Emergency Preparedness

Natural Disaster Preparations for People with Disabilities

2008-01-29T02:03:00Z

“All levels of government experienced systemic failures in their efforts to respond to the needs of the disability and aging populations following Hurricane Katrina.”

“Even a medical needs shelter is a place of last resort. Individuals must be advised about how to make decisions regarding their own safety, including planning for evacuation.”

“All people should have a plan in place to shelter with friends and family.” — (Above are statements from The Report on Special Needs Assessment for Katrina Evacuees Project, carried out by the National Organization on Disability.)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that state and local government emergency preparedness and response programs be accessible to seniors and people with disabilities. It is logical and critical that people who are at a disadvantage and may not be ambulatory should be able to receive equal or greater assistance than those who are fully able-bodied. Planning and funding may be in place, and the theoretical portion of what should happen is described in great detail and geared to state-of-the-art readiness. But the sad truth is that waiting for your local agencies to come to your aid is, at best, a bad idea and, at worst, can cost you your life. It is your responsibility to prepare.

Natural disasters and the accompanying emergencies are, by definition, unpredictable. How often we hear that the effects of storm were totally underestimated and that the devastation caused by its power was much greater than could have been imagined. Earth tremors or floods (or simply a significant change in temperatures) can create mudslides; cave in streets; create sink holes; or take out bridges and roads, entire river banks, and flood plains, along with the homes that are built upon them.

Setting up procedures and emergency provisions is a vital part of ensuring your survival. This is a simple and mechanical process that will yield surprisingly thankful results if and when you find yourself isolated and/or faced with danger. The hard part is motivating yourself to do it, but the yield, should you experience an emergency, is priceless. It is highly recommended that (way ahead of time) you assemble a support network: a team consisting of people who care about you and others who are experienced in disaster relief to discuss what you would need should a disaster occur. The most effective way to define what assistance you will require is by carrying out drills of different situations. As you make the attempt to help yourself, your limitations will dictate and define your needs for outside help. These should be listed by your team and addressed both individually and collectively.

What you presently take for granted—water, warmth, food, and clothing—will become precious commodities when there is no way to replenish them. If you need durable medical equipment, make sure it can be transported with you in case you need to move quickly. It is very important to provide registering and planning for service animals and pets, as it has been seen that some people will not abandon them, regardless of the danger to their persons.

One of the most important examples of disaster planning is carrying out fire drills from different parts of your home and at different times of day. Smoke can overcome us very quickly, and exits have to be available to you regardless of where you are. An exterior door in a bedroom may not be standard architectural practice, but it should be seriously considered if the need exists. Remembering how to act in the darkness and which route to use can make all the difference when a fire actually occurs. If possible, place in critical areas of the home emergency battery lights that come on automatically when the power fails. Fully functioning, well maintained smoke- and carbon monoxide-alarms are worth their weight in gold and diamonds.

People with disabilities should be in touch with their local emergency squads regardless of whether a disaster is coming or not. In homes that have persons with special needs, the local fire company should be contacted (and regularly updated) and informed of the situation. Provide them with details about those needs and the likeliest place to find that person in the home. They will respond with priority, but must be apprised of what to expect and what they will need to provide. Your local emergency management agency should be able to provide you with pre-event information to let you know what they have set up. You can locate them through your fire department. Electric companies also welcome your requests for priority restoration of power after an outage, but you might consider an emergency back-up generator for the interim. These should kick in to supply essential life support circuits and your well pump.

Do not rely upon broadcasting systems or even public emergency management agencies to be familiar with their legal obligations to provide warnings of approaching danger to people who are deaf and cannot receive the standard radio and TV warnings. Make sure someone will contact you by coming in person or by sending over a neighbor.

Planning:
In order to avoid having to rely on others who may also be victims of the local emergency, try to designate someone who lives far away as a point of communication that you and your care givers can call in order to locate each other or simply communicate. All should agree to call every two hours or once daily to keep in touch. If you have automatic dialing, make sure these numbers are included. Make some extra house keys (with tags) and give them to those you expect to come to your aid; that’s a sensible precaution that costs very little.

A typical problem is how to locate a family member who is normally at work or at school. Ask authorities in these places what their plans are for emergencies, including evacuation locations and methods of communication. Make a plan with your children including one or two places you will look for them in case you cannot communicate with them.

It is highly recommended that an emergency notebook be written, kept updated, and kept in an obvious place. Because no one can remember everything, making a list of contacts and phone numbers is essential, so one page could contain that information. If your English is not too good, have a contact to a cultural group that can help you make yourself understood. Your doctor’s name and number, any case managers or aides, and family and friends to contact should all be included. One page should include possible symptoms to watch out for and what should be done in case you begin to exhibit them. It should include a list of medications you take, dietary needs, allergies, and any other physical information you would normally give to describe yourself. Your doctor may be able to help you compose this page. And last but not least, an I.D. bracelet with crucial information is a welcome sight to an emergency technician who finds someone unconscious.

Where to Go:
Know your shelters. Some may have stairs and others not, some may be on high ground and some too near waterways. You should know the best place to go according to the type of emergency that is occurring. If you are depending upon others to come to transport you, make sure pathways and areas of refuge are kept clear of debris and obstructions.

Who to Contact:
Along with your list of emergency numbers, remember 911.

Emergency Supplies:
You will need to keep an emergency supply of food, water, clean warm clothes, and medications. Although some emergencies are long and others short, one to two weeks worth of these supplies is recommended. Canned and dried foods, health-related supplies, baby supplies if applicable, a first aid kit, a raincoat or parka, a sleeping bag, a battery radio, a can opener, a flashlight, cash and/or checks, eyeglasses, matches, gloves, and garbage bags will all come in very handy. Don’t forget pet food. Have things packed up in case you need to grab them and move out. Have a cell phone if you are in a service area. Make copies of prescriptions and documents (insurance, bankbook, etc.) that will help to identify you or your accounts. Keep them in a waterproof bag.

By making a list at a team meeting, the task of collecting items one by one over a reasonable period of time is not as daunting as it might seem.

Some Useful Websites:
Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/makeaplan.html
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/disability.pdf

Department of Justice
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/emergencyprep.htm

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
1-800-BE-READY—Homeland Security Office for ordering printed matter

American Council of the Blind
http://www.acb.org/washington/wc051206.html

National Association for the Deaf
http: //www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=99539

Four Steps to Emergency Preparedness

2008-01-17T02:57:00Z

Imagine being awakened at 2 in the morning by the shrill sound of your phone ringing. You answer the telephone only to discover it’s a reverse 911 call ordering you to evacuate your home immediately due to a gas leak in your neighborhood. Or the blizzard they’ve been predicting for the past few days has finally hit – and you’re stranded in your home. Don’t let panic take over; instead, start taking charge right now by following the guidelines below to get ready for whatever emergencies may happen.

Start Thinking about Your Game Plan
Emergency situations can be challenging – if not downright frightening – for anyone. But if you’re got a disability or special needs, things can sometimes move from challenging to life-threatening in short order. Who will help you get to a shelter if you’re mobility impaired? Who’s going to ensure you have the food and supplies you need if you’re confined to your home or apartment?

Understand What the Government Can – and Can’t -- Do
The federal government has several agencies in place to assist in an emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Dept. of Homeland Securtiy (DHS), is tasked with protecting the nation from all hazards and creating a comprehensive emergency management system. FEMA has disaster assistance employees available for deployment who work in partnership with state and local emergency management systems such as the Division/Department of Emergency Management (DEM) in each state and the Red Cross. These agencies provide crucial services covering preparedness, prevention, response and recovery for disasters.

However, although FEMA, and DEM play critical roles in emergency management at the national and state level, it’s unlikely their personnel are going to be able to assist you individually in your home or office. Which means you need to take responsibility for making sure you understand how to evacuate whatever building you might live and/or work in, including high-rises; ensuring you have all the food and supplies (including medical) you need on hand in the event of being confined to your home for an extended period of time; and making sure that you’ll be able to survive several days without gas, water, electricity and/or phone service.

Bottom line: You need to take care of yourself and do all the planning and preparation necessary to help yourself in the event of an emergency. The good news? We’re here to help.

Get Started Now: Your Four-Step Action Plan
The time to start planning your emergency preparedness plan is right now. True, thinking about having to cope with an emergency can be a bit unnerving and stressful. And yes, it takes time and effort, plus a bit of a cash outlay. However, the planning you do now may save your life in the future. Also, once you’re prepared and know you’re self-sufficient, you’ll feel more confident and less fearful if faced with an emergency.

As you begin to put together your plan, think about what kinds of events are likely to occur in your location. For example, depending on where you live, you may encounter tornadoes, lightning strikes, blizzards, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or wild fires. Some of these may necessitate evacuation from your home or apartment, while others may leave you home-bound and isolated for days, possible without electricity, heat, or running water.

Regardless of the type of emergency however, experts agree that the following steps need to be taken before a disaster strikes in order to help save lives and reduce injuries. Specifics of each step follow.

1. Contact your state’s Department/Division of Emergency Management or Red Cross
2. Establish a personal support network
3. Create a family emergency evacuation/survival plan, and
4. Prepare emergency supply kits

Step One: Contact the Department of Emergency Management
Call your state’s Department/Division of Emergency Management (click here for a list of FEMA state offices and phone numbers) or Red Cross to find out the following information:

which natural disasters (e.g., tornado, earthquake) could occur in your area and how to prepare for each,
how would you be warned of an emergency (reverse 911 call, radio/television broadcast, siren),
what are your community’s evacuation routes, and
is assistance is available for people with disabilities or special needs

Also, ask if a list is kept of people with disabilities and/or special needs. If the answer is “yes,” make sure you’re added to the list so you can be located quickly in the event of an emergency.

Step Two: Establish a Personal Support Network
Establish a personal support network of people who will check on you or help during an emergency. This network should consist of very reliable friends, family, or co-workers, etc. Preferably, you should identify at least three people at each location where you spend time, such as your home, office, or school. If you use a personal assistance service, work with them to determine an emergency plan in addition to establishing your own network.

Experts suggest you discuss the following actions and arrangements with your personal support network:

Ask them to call you immediately following an emergency to make sure you’re okay. They should be prepared to offer help if needed.
Establish how to contact each other in an emergency; consider options if telephones aren’t working.
Create an Emergency Health Information Card. Give a copy to your support network and put a copy in your Emergency Supply Kit. This card should include information about your medications, adaptive equipment, blood type, allergies, insurance numbers, social security number, immunization dates, communication difficulties and preferred treatment, and contact information for your health providers, personal support network, and emergency contacts.
Show members of your personal support network where you keep emergency supplies.
Make sure they know how your adaptive equipment works.
Give them important keys.
Notify your “network” when you go out of town and when you return.

Step Three: Establish and Practice Family Emergency Evacuation and Survival Plans

Involve all members of the family in creating your home emergency plan. Once you’re aware of the disasters that can occur in your area, discuss dangers and how to respond to each.

Experts suggest the following:

Identify the safe areas of the house in the event of a natural disaster.
Determine an escape route in case you have to evacuate. If you’re disabled or have other special needs, plan how you will escape and who will help you
Determine two meeting places, one immediately outside your house in case you have to evacuate due to a house fire and another outside your neighborhood in case you are unable to return home.
Arrange an out-of-state contact (relative or friend) everyone in your family can call if you become separated. Oftentimes, phone lines are tied up within the state following an emergency but calls can still be made out-of-state. This contact can help relay information to family members attempting to locate one another.
Post Emergency Telephone Numbers by the phone and on cards everyone keeps with them at all times. The emergency telephone list should include names and phone numbers for the police and fire departments, hospital, family physicians, colleagues at work, support group members, nearest relative and/or local contact, out-of-state contact, and meeting place locations.
Show each family member how to turn off water, gas and electricity at their main shut-off valve.
Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher and make sure all smoke detectors are working properly.

What about the office? In addition to having an emergency plan at home, you need to have one for other places you spend time, such as work or school. You’ll want to pay special attention to building evacuation – how will you get out in the event of an emergency? Rely as much as possible on yourself and not others. And, of course, if you’re told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Engage building management in a discussion regarding evacuation procedures. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that building management include provisions for people with disabilities and special needs in their safety plans. As a result, you should contact building management representatives to find out whether a current emergency evacuation plan is in place. Review the plan to ensure it addresses issues related to individuals with disabilities. If there isn’t a plan, insist on the development of one and participate. You can be the expert on determining the accommodations for people with special needs and the equipment or assistive devices that are needed for safe evacuations.

As part of your plan, you’ll want to:

Locate all emergency exits and, if possible, identify two ways to exit every room
Ensure evacuation chairs are available at emergency exits. Ideally, have your own that you keep with you.
Encourage management to train everyone how to use evacuation chairs.
Make sure your Support Network knows exactly what help you need to evacuate safely. If you need special equipment, train your Support Network how to operate that equipment.
Recommend regular practice drills. Everyone needs to participate in the drills and make sure they practice using needed equipment such as an evacuation chair. If you have a service dog, the dog should also be included in the drills.

Whether at home or at the office, In the event of an evacuation, listen to a battery-powered radio (part of your emergency supply kit) for evacuation information. According to the Red Cross, they have pre-arranged agreements with high schools, churches, and other community facilities. to use as evacuation shelters. Although 99% of these shelters are disability-accessible, they will notify the public via radio if there is a special-needs shelter that’s different from the one used by the general public.

Step Four: Prepare Emergency Supplies Kits
Everyone needs to have at least one Emergency Supplies Kit. Ideally, you should have three. One kit should be kept with you at all times, the second can be taken with you in case of an evacuation and the third is for your car. Store items in a backpack or a duffle bag – something easy to carry or to strap to a wheelchair or other assistive device. That way, your hands are free for holding your child’s hand, a pet’s leash or operating your wheelchair. These kits will take time to put together and will require a cash outlay. But remember, the time and money you put into preparing your kits and your home may save your life.

Dreading the prospect of pulling all this together? Why not have some fun with the preparation process by involving your friends. Have an Emergency Supplies Kit prep party requiring everyone to bring one or two items for the kit for each person. Exchange items and pack your bags. Be creative. Ask everyone to dig up their old backpacks and duffle bags that are no longer being used. Give any extras to those who do not have one. Make it fun!

We’ve created printable checklists for each of the emergency supply kits described below to share with your family members, support network friends, and office workers. So here’s your game plan of kits to create:

Emergency Supply Kit #1 – Keep with You at All Times
This kit is to be kept with you at all times. It includes basic information and documents that allow others to help you, and makes sure you can help yourself. Click here for your Emergency Kit checklist #1.

Emergency Supply Kit #2 – Packed and Ready to Go from Your Home
Keep this kit at home; it can be ready for either evacuation or for use while you’re confined to your home in the event of an emergency. Click here for your printable Emergency Kit checklist #2.

Emergency Supply Kit #3 – Car Survival Kit
You’ll keep this kit in your car at all times; you can either assemble this kit yourself or buy one that’s already pulled together everything you need in a single package. Click here for your printable Emergency Kit checklist #3.

Start Preparing Today
Every season brings its own devastating stories of natural disasters and what happened when people were unprepared to cope with the event or its aftermath. There will always be disasters, some natural and others man-made. But by taking steps to prepare, you’ll be in a much better position to both help yourself and help those who want/need to assist you.

Consider this guide a starting point for what you need to do to get prepared. Because it cannot include all of the special needs unique to individual circumstance, you’ll want to think carefully about additional considerations specific to your situation. Naturally, you are the best person to assess and identify the additional items you need to protect yourself, and to let others know this information. So start your preparations now, and enjoy knowing you’ll be able to rely on yourself and others to weather emergencies. Yes, it takes time and effort to get prepared, but remember – the time and effort you spend now may one day save your life.

Resources

www.disability911.com

Natural Disasters: What You Need to Know

2008-01-17T02:56:00Z

Natural disasters can strike quickly, with little or no warning. So post these reminders in a safe, easily-remembered spot so you’ll know just what to do if one of these strikes.

Tornados
When a tornado watch is issued, it means that conditions are favorable for a tornado to form in your area. Stay tuned to your local radio or television for updates.

If a tornado warning is issued, it means that a tornado has actually been spotted in your area and you must take shelter immediately in an underground shelter or steel-framed or reinforced concrete building.

If you’re at home, go to the basement and hide under the stairs. If you don’t have a basement or can’t get to the basement (e.g., it’s not wheelchair accessible), choose an alternative location such as the smallest room (closet or bathroom) on the lowest level in the center of the house.

If you’re at work or school, go to the designated shelter or to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, away from windows.

If you’re in a trailer or mobile home, get out and take cover elsewhere.

If you’re driving, get out of your car and lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch.

Lightning
Lightning is very dangerous—when a thunderstorm is approaching, take shelter immediately. If you’re inside your home, don’t use the telephone and unplug electrical appliances.

If you are outside:

Don’t stand under trees.
If you’re in an open field, make sure you’re surrounded by objects taller than you are. Also, go to a low place, such as a ravine, and squat down on your toes; however, don’t lie down.
Stay away from open water and all metal (e.g., golf carts, bikes, fences, pipes).
If you’re in a forest, go to the lowest area under a thick stand of trees and squat.

Winter Storms

You should be prepared for being confined in your home for a few days. (Please refer to the Emergency Supplies Kits section of the Emergency Preparedness Plan.)

Hurricanes
When a hurricane watch is issued, it means that conditions are favorable for a hurricane to occur in your area within 36 hours. Stay tuned to your local radio or television for updates.

If a hurricane warning is issued, it means that a hurricane is approaching your area within 24 hours and you must take action immediately. Listen to the radio or TV for information and instructions.

If you’re not instructed to evacuate, make sure you secure your home by closing storm shutters or boarding up windows and secure outdoor objects or bring them inside. Also, don’t use the telephone and unplug electrical appliances.

Make sure your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked in case you’re confined to your home. If you’re instructed to evacuate, do so by following the instructions of your local authorities

If you are unable to evacuate, do the following:

Stay inside in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level and away from windows.
Close all interior doors and secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed.
Lie on the floor under a sturdy table of other object.

Floods
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you should keep emergency supplies such as sand bags and plywood on hand to build a levee around your house.

Make sure your Emergency Supplies Kit is stocked in case water service and other utilities are interrupted.

When a flood warning is issued, the local authorities usually state the severity of the expected flooding. Stay tuned to your local radio or television for updates.

If you are instructed to evacuate, do so immediately and go to the location specified by authorities. Also, if you’re instructed to turn off your water, gas and electricity, do so immediately

If there’s time before evacuating your home, make sure you secure your home by tying down outside objects or bringing them inside and lock your doors and windows.

Earthquakes
Have your emergency family and evacuation plans in place and your Emergency Supplies Kits ready in the event of an earthquake.

During an earthquake, stay calm and do the following:
If you’re inside, get under a desk or table or stand in a doorway and stay away from windows.
If you’re outside, get away from buildings and utility poles/wires.

Wild Fires
Before a wildfire occurs near your home, you should have emergency family and evacuation plans in place and Emergency Supplies Kits ready. Be ready to evacuate immediately.

State Offices and Agencies of Emergency Management

2008-01-17T02:01:00Z

Alabama Emergency Management Agency
5898 County Road 41
P.O. Drawer 2160
Clanton, Alabama 35046-2160
(205) 280-2200
(205) 280-2495 FAX
ema.alabama.gov/

Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
P.O. Box 5750
Fort Richardson, Alaska 99505-5750
(907) 428-7000
(907) 428-7009 FAX
www.ak-prepared.com

American Samoa Territorial Emergency Management Coordination (TEMCO)
American Samoa Government
P.O. Box 1086
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
(011)(684) 699-6415
(011)(684) 699-6414 FAX

Arizona Division of Emergency Management
5636 E. McDowell Rd
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
(602) 244-0504 or 1-800-411-2336
www.azdema.gov

Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
Bldg. # 9501
Camp Joseph T. Robinson
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72199-9600
(501) 683-6700
(501) 683-7890 FAX
www.adem.arkansas.gov/

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
3650 Schriever Ave.
Mather , CA 95655-4203
(916) 845-8510
(916) 845-8511 FAX
www.oes.ca.gov/

Colorado Office of Emergency Management
Division of Local Government
Department of Local Affairs
9195 East Mineral Avenue
Suite 200
Centennial , Colorado 80112
(720) 852-6600
(720) 852-6750 Fax
www.dola.state.co.us/oem/oemindex.htm

Connecticut Office of Emergency Management
Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
360 Broad Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06105
(860) 566-3180
(860) 247-0664 FAX
www.ct.gov/demhs/site/default.asp

Delaware Emergency Management Agency
165 Brick Store Landing Road
Smyrna, Delaware 19977
(302) 659-3362
(302) 659-6855 FAX
www.state.de.us/dema/index.htm

District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency
2720 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E.
Second Floor
Washington, D.C. 20032
(202) 727-6161
(202) 673-2290 FAX
dcema.dc.gov

Florida Division of Emergency Management
2555 Shumard Oak Blvd.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
(850) 413-9969
(850) 488-1016 FAX
floridadisaster.org

Georgia Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 18055
Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
(404) 635-7000
(404) 635-7205 FAX
www.State.Ga.US/GEMA/

Office of Civil Defense
Government of Guam
P.O. Box 2877
Hagatna, Guam 96932
(011)(671) 475-9600
(011)(671) 477-3727 FAX
http://ns.gov.gu/

Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense
221B Chalan Palasyo
Agana Heights, Guam 96910
Tel:(671)475-9600
Fax:(671)477-3727
www.guamhs.org

Hawaii State Civil Defense
3949 Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4495
(808) 733-4300
(808) 733-4287 FAX
www.scd.hawaii.gov

Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
4040 Guard Street, Bldg. 600
Boise, Idaho 83705-5004
(208) 422-3040
(208) 422-3044 FAX
www.bhs.idaho.gov/

Illinois Emergency Management Agency
2200 S. Dirksen Pkwy.
Springfield, Illinois 62703
Office: (217) 782-2700
Fax: (217) 524-7967
www.state.il.us/iema

Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Indiana Government Center South
302 West Washington Street, Room E208
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2767
Office: (317) 232-3986
Fax: (317) 232-3895
www.ai.org/sema/index.html

Indiana State Emergency Management Agency
302 West Washington Street
Room E-208 A
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2767
(317) 232-3986
(317) 232-3895 FAX
www.ai.org/sema/index.html

Iowa Homeland Security & Emergency Management Division
Department of Public Defense
Hoover Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
(515) 281-3231
(515) 281-7539 FAX
Iowahomelandsecurity.org.

Kansas Division of Emergency Management
2800 S.W. Topeka Boulevard
Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287
(785) 274-1401
(785) 274-1426 FAX
www.ink.org/public/kdem/

Kentucky Emergency Management
EOC Building
100 Minuteman Parkway Bldg. 100
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-6168
(502) 607-1682
(502) 607-1614 FAX
kyem.ky.gov/

Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness
7667 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
(225) 925-7500
(225) 925-7501 FAX
www.ohsep.louisiana.gov

Maine Emergency Management Agency
45 Commerce Drive, Suite #2
#72 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0072
207-624-4400
207-287-3180 (FAX)
www.state.me.us/mema/memahome.htm

Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division
Michigan Dept. of State Police
Michigan State Police
4000 Collins Road
Lansing, MI 48910
Office: (517) 333-5042
Fax: (517) 333-4987
www.michigan.gov/emd

CNMI Emergency Management Office
Office of the Governor
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
P.O. Box 10007
Saipan, Mariana Islands 96950
(670) 322-9529
(670) 322-7743 FAX
www.cnmiemo.gov.mp

National Disaster Management Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
P.O. Box 15
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands 96960-0015
(011)(692) 625-5181
(011)(692) 625-6896 FAX

Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Camp Fretterd Military Reservation
5401 Rue Saint Lo Drive
Reistertown, Maryland 21136
(410) 517-3600
(877) 636-2872 Toll-Free
(410) 517-3610 FAX
www.mema.state.md.us/

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
400 Worcester Road
Framingham, Massachusetts 01702-5399
(508) 820-2000
(508) 820-2030 FAX
www.state.ma.us/mema

Michigan Division of Emergency Management
4000 Collins Road
P.O. Box 30636
Lansing, Michigan 48909-8136
(517) 333-5042
(517) 333-4987 FAX
www.michigan.gov/msp/1,1607,7-123-1593_3507---,00.html

National Disaster Control Officer
Federated States of Micronesia
P.O. Box PS-53
Kolonia, Pohnpei - Micronesia 96941
(011)(691) 320-8815
(001)(691) 320-2785 FAX

Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division
Minnesota Dept. of Public Safety
444 Cedar Street, Suite 223
St. Paul, MN 55101-6223
Office: (651) 296-0466
Fax: (651) 296-0459
www.hsem.state.mn.us

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 5644
Pearl, MS 39288-5644
(601) 933-6362
(800) 442-6362 Toll Free
(601) 933-6800 FAX
www.msema.org
www.msema.org/mitigate/mssaferoominit.htm

Missouri Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 116
2302 Militia Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
(573) 526-9100
(573) 634-7966 FAX
sema.dps.mo.gov

Montana Division of Disaster & Emergency Services
1900 Williams Street
Helena, Montana 59604-4789
(406) 841-3911
(406) 444-3965 FAX
dma.mt.gov/des/

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
1300 Military Road
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508-1090
(402) 471-7410
(402) 471-7433 FAX
www.nema.ne.gov

Nevada Division of Emergency Management
2525 South Carson Street
Carson City, Nevada 89711
(775) 687-4240
(775) 687-6788 FAX
dem.state.nv.us/

Governor's Office of Emergency Management
State Office Park South
107 Pleasant Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-2231
(603) 225-7341 FAX
www.nhoem.state.nh.us/

New Jersey Office of Emergency Management
Emergency Management Bureau
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, New Jersey 08628-0068
(609) 538-6050 Monday-Friday
(609) 882-2000 ext 6311 (24/7)
(609) 538-0345 FAX
www.state.nj.us/oem/county/

New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Office of Emergency Management
P.O. Box 1628
13 Bataan Boulevard
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(505) 476-9600
(505) 476-9635 Emergency
(505) 476-9695 FAX
www.dps.nm.org/emergency/index.htm

Emergency Management Bureau
Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 1628
13 Bataan Boulevard
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
(505) 476-9606
(505) 476-9650
www.dps.nm.org/emc.htm

New York State Emergency Management Office
1220 Washington Avenue
Building 22, Suite 101
Albany, New York 12226-2251
(518) 292-2275
(518) 457-9995 FAX
www.nysemo.state.ny.us/

North Carolina Division of Emergency Management
4713 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-4713
(919) 733-3867
(919) 733-5406 FAX
www.dem.dcc.state.nc.us/

North Dakota Department of Emergency Services
P.O. Box 5511
Bismarck, North Dakota 58506-5511
(701) 328-8100
(701) 328-8181 FAX
www.nd.gov/des

Ohio Emergency Management Agency
2855 West Dublin-Granville Road
Columbus, Ohio 43235-2206
Office: (614) 889-7150
Fax: (614) 889-7183
ema.ohio.gov/ema.asp

Office of Civil Emergency Management
Will Rogers Sequoia Tunnel 2401 N. Lincoln
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
(405) 521-2481
(405) 521-4053 FAX
www.odcem.state.ok.us/

Oregon Emergency Management
Department of State Police
PO Box 14370
Salem, Oregon 97309-5062
(503) 378-2911
(503) 373-7833 FAX
egov.oregon.gov/OOHS/OEM

Palau NEMO Coordinator
Office of the President
P.O. Box 100
Koror, Republic of Palau 96940
(011)(680) 488-2422
(011)(680) 488-3312

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
2605 Interstate Drive
Harrisburg PA 17110-9463
(717) 651-2001
(717) 651-2040 FAX
www.pema.state.pa.us/

Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 966597
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00906-6597
(787) 724-0124
(787) 725-4244 FAX

Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
645 New London Ave
Cranston, Rhode Island 02920-3003
(401) 946-9996
(401) 944-1891 FAX
www.riema.ri.gov

South Carolina Emergency Management Division
2779 Fish Hatchery Road
West Columbia South Carolina 29172
(803) 737-8500
(803) 737-8570 FAX
www.scemd.org/

South Dakota Division of Emergency Management
118 West Capitol
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
(605) 773-3231
(605) 773-3580 FAX
www.state.sd.us/dps/sddem/home.htm

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
3041 Sidco Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37204-1502
(615) 741-4332
(615) 242-9635 FAX
www.tnema.org

Texas Division of Emergency Management
5805 N. Lamar
Austin, Texas 78752
(512) 424-2138
(512) 424-2444 or 7160 FAX
www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/

Utah Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security
1110 State Office Building
P.O. Box 141710
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-1710
(801) 538-3400
(801) 538-3770 FAX
www.des.utah.gov

Vermont Emergency Management Agency
Department of Public Safety
Waterbury State Complex
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2101
(802) 244-8721
(802) 244-8655 FAX
www.dps.state.vt.us/

Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management - VITEMA
2-C Contant, A-Q Building
Virgin Islands 00820
(340) 774-2244
(340) 774-1491

Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court
Richmond, VA 23236-3713
(804) 897-6502
(804) 897-6506
www.vdem.state.va.us

State of Washington Emergency Management Division
Building 20, M/S: TA-20
Camp Murray, Washington 98430-5122
(253) 512-7000
(253) 512-7200 FAX
www.emd.wa.gov/

West Virginia Office of Emergency Services
Building 1, Room EB-80 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0360
(304) 558-5380
(304) 344-4538 FAX
www.wvdhsem.gov

Wisconsin Emergency Management
2400 Wright Street
P.O. Box 7865
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7865
Phone: (608) 242-3232
Fax: (608) 242-3247
emergencymanagement.wi.gov/

Wyoming Office of Homeland Security
122 W. 25th Street
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
(307) 777-4900
(307) 635-6017 FAX
wyohomelandsecurity.state.wy.us

Emergency Supply Kit #1: Keep with You at All Times

2008-01-17T01:58:00Z

Keep the following items with you at all times:

Emergency Health Information Card. Written instructions on personal assistance needs and how best to provide them. For instance, if you are hearing impaired, you may want to carry a card that says you use American Sign Language and that you need announcements written or signed. Provide instructions on how to transport you if you need to be carried from your wheelchair.

Copy of emergency documents. These include copies of your health card, birth, marriage and death certificates, wills, deeds, family social security numbers, charge and bank accounts, and insurance documents. Store them in a sealed freezer bag. Although experts suggest keeping these items with you, due to the increase in identity theft, carry copies of your health card but store other documents in a safe deposit box or give them to a trusted family member or friend. However, you need to keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to easily access this information following an emergency.
Essential medications and copies of prescriptions. At least one week’s supply (make extra copies of your prescriptions for your wallet and other Emergency Supply Kit). Also include any sensitivities or allergies you may have to certain medications.
Flashlight and extra batteries
Signaling device (whistle, beeper, bell)
Small battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Emergency Supply Kit #2: Packed and Ready to Go From Home

2008-01-17T01:57:00Z

Keep this kit at home; it can be ready for either evacuation or for use while you’re confined to your home in the event of an emergency. The American Red Cross and other professionals recommend you include the following:

Water – Keep one gallon of water per person (and per pet) per day for at least three days. Make sure you replace the water every six months.
Food - Keep at least a 3-day stock of non-perishable food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration in a safe place. Include a manual can opener and eating utensils. Food suggestions are as follows:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
Staples – sugar, salt, pepper
Baby formula, food, bottles
Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
Vitamins
Pet food
Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, instant coffee, tea bags
Portable radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit – Assemble multiple first aid kits, one for your home and one for each car. The American Red Cross recommends that your first aid kit contain:
Sterile adhesives bandages – various sizes
Antiseptic
2 and 4 inch sterile gauze pads (4 – 6)
Thermometer
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Tongue blades (2)
Triangular bandages (3)
Petroleum jelly
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Safety pins in various sizes
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
Cleansing agent/soap
Scissors
Latex gloves (2 pair)
Tweezers
Sunscreen
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Non-prescription drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Laxative
Syrup of Ipecac
Activated charcoal

You can either assemble your own first aid kit or buy it pre-assembled.

Medical equipment and assistive devices – these items include glasses, hearing aids, catheters, augmentative communication devices, canes, and walkers. Label each item with your name and contact information. Also, include instructions as to how to operate your assistive device. These items should be kept in a convenient, consistent place so you can quickly locate them in an emergency. Tape a note to your supplies kit that will serve as a reminder to take the applicable device with you if you’re evacuated. Also, at night, if you sleep with any of these devices near you, put them in a container that’s easy to reach if you have to leave immediately.

Bedding and clothing – Include a sleeping bag or blanket for each person and pet. Also, include at least one change of clothing per person as well as sturdy shoes, rain gear, hat and gloves, and thermal underwear if you reside in a cold climate.

Personal hygiene items – In addition to your personal hygiene products, you should also include toilet paper, soap, and feminine supplies. Don’t forget diapers if you have an infant and plastic garbage bags to use to dispose the diapers.

Cash and coins

Paper products – These include paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, paper and pen, as well as books, games or other activities for children.

Other Special Items
In addition to the above, you need to include items for family members with special needs. People with disabilities will need to consider including the items listed below in either their Emergency Supplies Kit #1 or #2 or both. Don’t forget, you should have Kit #1 with you at all times. This information is recommended by the National Organization on Disability (NOD).

Mobility disabilities
According to the NOD, mobility disabilities refer to people with little or no use of their arms or legs. They usually use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes and other devices as aids to help them remain mobile. If you have a mobility disability, you should consider including the following items in your supplies kit:

Heavy gloves to use while wheeling.
Extra battery for motorized wheelchair or scooter.
Recharging device to be connected to an automobile cigarette lighter.
Repair kit to fix flat tires.
Spare cane or walker.

Sensory disabilities
Sensory disabilities refer to people with hearing or visual limitations. If you have a sensory disability, you should consider including the following additional items in your kit:

Pad of paper with pens or pencils for writing notes.
Extra batteries for tape recorders, TTYs, etc.
Extra pair of dark glasses.
Folding mobility cane.

Developmental or cognitive disabilities
Developmental or cognitive disabilities refer to people with significant brain disorders or severe developmental disabilities that need assistance with every facet of daily living. If you have a developmental or cognitive disability, consider including the following:

Alternative power source or spare batteries for a communication device
Paper and writing materials
Favorite items to help you maintain focus while waiting in lines

Service animals and other pets. Last but not least, don’t forget supplies for your service animal and other pets. Try to pack these items in a bag that can be strapped to your animal. The Red Cross has suggested the following items:

Bowl for water and food. Remember you should have at least a three day supply of water and food, not only for yourself, but for your much-loved animal.
Blanket for bedding
Plastic bags and paper towels for disposing of feces
Neosporin ointment for minor wounds
Favorite toy
Extra harness
Identification tags and proof of up-to-date vaccinations and veterinarian contact

Also, make sure you identify local hotels that allow animals, various animal shelters, and/or friends who will be able to take your pet if the evacuation shelter does not allow them. The ADA requires emergency evacuation shelters to allow service animals, but this does not include your family pet. As a result, make alternative plans ahead of time.

Emergency Supply Kit #3: Car Survival Kit

2008-01-17T01:54:00Z

You’ll keep this kit in your car at all times; you can either assemble this kit yourself or buy one that’s already pulled together everything you need in a single package.

These kits include the following:

Auto tools and tire care – 10 ft. booster cables, slim line air compressor, tire gauge and duct tape roll.
Emergency and breakaway tools – 27-in-1 multi-tool and metal collapsible shovel.
Roadside signaling and light sources – window mount reflective red triangle, aluminum LED flashlight and extra batteries.
Personal accessories – umbrella, poncho, blanket, gloves and pad of paper and pen.
First aid kit

Other – 10 cable ties and tie down strap

Accident report kit – disposable camera, accident report form, measuring tape, and chalk and pen

In addition to the above, always maintain at least half a tank of gas and store non-perishable food and bottled water in your trunk. Finally, if you live in a cold climate, you should include a bag of sand and blankets or sleeping bags.