In Case of Emergency

September 16, 2024

Download the 72-Hour Backpack Kit Checklist, Home Emergency Kit Checklist, Car Emergency Kit Checklist and the Work or School Emergency Kit Checklist

Living with a disability teaches how to be prepared for the unexpected and emergencies. Many handle the unexpected every day and are excellent at coping with emergencies. Planning and preparing for an emergency or natural disaster can be reassuring. Knowing there is a plan, a place to go, and a bag to take can make the difference between an inconvenience and an emergency.

With the help of the NMSS and Ready.gov, we have put together excellent resources for emergencies and disasters when disaster strikes.

Experiencing Extreme Heat

People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk of extreme heat. Staying cool and not overheating can be an emergency for them. No electricity? No problem! ThermApparel Cooling Packs can recharge in ice water in 30 min. You can stay cool and stay safe at the same time.

• • • People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their bodies through sweating.

• • • People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.

• • • People with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.

It is important to plan ahead, take precautions, have support, use a cooling vest and be aware of the symptoms of heat exposure. Keep these tips in mind during extreme heat:

• • • Use a ThermApparel Cooling Vest and have extra Cooling Packs so you can swap them out and keep your core body temperature in the safe zone.
      
      
    • If you have a support network - caregivers, family, and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.

• • • Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.

• • • If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath to cool your body.
      
    • If you are experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and apply ThermApparel Cooling Packs or cold compresses to the neck, armpits, groin, and wrists. If possible, immerse the person in cool water (not ice water).

• • • Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.

• • • Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.

• • • If you're going to be outdoors, have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time.

• • • Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.

• • • Coordinate accessible transportation to/from cooling options.

• • • People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
      
      

Direct Emergency Assistance

When disaster strikes, here are some resources to help:

American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery - Find a shelter, register yourself as safe, look for loved ones, and connect to resources for financial and emotional recovery.

DisasterAssistance.gov - Comprehensive information related to physical needs during a disaster, as well as applications for disaster assistance.

Disaster Distress Helpline - For counseling and emotional support during a disaster, the helpline at 800-985-5990 is open 24/7, offers bilingual support, and accepts calls and texts.

FEMA.gov - Federal resources and critical information on large-scale emergencies. Find help related to emergency phone numbers, key safety tips, applying for assistance and other resources.

Ready.gov - Ready is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters.

Salvation Army - Salvation Army Disaster Relief Services provide social services, emotional and spiritual care, and (by area) may include meals from mobile feeding units, hygiene kits and other support.

2-1-1 Information & Referral - Online search for free and confidential information about charities and community organizations in your area; you can also dial 2-1-1 from your phone (where available).

Make A Plan

In the aftermath of a disaster, being self-sufficient for several days is a real test. With access to medical facilities or pharmacies potentially cut off, it's important to have a plan that covers your day-to-day needs and how to manage if these become limited or unavailable. Different emergencies require different responses. Whether it's a localized issue like a house fire, a regional disaster such as a blizzard, or a situation uniquely challenging due to a disability - like water restrictions during a heat wave - your preparation should be tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding your capabilities, particularly when you are most vulnerable, is key. It is crucial to practice your escape plans before an actual emergency. Additionally, building a support network of friends, neighbors, and colleagues can significantly improve your resilience. Engaging with your neighbors not only strengthens community safety but also allows for shared emergency planning. 

If you have pets or service animals, establishing a care plan for them is essential, and resources like the Humane Society's Disaster Preparedness for Pets guide can offer valuable guidance.

Remember, in a major emergency, local emergency services will have their hands full, so keep your support network's contact information handy in your personal emergency kit and on your electronic devices.

Further steps in your planning should include:

• • • Create a support network and tell them where your emergency supplies are stored. Consider giving a trusted person a key to your place.
    • Planning for accessible transportation that you might need for evacuation or post-disaster mobility. Investigate local transit and emergency management resources for accessible options.
    • Registering with local emergency management agencies if you have a disability, to ensure you receive targeted assistance when needed.
    • If dependent on dialysis or similar treatments, know alternative facilities. For those using electrically powered medical equipment, discuss backup options with your health provider or notify your power provider to prioritize your restoration.
    • Organize and safeguard your medications and medical supplies. Wear medical ID tags or bracelets and store vital medical information on electronic devices and in paper form.
    • For individuals with communication disabilities, consider carrying printed cards or storing information on electronic devices to guide first responders on how to best communicate with you.
    • Plan for evacuating assistive technologies, or how to replace them if lost.
    • Use the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' online tool to access electronic health records from various sources.
    • Make special considerations for individuals on the spectrum, including children, who may struggle in unfamiliar or chaotic environments.
    • Remember to plan for your pets or service animals' needs in terms of food, water, and shelter requirements, noting which shelters accommodate them.
    • Keep a record of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals, and accessible transport options.

Emergencies at Home, Office, or School

At Home

Make sure family members agree on:

1. 1. 1. Multiple exit routes from your home.

      2. A local meeting place outside your home.

      3. A person to contact outside your region as local phone systems can be overloaded or out of service in big emergencies. That designated person can relay information to other family or friends.

Have a drill to see whether your plan works. Review it every six months, especially if you have children or elderly people at home, your condition changes, or you're prone to memory difficulties.

At The Office

Talk with your company's designated safety director. If your company doesn't have one, ask if the building has an on-site fire safety director. Ask about the emergency exit(s) and go over the evacuation plans.

• • • If you have any mobility or cognitive symptoms, you'll need a support network of co-workers willing to be your designated helpers.

    • If you use a wheelchair or scooter, several able-bodied people would be needed to help you evacuate.

If you work for a large company, a formal plan might be in place. You might even have had a drill. Still, you need to make sure that the plan includes provisions that you might require. For example, you might not normally need a wheelchair, but an emergency might find you at your worst.

If your employer doesn't have an inclusive plan, share the following resources with your HR department:

• • • Job Accommodation Network Employers' Guide

    • U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy .

At School or College

Check-in with the office of disability services; get to know the staff and what they offer. High school students and a parent or guardian should schedule a meeting about emergency plans with the principal or academic advisor.

In Case of...

Fire:

• • • Install smoke detectors. Test them periodically and change the batteries once a year, perhaps on New Year's Day or when Daylight Savings Time begins.

    • Teach children how and when to dial 9-1-1.

    • Call your local fire department for brochures on fire prevention and protecting yourself in a fire, and ask about home safety checkups.

    • If you cannot move from your bed without help, store a fire-resistant blanket in your bedside cabinet along with a washcloth or small towel that you can wet with your drinking water and place over your face as a shield against smoke. Use bedding and bedclothes made of fire-resistant fabrics.

Power Outage:

• • • Ask your utility company for its brochures on power outages.

    • Make sure you have a flashlight with fresh batteries for every family member. Consider buying battery-powered camp lanterns. If you light candles, use slow-burning emergency candles, and don't leave them burning unattended.

    • Have a cell phone and backup battery charger. Many landline phone systems are useless in a power failure.

    • If your stove doesn't work, use a camp stove or charcoal grill outside only.

Earthquake:

• • • Ask your emergency management agency for brochures on earthquake safety.

    • Stay inside unless collapse of the building seems imminent or you smell gas.

    • Stay away from tall objects that could fall over. Turn off all lights and electrical devices. Don't light candles or use matches until gas lines have been assessed by emergency personnel.

    • Stay informed by listening to your battery-operated radio.

    • Even if you cannot get out of bed, you can protect yourself. Never install pictures, mirrors, or heavy objects over the head of your bed. During a quake, cover your head with pillows and blankets.

Flood or Hurricane:

• • • Find out which shelters are best-prepared to handle your needs and where they are located. Remember that special-needs shelters could be limited.

    • Listen to your battery-powered radio.

    • Crisis Cleanup Locator -- Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative, disaster-management platform used to coordinate thousands of volunteers from hundreds of organizations to disaster sites across the country in a volunteer-driven environment. Disaster survivors who need help to clean up a home after a natural disaster may visit the Crisis Cleanup website for details or call 800-451-1954.

Tornado:

• • • Listen to your battery-operated radio, and go to the basement or tornado shelter when warned.

    • If there is no basement or you are unable to go down stairs, take shelter in a closet or a bathroom with no windows. Take pillows and blankets. Cover yourself with a mattress if you are able.

Terrorist Attack:

• • • Have materials on hand (such as duct tape and plastic sheeting) to dust-proof "safe" rooms in the event of biological, chemical, or radiological contamination.

    • The Department of Homeland Security offers details on how to prepare for such an attack, including information specifically for people living with disabilities.

Emergency Kits

It's essential to ensure that Emergency Kits and 72-hour Backpack Kits are readily available in various key locations. Place Emergency Kits in your home, vehicle, and workplace or school. Additionally, keep a 72-hour Backpack Kit at home, work, or school. This setup helps you stay prepared without carrying a backpack kit everywhere you go. This strategy is pivotal for maintaining preparedness and ensuring safety in emergencies.

Download the 72-Hour Backpack Kit Checklist, Home Emergency Kit Checklist, Car Emergency Kit Checklist and the Work or School Emergency Kit Checklist

72-hour Backpack Kit

If you must leave your house on foot, keep a 72-Hour Backpack Kit in an easy-to-reach spot, like a closet or basement shelf, next to a pair of sturdy shoes and socks. 

• • • Bottle opener, non-electric

    • Bottled water or emergency waterstraw

    • Car keys, extra set

    • Cash ($200 in small bills), change ($10 in quarters), and a duplicate credit card

    • Comb or brush and ponytail holder

    • Emergency blanket

    • Flashlight with extra batteries 

    • Feminine personal hygiene items

    • First aid kit, including moleskin

    • Glow sticks

    • Hand sanitizer

    • Lip balm

    • Local paper maps

    • Long sleeve shirt

    • Medications prescription

    • Medications non-prescription such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medications, antacids, or laxatives

    • Mirror, small

    • Mosquito repellent

    • Multi-tool with scissors

    • N95 mask

    • Non-perishable high-energy food, such as granola bars, raisins, or peanut butter

    • Paper, pencil and pen, permanent marker

    • Passport

    • Plastic zip-top bags 1-gallon size 

    • Pocket hand crank emergency radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts

    • Prescription glasses, drug-store readers, and contact lens solution

    • Rain gear

    • Sewing kit

    • Shoelaces, spare

    • Soap and washcloth or handkerchief

    • Socks 2 pairs

    • Solar battery charger

    • Sunblock

    • Toothbrush and toothpaste

    • Utensils

    • Waterproof matches and lighter

    • Whistle to signal for help

    • Zip ties

    • Important personal info. Write it down on paper and save it electronically on a USB thumb drive in a waterproof container. Your list of names, phone numbers, and account/policy numbers of your: 

      • Bank accounts

      • Building manager, superintendent or landlord

      • Family members

      • Health insurance membership cards

      • Healthcare providers

      • Home or renters insurance

      • Local emergency management agency

      • Names and model numbers of any medical devices

      • Passport

      • Prescription medications, name, dosage, strength, prescription number

      • Pharmacy 

      • Vehicles and titles

Home Emergency Kit

Keep your Home Emergency Kit in an easy-to-access area like a closet or basement shelf:

• • • 72-hour backpack kit

    • Blankets or a sleeping bag

    • Books, games, and puzzles for children

    • Bottle opener non-electric 

    • Can opener non-electric 

    • Clothing appropriate for your climate but include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, underwear, and clean, dry socks. 

    • Emergency cell phone charger and battery backup

    • Fire extinguisher

    • First aid book

    • First-aid kit that includes moleskin 

    • Flashlight with extra batteries 

    • Food, non-perishable packaged or canned 

    • Hand crank or battery-powered radio with extra batteries that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts 

    • Infant formula and diapers (if needed) 

    • Matches in waterproof container and lighter 

    • Medications prescription

    • Medications non-prescription such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medications, antacids, or laxatives

    • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils 

    • N95 Mask 

    • Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 

    • Paper, pencil, pen, permanent marker 

    • Pet Food and water for your pet 

    • Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape to shelter in place 

    • Rain gear 

    • Sturdy shoes with socks

    • Water supply: one gallon per person per day for a minimum of 5 days (buy in sealed, unbreakable containers; mark the storage date and replace every six months

    • Important personal info. Write it down on paper and save it electronically on a USB thumb drive in a waterproof container. Your list of names, phone numbers, and account/policy numbers of your:

      • Bank accounts

      • Building manager, superintendent, or landlord

      • Electrician

      • Family members

      • Health insurance membership cards

      • Healthcare providers

      • Home or renters insurance

      • Local emergency management agency

      • Names and model numbers of any medical devices

      • Passport

      • Prescription medications, name, dosage, strength, prescription number

      • Pharmacy 

      • Plumber

      • Support network members

      • Telephone or utility repair

      • Vehicles and titles

Car Emergency Kit

Grab your 72-Hour Backpack Kit from the house or keep a 72-Hour Backpack Kit in your vehicle, plus the following:

• • • Battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries

    • Blanket, emergency blanket, or sleeping bag for each person

    • Booster cables, a shovel, a tire repair kit and pump, and flares in your trunk

    • Bottle opener, non-electric

    • Can opener, non-electric

    • Cell phone charger and battery backup

    • Emergency tool kit, wrench, pliers, screwdriver, hammer, zip ties

    • Extra medical devices, foldable cane

    • Fire extinguisher

    • First aid kit

    • Food, non-perishable, packaged, or canned

    • Hand sanitizer

    • Maps

    • Matches or a lighter

    • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils

    • Moist towelettes, toilet paper, and garbage bags for personal sanitation

    • Pet food and water for your pet

    • Slow-burn emergency candles and metal can to keep the car warm in cold weather

    • Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

    • Water and water purification tablets

Office or School Emergency Kit

At your office or school, keep a 72-hour backpack kit in case you have to leave by foot, plus the following.

• • • Battery-powered radio with extra batteries

    • Blanket, emergency blanket, or sleeping bag

    • Bottle opener, non-electric

    • Bottled water

    • Can opener, non-electric

    • Emergency Tool Kit, wrench, pliers, screwdriver, hammer, zip-ties

    • Fire extinguisher

    • First aid kit

    • Flashlight with extra batteries

    • Food, non-perishable, packaged, or canned

    • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils

    • Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

    • Sturdy shoes with socks
      
      

Building an Emergency Kit for People with Disability

An emergency kit should include basic survival supplies and items to meet individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use daily and which ones you may need to add to your kit.

If You Have to Evacuate

Develop an evacuation plan:

• • • Know the evacuation routes in your area and have a designated meeting place for your family or group.   
    • Identify several safe locations you could go to in case of evacuation.   
    • If you have a car, keep it well-maintained with a full gas tank.   
    • If you rely on public transportation or need assistance evacuating, identify available resources.   
    • Take your 72-Hour Backpack Kit

After the Emergency

You're used to being in a certain environment and knowing how to manage there. A disaster can change that. You might need to ask for help putting your home back in order or filling out forms for disaster relief agencies---things you would have done independently beforehand.

You, your care partner, or family members might experience anxiety, irritability, depression, isolation, or guilt after an ordeal. Flashbacks, anger, and sleep disruption are common. There can be physical changes, too, including weakness, numbness or tingling, a heavy feeling in the arms, tremors, fatigue, or an increase in allergies, colds, or flu; and there might be mental changes, including poor concentration, confusion, slowed thinking, forgetfulness, and reduced ability to make decisions or to express yourself as you normally would. Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of them.

How the National MS Society Can Help People with MS

The National MS Society is here to support people affected by MS through crises. If you or a loved one have been impacted by an emergency or disaster, our MS Navigators are standing ready to connect you to emergency shelters and other critical needs now and resources after the initial emergency has passed, such as temporary living assistance, medical equipment, medications, emotional support, or other challenges. To connect with an MS Navigator, call 1-800-344-4867 or email generalmailbox@nmss.org.