Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Emergency and disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. Colorado College expects faculty, staff, students and guests to take steps on their own to prepare for these events. General preparedness guidelines may not apply in every emergency; Colorado College expects faculty, staff, students and guests to integrate their own preparedness activities with the circumstances of the emergency.
- Be positive and realistic during emergencies
- Recognize that you will be on your own for the first few minutes or hours of an emergency
- Realize that your actions can, and will, make a difference
- Try to do the most good for the most people during any emergency
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 and better able to recover. Preparing makes sense for people with disabilities and special needs.
Actions to Consider
- Ask several reliable people in your classes and residence halls to assist you in case of emergency and instruct them in the best way to do so.
- Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Contact Security and the Office of Disability Services to make arrangements for apprising them about where you live and take classes.
- Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.
- If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one treatment facility.
- Show others how to operate your assistive devices, if applicable.
- 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.
- Be prepared to give instructions to those assisting you in an emergency regarding your needs, such as: "I can manage steps independently. Carry my other crutch and walk in front of me."
See our advice on Personal Preparedness, also.
Find more advice for preparedness for people with disabilities here, provided by www.ready.gov.
Find a brochure on preparedness for people with disabilities here, provided by www.ready.gov.