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Preparing for Emergencies: A Framework for Supporting People with Disabilities

This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but in Australia, we need to be honest with ourselves as we head into extreme weather season. This includes, but isn’t limited to, storms, severe wind, bushfires, extreme heat, and—though I’m loathe to mention it—manmade incidents.

This post is aimed at carers and supporters of people with disabilities. It’s not exhaustive, but it offers a framework to get you thinking about what needs to happen in an emergency.

Key Considerations:

1. Support Needs & Emergency Plans
   The first thing to consider is the person’s support needs. Do they have a care package? Does the agency or support worker (whether through a platform or an independent worker) have an emergency plan for the client? It's much better to be prepared than to scramble when a situation arises.

2. Potential Challenges
   Depending on the emergency, a person with a disability might be cut off from regular support, need to be evacuated, or be unable to leave their housing.

   • Emergency Contacts: Are emergency contacts written down and easily accessible? Does the person know their neighbors?
   • Mobility Aids: If they use mobility aids, do they have manual versions available in case power is lost?
   • Basic Needs: Do they have appropriate food or the ability to make simple meals, like sandwiches or canned meals?

3. Evacuation Readiness

   • Evacuation Plan: If they need to evacuate, do they know where to go? Are there family or friends who can take them in?
   • Medications: Are their medications easily accessible? Some pharmacies offer emergency prescriptions, so it’s worth knowing how to get them in a crisis.

Go Bag Essentials

It's crucial to have a "go bag" packed, tailored to the person’s individual needs. Here’s a general list of items to consider:

• Clothing: Full changes of clothes, including underwear, socks, and shoes. Have options for both hot and cold weather—long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shorts, and culturally appropriate attire.
• Toiletries: Pack the basics—3-in-1 body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a washer, and a small travel towel. In an evacuation, hygiene essentials are more important than appearance.
• Documents: Cash, ID, care plans (NDIS or otherwise), and copies of important documents. I recommend photocopying these documents and having them witnessed by a Justice of the Peace (JP) in case originals can’t be found.
• Snacks & Activities: Easy-to-carry snacks, as well as simple activities like a word search and a pen, can help in stressful situations.

Communication & Medical Needs

• Manual Communication Devices: If the person relies on communication devices, having manual versions or extra batteries is crucial, especially if they are nonverbal or become nonverbal under stress.

Additional Considerations

• If the person volunteers with an organization that may be involved in emergency response (e.g., SES or fire brigades), make sure their uniform is packed in the go bag as well.

Resources

Here are some websites to help with emergency planning, including some community-based resources that cover smaller crises like financial emergencies. Preparing in advance helps keep everyone safe and calm.

• Home | Get Ready Queensland
• SES | State Emergency Service
• Rural Fire Service Queensland | Queensland Fire Department
• The Salvation Army Australia
• Helping Homeless | Tonys Community Ltd | South Toowoomba
• This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it gets you thinking about how to keep clients safe in an emergency. The core message here is simple: planning ahead can make all the difference in keeping vulnerable people safe.