Families of children and youth with special health care needs have much on their plates, it is important to put some energy into planning for emergencies for the health and safety of the child. 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.

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 unpredicted snowstorms, heavy rains of spring and autumn floods-or even tornadoes or hurricanes).

Start by thinking about your child’s specific medical needs and what you need to keep them safe and healthy in the event of an emergency.  This type of planning can assist with medical emergencies as well. 

To learn what supplies to stock, check out the American Red Cross. for a list of basic needs as a starting point and then you can add to it to prepare for your families particular needs .  Consider any emergency that may come up and make a plan to address all of the possibilities.

This may include:

  • Do you have important documents, medications, supplies and equipment in a place you can grab them and go?
  • Do you know who you can call in case you need someone to be with your child if you can not get home? 
  • How do you and your children get out of your home in case of a fire and does your city or town emergency responders know about your child’s specific needs? 
  • What if  you run out of water or lose power during a storm? Do you know how to turn off the gas or water? What is the plan? 
  • Where can my family go if our neighborhood is evacuated, and how will you keep in touch if everyone is not all at home at the time of the emergency? 
  • Does the school have a plan in place, if they need to evacuate the school, or if students must shelter in place where they are?  Does the plan address your child’s special health needs? 

There is so much to think about but if you plan for this  you can cross it off your list and move to the next thing!  Take some time to look at some of our favorite resources linked here on our page.   For more information & resources contact your Family TIES Coordinator