – This page provides links that will help you find a dialysis center, get ready for an emergency, and cope with a disaster.

Leukemia & Lymphoma, courtesy of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Inc.

Preparing for Long Distance Emergencies – Options you may have to get care for a loved one who lives some distance away.

Lung Disease, courtesy of the American Lung Association

Flood & Water Damage – This article discusses the dangers associated with contaminated water that’s often present in the event of a natural disaster.

Mental Health, courtesy of Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association)

Coping with Disaster – This page offers a series of links that address specific kinds of disasters related to war & terrorism, and natural disasters.

Mental Health, courtesy of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

If Only We’d had a Plan – This page discusses why it’s important to have a plan to handle emergencies. It covers topics such as who to call for support, medications, and interventions that work. Most importantly, write it down.

Multiple Sclerosis, courtesy of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Preparing for Emergencies – This page provides information on preparing for emergencies in a variety of situations such as home, office, and school. It also provides information on preparing for earthquakes and hurricanes.

Muscular Dystrophy, courtesy of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Preparing for Emergencies: A Checklist for People with Neuromuscular Diseases – This checklist covers issues such as creating a plan (for home and car), preparing a supplies kit, creating a list of important phone numbers, etc.
Emergency Prep for People with Neuromuscular Disease – This web site provides some basic suggestions for preparing for an emergency. Furthermore, it also provides links to pages that discuss issues such as emergency roadside assistance for wheelchair users and learning your cities evacuation plan for people with disabilities.

Spina Bifida, courtesy of the Spina Bifida Association of America

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs – This brochure by the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and the American Red Cross addresses issues people with disabilities may need to consider when preparing for an emergency.
Four Steps to Prepare for an Emergency – Though this article is titled Haiti’s Devastating Earthquake, it also discusses four steps you can take to prepare for an emergency.
Are Individuals with Special Needs Ready for Emergencies – This page addresses some steps you can take to prepare for emergencies (creating an emergency kit, identifying places to stay in another town, and developing a support network.

Spinal Cord Injury, courtesy of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association

Fire Safety – This page has links to a variety of sites with information on fire safety for people with mobility impairments.