Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities
The likelihood that you will recover from an emergency tomorrow depends a great deal on the planning you do today. While each person's needs and abilities are unique, everyone can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies. By evaluating your own personal needs and making a plan that fits those needs, you can be better prepared for an emergency.
Consider the actions below whether you are a student or employee.
- Notify the College of any assistance you may need in the event of an emergency. Students requesting assistance in planning for their needs during an emergency should meet with Disability Services and employees with Human Resources. Campus Safety will be informed of pertinent information regarding an individual’s needs for assistance during an emergency. Campus Safety will keep this information in written format in a location that is easily accessed by Campus Safety personnel during an emergency.
- Please print and complete the "Self-identification for Persons with Disabilities -- Confidential Questionnaire" to describe assistance you may need during a building evacuation and when sheltering-in-place. Please return the form to the appropriate office.
- If you choose to not meet with Disability Services or Human Resources, please contact Campus Safety to apprise them of your needs during an emergency and to inform them of where you live, take classes, and/or work.
- In the event of an emergency, Campus Safety will provide emergency responders with the information on record regarding the needs and locations of individuals with disabilities.
- If you need individualized notification assistance in the event of an emergency (e.g., text messaging or e-mail), please notify Disability Services, Human Resources, and/or Campus Safety to make appropriate arrangements.
- Carry a cell phone preprogrammed with the Campus Safety emergency number (719-389-6911) and the off-campus number for police, fire, and/or ambulance assistance (911).
- If you need assistance during an emergency, call Campus Safety and 911 to notify them of your location, giving the building, floor, room, and time.
- If you do not have a cell phone, please notify Disability Services; the College will provide you with a cell phone that will receive emergency messages and will be programmed to call Campus Safety and 911.
- Ask several reliable people in your residence hall, classes (including your professors), and/or place of work to assist you in case of emergency. Provide them with information on the best way to do so and tell them where you keep your emergency supplies. If applicable, show them how to operate your assistive devices.
- Know the size and weight of your assistive devices, in addition to whether or not they are collapsible, in case they have to be transported.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one treatment facility.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
- Be prepared to give instructions to those assisting you in an emergency regarding your needs, such as: “I need to hang onto you. I have poor balance, but I can walk down steps."
Find more advice for preparedness for people with disabilities at http://www.ready.gov and at http://www.disabilitypreparedness.gov/.
To request this information in an alternate format, please contact Disability Services (719-227-8285; Learning Commons at Tutt Library, Room 152; jedwards@coloradocollege.edu).