Emergency planning is crucial for those with special needs

Is your family prepared?

While disasters and emergencies affect everyone, the impact on people with special needs is often compounded by their reliance on electrical power, elevators, and accessible transportation – all of which can be compromised in emergency situations.

Public Safety Canada offers these tips for seniors and people with special needs:


• Create a personal support network of at least three people that can help you in an emergency situation. Ensure they are aware of your needs, such as prescription medication and how to operate any special needs equipment.

• Make an emergency contact list with the names and phone numbers of your personal support network, doctors, neighbours, etc. Keep a copy of this list handy and share it with your support network.

• Familiarize yourself with all escape routes and location of emergency doors and exits in your home.

• Have a panic button installed in the building where you work or live so that in the event of an emergency you can notify others of your whereabouts and that you need assistance.

• Create a basic emergency kit. A list of kit items is available at www.GetPrepared.ca.

• Tailor your kit to meet your needs. You may wish to include things such as: special devices like canes, walkers, lightweight manual wheelchairs, hearing aids, breathing apparatus, blood glucose monitoring device, plus food and other important items for your pet or service animal.

• Prescription eyewear and footwear (if required).

• Extra supply of medications (if possible) and vitamin supplements.

• List of all medical supplies and equipment related to your age or medical condition.

• Copies of all medication prescriptions.

• Extra dentures (if required) and cleaner.

• Latex-free gloves (to give to anyone providing personal care to you).

More information on this topic is available online at www.GetPrepared.ca.

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