Emergency Preparedness Campaign For People with Disabilities, Case Managers and Direct Service Providers Self Determination Conference November 9, 2011 Michael Steinhauer Dane County Emergency Management Emergency Planning Coordinator Russell King Dane County Emergency Management Special Populations Unit

Today’s Purpose To explain the importance of personal preparedness before an emergency To explain the 4 phases of emergencies and how it relates to self-determination and emergency preparedness To identify what role you as individuals have in working with emergency responders and manager planners

Defining Special Needs Populations Any individual, group, or community whose physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, cultural, ethnic, socio-economic status, language, or any other circumstance that creates barriers to understanding or the ability to act/react in the manner in which the general population has been requested to proceed. We think functional challenges, not diagnostic categories

WHY PREPARE? REALITY CHECKS: 46 percent of people with disabilities say they do not know whom to contact about emergency plans for their community in the event of a crisis.

REALITY CHECK 53 percent of people with disabilities say that they have not made plans to quickly and safely evacuate their home or know who to contact for assistance with preparing.

Only 20 percent of emergency managers have specific guidelines to assist people with mobility impairments during emergencies

57 percent of emergency managers do not know how many people with mobility impairments live in their jurisdiction

REALITY CHECK Many people with disabilities in New Orleans were evacuated without their medicine, medical equipment, wheelchairs or guide animals.

2003 California Wildfires: many were unable to see approaching danger or hear announcements to evacuate. There was a lack of transportation for those unable to drive. Emergency telephones at evacuation sites were not equipped for people who were deaf, and were not within reach of people in wheelchairs. Reality Check

Emergency planning is now learning to serve people with disabilities. Whole community approach: the more we know about all people in our communities, the better we can meet our obligations for their reasonable accommodations as well as their medical and personal needs. Lessons Learned

Americans With Disabilities Act Requirements (and many other related Acts and Statutes) State/Local Legal Authority: licensure, certification, accreditation, county contracts, HMO contracts, etc. Confidentiality Issues (should not be an excuse for lack of planning!) Liability Issues Legal Basis for Emergency Planning Around Special Populations

Public Health Emergency Management Human Services Planning for at-risk populations Collaboration is Key Emergency ManagementPublic Health Human Services Planning for at-risk Populations You the Consumer

Recent emergencies and disasters have increased awareness of weaknesses in our planning for and responding to the needs of special needs populations. This awareness has prompted a sharp increase in the body of knowledge on the science of effective emergency management for these populations. As a part of the overall planning strategy people with special accomodation needs are encouraged to understand how they can GIVE THEMSELVES A BETTER CHANCE

Emergency Phase 1 MITIGATION Meaning: The action of lessening in severity or intensity. We mitigate the hazard, not people. There is a Better Way!

MITIGATION Examples: Buying flood insurance Landscape around the home Cut overhanging trees Improve infrastructure Evaluate shelter accessibility in your community There is a Better Way!

Emergency Phase 2 PREPAREDNESS Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods Evacuation Planning on a Personal Level Program Advocacy at the County Level Organizations (COOP) There is a Better Way!

Emergency Phase 2: COOP Continuity of Operations Planning for Organizations: Identifying your Role and Contribution During an Emergency Preparedness for Caregiver and Clients Readying the Physical Office Space (Command Posts, Alternative Work Sites) Providing Resources to the EOC Prioritizing Clients Communications Planning There is a Better Way!

PREPAREDNESS City and County Municipal Planning Activities (Radiologic, Chemical, Weather, Communications, Evacuations, Transporation, Warnings and Sirens Documents, Exercises, Drills) Registries in Some Counties There is a Better Way!

PREPAREDNESS Related to Self Determination Principles Self Determination No One Size Fits All Inclusion in Planning Equal Access Physical Access Effective Communication Program Modification There is a Better Way!

Emergency Phase 3 RESPONSE Evacuation Planning at the Street Level (transportation resources) Use of a Reception Center Meeting Equipment and Staff Needs Sheltering Options There is a Better Way!

RESPONSE Related to Self Determination Principles Integration Equal Access Equal Opportunity There is a Better Way!

Emergency Phase 4 RECOVERY Long Term Recovery Committees Case Management Assistance with FEMA Claims Updated housing, transportation, and service needs after the incident There is a Better Way!

RECOVERY Related to Self Determination Principles No One Size Fits All No charge Effective Communications There is a Better Way!

Take a Break! “ The mind can only absorb what the bottom can endure.” 10 Minutes

PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS Work with your trusted sources so they know your needs and plans: community based organizations that serve your needs, faith based groups, county human service and public health departments, home health agencies and neighborhood groups. Complete a Personal Preparedness Checklist (Many Samples Available) There is a Better Way

Give Yourself a Better Chance! YOU MUST CONSIDER:  How you communicate  How mobile you are  What special equipment you need  What medications you take

Here are some options for planning and tools you can use!

1 ST : Prepare to Stay at Home Pet Safety Plan Healthy Snacks First Aid Supplies

Prepare to Stay at Home Battery Operated Radio, or Weather radio Extra Batteries Flashlights Deck of cards, book or something to do for several hours

2 ND : Prepare your Evacuation Kit Get some supplies for your kit Keep kit near the front door or closet

Prepare Your Evacuation Kit ID Cell Phone Keys A Little Money Names, phone numbers of important contacts

Prepare Your Evacuation Kit Medical Information A Few Days Supply of Medicine Supplies for Your Medical Condition

3 RD : Plan for your Pets Crate or Cage and Leashes Special Diet Food or Pills Identifying Tags Favorite Toy

Here’s a Handy Guide: Emergency Preparedness Cycle

ABOVE ALL Look out for your neighbor. It is the right thing to do!!!

Staying Home for Long Periods How to get ready to evacuate Readying your pets for sheltering outside the home FEMA for Kids Ongoing Community and Self-Education

Michael Steinhauer Dane County Emergency Management Emergency Planning Coordinator Russell King Dane County Emergency Management Special Populations Unit Outreach There is a Better Way Thank you Folks!