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Disaster Preparedness -- Are You Ready for an Emergency?

Disaster Preparedness -- Are You Ready for an Emergency? Faith T. McCormick Acting Commissioner Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administration on Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Preparedness for Families and Children

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Disaster Preparedness -- Are You Ready for an Emergency?

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  1. Disaster Preparedness -- Are You Ready for an Emergency? Faith T. McCormick Acting Commissioner Administration on Developmental Disabilities Administration on Children and Families U.S. Department of Health and Human Services World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  2. Emergency Preparedness for Families and Children When a disaster strikes— • Where will your family be? • How will you find each other? • Are your children safe? • What if your child has “special needs?” • Do you have a plan? World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  3. Emergency Preparedness for Families and Children What we will cover today: • Three Steps to preparing for emergencies • State/Local Resources for Family Readiness --Developmental Disabilities Network --Local organizations • Federal Resources --National Commission on Children & Disasters --FEMA Kids Web Pages World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  4. Why Consider Building a Family Readiness Plan? • You can cope with any disaster by planning ahead and working together as a team. • This is your best protection and your responsibility! • Three Steps to preparing for emergencies World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  5. STEP ONE – Think Ahead • Types of natural and man-made disasters --hurricanes, fires, floods, tornados • Consider potential situations so you can adapt your plan to family’s needs • Identify location for all to meet • Disaster Preparation Checklist for children with special needs, your family, your home • Complete Checklist World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  6. Checklist for Children with Special Needs • Current care plan & list of medications • Completed emergency form for child • Two week supply of medication and/or current prescriptions • Back up system/plans for electricity • Discuss plan with child’s MD • Advise local emergency management team • Plan for child while at school, day care World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  7. Checklist for Family • Do you have a plan; do you practice it? • Emergency supply kit w/weather radio-battery or wind-up • Meeting place and central point of contact • Discuss/share info on disasters w/family? • Do you know your work and day-care emergency plans? • Plans for your pets & service animals? World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  8. Checklist for your Home • Any hazardous materials – inside/outside • Where/How to turn on/off utilities • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors • Water hose, fire extinguishers, generators • Plan with neighbor on how to help each other in case of an emergency? World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  9. Step Two – Planning & Preparation • Family meeting to discuss why plan • Pick two meeting places • Identify “out of state” family contact/go-to person for all, use text messaging locally • Discuss Evacuation; plan for pets • Post emergency #’s by phones; teach children how/when to call • Decide best evacuation routes from home World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  10. Emergency Supply Kit for All Families • Water – one gallon per person per day, three day supply • Food – three-day supply non-perishable --Canned meats, fruit, veggies w/pop tops --High energy foods – raisins, granola bars --vitamins --Food for infants --Food for special diet needs World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  11. Emergency Supply Kit for All Families • First Aid Supplies, such as --Sterile adhesive bandages all sizes --Cleansing agent/soap --Non-Latex gloves (2 pairs) --Non-prescription medications all doses --Aspirin/non-aspirin pain reliever • Supplies for Special Needs, such as --See Checklist; extra batteries World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  12. Emergency Supply Kit for All Families • Tools and Emergency Supplies, such as --Cups, plates, plastic utensils --Battery/wind-up radio, extra batteries --Flashlight, extra batteries, charger --Matches in waterproof container --Whistle, signal flare • Sanitation, such as --Toilet paper, towelettes World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  13. Emergency Supply Kit for All Families --Soap, liquid detergent --Personal hygiene items • Clothing and Bedding, such as --Sturdy shoes, rain gear, Blankets • Cell phone chargers • Entertainment --Card and/or Board games --Books for all ages World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  14. Emergency Supply Kit for all Families • Documents, Other Important Items—Keep in waterproof, portable container—such as: --Will, Insurance policies --Contracts & Deeds, Stocks & Bonds --Passports, Social Security Cards --Immunization Records --Bank/ Credit Card Account Numbers --Important phone numbers --Family records --Disposal camera • Scan Documents; store on flash drive World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  15. Step Three – Response & Recovery • Stay in your home or shelter in disaster • Do not use “fire” in your home • Listen to radio for updates/directions • Follow directions of officials • Do not hide from officials • Stay out of unfamiliar places • Keep all pets in safe and secure place World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  16. If Disaster Strikes – What to do • Stay Calm & put your plan into action • Check for injuries; first aid or seek help • Listen to battery/wind-up radio • Evacuate if told to do so • Check for damage in your home • Use flashlights—no matches/electricity • Check for fire, gas leaks; turn off • Put pets in safe place; call family contact • Check neighbors; stay away from downed power lines; text-message locally World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  17. Tips to Help Families Support their Children • Don’t get caught up in “hype” • Have a plan; know what you will do • Talk on a level child will understand • Give children information they need • Keep routines and regular schedule • Make sure children know what to do • Medical Alert for special needs child • Teach children to recognize/accept help from emergency officials World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  18. State and Local Resources • Developmental Disabilities (DD) Network funded by ADD in all states/territories • Florida DD grantees : Governor’s Council - (850) 488-4180 http://www.fddc.org Advocacy Center for People with Disabilities – (850) 488-9071http://www.advocacycenter.org University Centers for Excellence in DD (UCEDD) --U of Miami - (305) 243-6801http://mailmancenter.org --USF - (813) 974-3126http://www.flcic.org World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  19. Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  20. This project was commissioned by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council in response to the series of devastating hurricanes that the state faced in 2004 & 2005. The Council partnered with the Governor’s Commission for Volunteerism & Community Service, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to create the guide. Designed to provide individuals with developmental disabilities with Florida specific information on disaster preparedness. World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  21. The guide is divided into three sections and includes a series of questions in a workbook format that can be completed by the user.* Readers will be able to transfer their answers to these questions into a blank Disaster Plan, which is included as the last section of the guide. When completed, the user will have a personal disaster plan that can be implemented. * Guide can be modified for any location outside FL World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  22. Topics found in the guide include: Florida’s Emergency Management System Deciding to Remain at Home or to Evacuate** Emergency Shelters vs. Special Need Shelters Florida’s Special Needs Registry & Contacts Planning Your Personal Support Network** Communication Considerations** Emergency Management Contacts & Resources ** Applicable to all Families in any location outside FL World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  23. To Order Additional Copies of the Guide: FDDC Website: www.fddc.org Latarsha Williams, CL/SC Program Manager 124 Marriott Drive, Suite 203 Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Phone: 850-488-4180 Toll Free: 800-580-7801 TDD Toll Free: 888-488-8633 Fax: 850-922-6702 World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  24. Community & State Resources*** • County & Local Emergency Management Teams • State Homeland Security Advisors • Citizen Corps • Link to Your State via Ready.Gov Map *** http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html • 2-1-1 Call Centers http://211us.org/status.htm World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  25. Federal Resources • National Commission on Children and Disasters • FEMA – For Kids information visit www.fema.gov/kids & www.Ready.gov/kids • Health & Human Services (HHS) -- www.flu.gov Administration on Children & Families (ACF) --Head Start --Child Welfare --Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  26. Why Form A National Commission? • Children make up 25% of the population, but overlooked in disaster planning and management • Presidential disaster declarations more than doubled since 1980’s • Only seven states require licensed child care providers to have emergency plans addressing evacuation, reunification and accommodating children with disabilities (Save the Children, 2009) • Care for pets is a greater priority than children World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  27. Commission Purpose • Examine the needs of children (0-18 years of age) in relation to the preparation for, response to and recovery from all-hazards, including major disasters and emergencies • Report findings and recommendations to the President and Congress World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  28. Areas of Interest • Trauma, physical and mental health • Child welfare • Child care • Housing (sheltering, intermediate, long-term) • Evacuation and Transportation • Elementary and Secondary Education • Juvenile Justice • State and Local Emergency Management World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  29. Interim Report October 14, 2009 http://www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov/ World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  30. FEMA – Ready Campaign READY AMERICA! • Prepare • Plan and Stay Informed Resources • On-line emergency planning tools • Ready Kids-interactive site link http://www.ready.gov/kids/index.html • Ready America link http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  31. Prepare your child before disasters happen World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  32. Department of Health & Human Services • H1N1 flu: www.flu.gov Other HHS Resources for Families • Head Start – Emergency Preparedness http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/resources/Emergency%20Preparedness • Child Welfare – Disaster Preparedness/Response http://www.childwelfare.gov/highlights/disaster/ • ADD – Emergency Preparednesshttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/resources/dispub.html http://www.add-idea-em.org/index.htm World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  33. Helpful Web Sites for Families • www.prepare.org – Red Cross web site with information for families, individuals with disabilities, and materials for helping children prepare and cope with disasters • http://www.fema.gov/kids/ - FEMA has put together a wealth of resources for parents and teachers to support children. Loads of information and engaging activities for children to learn how to be prepared for disasters. • www.nobodyleftbehind2.org – For professionals and communities who are concerned about the evacuation of individuals with mobility impairments. Check out the resources section for a wealth of resources, guides, and instructional manuals. World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  34. Helpful Web Sites for Families • http://www.aap.org/disasters/pdf/helping-children-and-adolescents.pdf - Great booklet that provides you with instructions on how to support your child after a disaster or traumatic event. • http://www.aap.org/family/frk/frkit.htm - American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a family readiness kit for disasters. It has information on: preparing for disasters, what to expect in a disaster, supplies list, and getting access to emergency medical services. Easy to read and understand. • http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html - Department of Homeland Security web site with good tips for families, how to prepare children, and tips for individuals with special needs. Resources include a pamphlet on preparing for disasters, supply list for families, and an instructional video. World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  35. Helpful Web Sites for Families • https://disastersafe.redcross.org/default.aspx If you have been affected by a disaster, the American Red Cross Safe and Well Website provides a way for you to register yourself as “safe and well.” From a list of standard messages, you can select those that you want to communicate to your family members, letting them know of your well-being. • http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/topic.php?id=4 The American Psychological Association (APA) Help Center has many articles on how to deal with traumatic stress during and after a disaster. World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

  36. Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) Contact Information: Faith T. McCormick Acting Commissioner, ADD 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20201 202/690-6590 Faith.mccormick@acf.hhs.gov http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/ http://www.add-idea-em.org/index.htm World Congress & Expo on Disabilities, 11/19/09

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