September 18th is “Get Ready Day” a yearly event held the third Tuesday of September by the American Public Health Association (APHA) coinciding with National Preparedness Month.  The Get Ready website includes resources for people to prepare themselves, their families and their communities for potential disasters and hazards, including pandemic flu, infectious disease, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

Emergency and disaster situations can present unique challenges to people living with disabilities and their caregivers.  Would you be ready in an emergency?  APHA offers these four steps to help you and your family be prepared:

• Purchase or create an emergency kit, including water and supplies
• Make a plan for emergency contact communication, in case family, friends, and caregivers are separated during a disaster
• Be informed by checking media for global, national, and local information
• Take response training such as first aid or volunteering to support local first responders

Here are several resources available specifically for people living with disabilities:

Webcasts from the PAS Center on including people with disabilities and their caregivers in emergency management

Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities from ILRU

Emergency Preparedness Information from Disability.gov

Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities from the National Organization on Disability (Includes information on physical and sensory disabilities as well as individuals with service animals)

Resources on Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management from Access Board

Individuals with Access & Functional Needs from Ready.gov

Fact sheets and preparedness information for people with disabilities from the APHA