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Families of children and youth with special health care needs have much on their plates, but for the health and safety of the child, it is important to put some energy into planning for emergencies. If your family has considered these circumstances, made plans on how to manage the issue, and had time to practice those plans, YOU are better prepared for the unexpected.
Disability Indicator Forms offer families a way to let local emergency services (Police, Fire, and Ambulance service) know that they may need assistance because of special circumstances.
Download the form (click above), complete and add the Date of Birth of the individual (next to the name), and send to the Emergency Management Director in your community. This will assure that the Enhanced 9-1-1 system identifies your child's special needs. REFER to the MEMA info at right, to find your local Emergency Management Director.
THIS IS NEW ENGLAND! Create a plan to address weather-related inconveniences (like interruption of heat, electricity, and phone service-as may be seen during winter snowstorms, heavy rains of spring and autumn floods-or even tornadoes or hurricanes). Start by thinking about your medical needs-in case the pharmacy is closed for a few days, and then what else will keep your family comfortable? To learn what supplies to stock, check out the American Red Cross.
Consider other emergencies that may come up, and make a plan to address each. This could include evacuating your home because of a fire, what should your children do if they arrive home from school before you get back from work, how if you can't run water in your home, and where can your family go if there is a an emergency evacuation of your neighborhood? Add the unpredictable issue of how to keep in touch if you are not all at home at the time of the emergency.
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