Citizens with Special Needs
Harford County residents with disabilities and other special needs should consider forming a support network of family members, friends and neighbors to assist them during an emergency. Residents who do not have a support network should fill out the yearly Emergency Needs Survey to get assistance during an emergency evacuation. The following checklist represents information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross for this purpose.
- Develop a support network by making arrangements with family members, friends and/or neighbors to assist with transportation during an evacuation.
- Arrange for more than one person from your support network to check on you in an emergency.
- If vision or hearing impaired, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you.
- Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment.
- Learn what to do in case of power outages and personal injuries.
- Consider getting a medical alert system.
- Store back-up equipment (mobility, medical-related, etc.) at your neighbor’s home, school or at your workplace.
- Have a cell phone with an extra battery or access to a phone that doesn’t require electricity.
- Be prepared to provide clear, specific and concise instructions to first responders.
You don’t have to be the only one prepared. Encourage others to be prepared and consider volunteering or working with local authorities on disability and other special needs preparedness efforts.
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Residents with disabilities or special needs who require assistance when evacuating
should register with the Division of Emergency Operations.
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