If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.
Emergency considerations for people with special needs:
- People who are visually impaired - may be reluctant to leave familiar surroundings. A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster.
- People who are hearing impaired - may need to make special arrangements to receive warnings.
- People who are mobility impaired - may need special assistance to get to a shelter.
- Single working parents - may need help to plan for disasters and emergencies and may need assistance with childcare.
- Non-English speaking persons - may need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. The ECHO project provides emergency information in multiple languages throughout most of Minnesota.
- People without vehicles - may need to make arrangements for transportation.
- People with special dietary needs - should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.
- People with medical conditions - should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
- People with mental retardation - may need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter.
- People with dementia - should be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program.