Disaster Checklist For Nassau County Residents with Access and Functional needs Preparing at Home

Download a printable version of this document (PDF)

Download a printable version of this document in Spanish (PDF)

All residents, including those with access and functional needs are encouraged to develop an individualized disaster /evacuation plan. Preparedness is a responsibility promoted robustly by the county on all levels – starting with the individual to the local, state and federal government. It is vital to prepare for your own safety and welfare.

It is important that our most vulnerable residents and their caregivers take the time now to plan and practice evacuation. If your access and functional needs requires additional planning and preparation, consider the following:

• Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and coworkers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and ensure everyone knows how to operate necessary equipment.
• Make prior arrangements with your physician or check with your oxygen supplier about emergency plans for those on respirators or other electric powered medical equipment. Be sure to have electrical back up for any medical equipment. Most shelters will not have generator power; access and functional needs shelters will have limited space available.
• Maintain a two week supply of such items as dressings, nasal cannulas and suction catheters.
• Maintain a two week supply of medications, both prescription and non-prescription.
• Keep copies of your medical records and physician name and telephone number.
• Maintain a two week supply of items necessary for your service animal.
• If you have a caregiver, i.e., home health aide, home care nurse, or other paid provider, discuss your personalized evacuation plan with them.

Disasters can happen at anytime and affect anyone. Whether the disaster is predictable, such as a hurricane, or happens without warning, such as a terrorist attack, it is important for Nassau County residents to have an at-home emergency kit as well as a shelter kit. People with access and functional needs should consider additional personal items when compiling both a home emergency kit and a shelter kit. This checklist is intended to be a quick list of general and additional items for either "sheltering-in-place" (at home) or for a "grab-and-go" shelter kit (to be taken with you to a shelter). Home disaster kits contain enough items for a longer period of time (several days to a week). Shelter kits contain only essential items for a shorter period of time (12 to 72 hours). While not comprehensive, this is meant to be a starting point. It is recommended that this checklist be reviewed regularly and according to any changes in your needs.