6. Special Needs

Elderly, Disabled or Infants

Consider this information in addition to all other pages

• Water one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to help filter the air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener, if kit contains canned food
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Important Family Documents
• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

Include Medications and Medical Supplies

• If you take medicine or us a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand for at least a week.
• Keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information
• If you undergo routine treatments at a clinic or hospital, or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans

Include Emergency Documents

• Include copies of important documents in your emergency supply kit:
• Family records, medical records, wills, deeds, social security number, charge and bank account information and tax records. -- Keep them in a waterproof container, if possible.
• Information related to operating equipment of life saving devices that you rely on

Other considerations

• If you have a communication disability, make sure your emergency information list notes the best way to communicate with you.
• Have cash or travelers checks in your kit in case you need to purchase supplies
• If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, or oxygen, be sure you extra in your kit
• Copies of your medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards
• If you have a service animal, be sure to include food, water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other emergency pet supplies
• If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to
• If you rely on elevators, have a back-up plan in case they are not working

Create a Personal Support Network

• If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, ask family, friends and others to be part of your plan.
• Include the names and numbers of everyone in your personal support network, and your medical providers in your emergency supplies
• Make sure someone in your support network has a key and know where you keep your emergency supplies
• Show friends how to use your wheelchair or other medical equipment so they can move you if necessary
• Practice your plan with those who have agreed to be part of your personal support network
• Inform your employer and co-workers about your disability and let them know specifically what assistance you will need in an emergency

Consider your Service Animals or Pets

• Whether staying or evacuating, you need to make advance plans for service animals or pets. 
• If you evacuate, take your animals with you
• Some shelters do not allow pets, but may allow service animals