HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
HEALTH & WELLNESS CORNER
BRUCE BLITMAN LISA MATH
Seeking Shelter From the Storms: A Conversation About Disaster Planning for Families With Special Needs
With hurricane season rapidly approaching, Lisa and Bruce met recently to talk about ways in which we can help individuals with special needs and their families prepare for emergencies which might arise in their communities. Many of the Bar’ s members are likely familiar with the special needs trust administration services offered by Family Network on Disabilities. In addition to trust services, FND offers many programs, free of charge, to assist persons with disabilities and their families. More information about all of FND’ s services and programs is available at www. fndusa. org. Here is Lisa and Bruce’ s conversation:
Bruce: Lisa, many thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and expertise on this important subject with us. First, can you please tell us a little about the Family Network on Disabilities and The Family Star Program?
Lisa: Thank you, Bruce, for the opportunity to share about this topic which is vital for the safety of those with special needs and disabilities. FND is a 40-year-old non-profit that supports families throughout the state with children with disabilities from birth to age 26, along with the professionals who serve them. The Family STAR program is funded by the US Dept. of Health, and we support, train, and educate communities at no charge.
Bruce: Where do families begin in planning for disasters?
Lisa: A disaster plan can save your life. Create a list of items for the supply kit to either purchase or gather from what you have. Check your insurance coverage. Prepare your property. Make an emergency contact list. Review your evacuation plan( know your zone). Ask yourself: How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my shelter plan? What special dietary needs do my family members have?
Bruce: What should families consider when planning for a family member with special needs?
Lisa: Keep in mind some of these factors when developing your disaster plan as each of these situations require special attention and planning: different ages of members within your household, dietary needs( kosher, celiac, dairy free, nut free), medical needs including prescriptions and equipment, religious considerations, pets or service animals, and young children.
Bruce: Are there special arrangements needed for disaster planning for special populations?
Lisa: There are several registries and lists made available in states and counties prior to a disaster event. Here are two that are unique and require pre-registration: A " Special Needs Registry " is one for individuals with disabilities or special medical needs to register with their local emergency management agency to receive assistance during a disaster. There is a“ stay put” option for those who don’ t, or can’ t, leave their homes. This allows responders to plan for the specific needs of registered individuals during evacuations, for shelter planning, and for after an event.
The second is the“ The Vulnerable Population Registry”. This is a tool that local municipalities can use to help evaluate needs in their communities and assist in planning a response to an emergency. You should pre-register in the Vulnerable Population Registry in your area if you are at risk due to a disability, frailty or a health issue, regardless of age, AND you elect to stay at home in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.
Bruce: Tell us about Special Needs Shelters.
Lisa: A Special Needs Shelter is for people who have special needs according to the definition in your state’ s Administrative
Code. Eligibility criteria you would need to meet to stay in a special needs shelter include: you are a person with special medical needs, your care exceeds basic attention provided at general population shelters, and your impairments are medically stable and do not exceed the capacity, staffing and equipment of the special needs shelter.
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