Emergency plans for persons with disabilities

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Emergency preparedness

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. Everyone is encouraged to prepare for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, while emergency workers focus on those in urgent need. The City of Ottawa has additional information on what to do before, during and after an emergency on its Emergency preparedness page.  

While disasters and emergencies affect everyone, the impact can be more difficult for people with disabilities who can be affected by factors such as reliance on electrical power, elevators, accessible transportation and accessible communication – all of which can be compromised during an emergency. 

An emergency preparedness kit for persons with disabilities will help ensure everyone's needs are provided for in the event of an emergency when regular sources of assistance can be interrupted. Making one is easy, inexpensive, and quick - and it can make all the difference. 

Your emergency preparedness kit for persons with disabilities should contain adequate supplies to keep you and your family self-sufficient in your home for at least three days. 

Prepare an emergency preparedness kit for all family members with disabilities. Assemble the supplies in an easy-to-carry container and store it in an easy-to-find location in your home. 

Emergency preparedness kit

Your kit should contain: 

  • For adults/older adults: prescribed medication(s); extra batteries for personal care equipment; oxygen; catheters; dentures; eyeglasses; hearing aids; batteries; copies of prescriptions; small container for storing used syringes/needles (if applicable). 

  • For persons using a mobility device: tire patch kit; can of seal-in-air product (to repair flat tires); spare battery; a lightweight, manual wheelchair as backup. 

  • For service animals: enough food and bottled water for three days; portable water and food bowls; prescribed medication(s); medical/ vaccination records; leash, collar and updated ID tags; plastic toys; plastic bags; bandages (a dog’s paws could get cut on rough terrain); a recent photo in case they get separated from you; name of the animal’s training centre and qualifying number (for identification purposes) 

Recommended additional items:

  • Non-perishable food appropriate to your dietary restrictions 

  • Extra prescription eyewear and footwear (if required) 

  • Extra supply of medications and vitamin supplements 

  • A list of all your needed medical supplies and disability equipment 

  • Copies of all medication prescriptions 

  • Extra dentures (if required) and cleaner 

  • Latex-free gloves (for anyone providing personal care to you) 

Emergency kit assembly tips to consider: 

  • Make sure all your emergency kit items are organized in one place and are easy to find and to carry. 

  • Create an emergency contact list identifying your personal support network, including physicians, case worker, a contact from a seniors group, neighbours and/or your building superintendent. Keep a copy of this list in your emergency kit and on your person. 

  • Label your assistive equipment, including instructions on how to use and/or move each assistive device during an emergency. 

  • If you have food / drug allergies, wear a MedicAlert bracelet. 

  • If you rely on any life-sustaining equipment or if you require regular attendant care, ask your network to check on you immediately if an emergency occurs and have an emergency backup plan in the event of a power outage. 

  • Carry a personal alarm that emits a loud noise to draw attention 

For more information on emergency preparedness, call 3-1-1, TTY: 613-580-2401 or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service (VRS).