During a disaster or emergency, people with disabilities often have more things to think about to plan for their needs. They may need to find a shelter that is accessible or bring batteries or chargers for communication devices and assistive technology. It may be harder for them to evacuate. Planning ahead saves lives.
If you have a disability or care for someone who does, you can take steps to prepare for emergencies.
If you are a government organization or work in emergency management, you need to plan for how your agency will support people with disabilities.
U.S. Census Bureau data shows that after disasters, people with disabilities are more likely to: Be displaced, Never return home, and Receive scam offers. To learn more, read the article "Disability amid disaster: People with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters."
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) has new resources that talk about protections for people across the State, including those with disabilities. Through new fact sheets and trainings, they are letting Californians know about their rights and to report discrimination. These resources include: New sessions of CRD's Civil Rights 101 webinar series. In-depth guidance on...
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has a new fact sheet, Storm Season Safety: Considerations for People with Access and Functional Needs. It talks about what tools and resources people with access and functional needs (AFN) should have to help them stay safe this winter. Individuals with AFN include people with disabilities, older...
