Emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities

Emergencies can have a higher impact on persons with disabilities For example, a power outage can affect elevators, accessible transportation and accessible communication. Learn how to prepare and how you can help people with disabilities in case of an emergency.

On this page

• Personal support networks
• Before an emergency
• During an emergency
• How to assist persons with disabilities

Personal support networks

Create a personal support network in advance. Include at least three people you trust, who would likely be available to help you during an emergency.

• Ask multiple people in your neighbourhood, workplace or school
  • It's important to have neighbours in your personal support network since they are nearby and can reach you quickly in an emergency
  • Choose an additional contact who lives elsewhere and may not be affected by the same emergency
• Inform your support network of:
  • How you need to be supported during an emergency
  • Where your emergency kit is located
  • Your emergency plan, and practise it together
• Give one member of your personal support network a key to your home
• Show them how your medical equipment works

Before an emergency

Emergency plan

Create an emergency plan that considers your specific needs, in addition to other members in your household.

• List all food and drug allergies, and current medications
  • For each medication, specify the medical condition being treated, the generic drug name, dosage, frequency, and the name and contact information of the prescribing physician
• Identify emergency contacts including some people who are aware of your disabilities
• Provide instructions on how to use and move assistive devices
  • Label all of your equipment with your name
• If you have medical equipment that requires power, consider alternate power sources in the event of a power outage
• Provide copies of your emergency plan to your personal support network
• Review your emergency plan annually and update as needed

If you use a wheelchair or scooter

• Request for an evacuation chair near stairwells
• Designate emergency contacts to assist during evacuations
• Choose evacuation shelters that are wheelchair accessible
• Prepare key items like a tire patch kit, spare battery, working gloves and manual wheelchair

Persons with invisible disabilities

• Prepare a personal list of instructions that explains your needs, medications and what helps you during emergencies
• Have an emergency contact list, medical records, medications and dietary-specific supplies ready
• Consider:
  • wearing a medical identification device so that responders can quickly understand your health needs
  • installing panic push-buttons in key areas to signal for help

Persons with hearing loss

• Have tools with you at all times to help you communicate, such as:
  • pads and pencils
  • visual alarms
  • pre-written emergency phrases
  • portable notification devices
• Prepare your assistive hearing equipment with extra batteries

Persons with vision loss

• Plan evacuation routes in advance
• Prepare emergency supplies labeled with tactile markers or braille
• Have additional aids to safely move around obstacles:
  • extra glasses
  • vision-assistive devices

Emergency kits

In an emergency you will need some basic supplies. These items may not apply to every situation or every person. Refer to the additional recommended items and select them according to your own needs.

Build your emergency kit:

• Include a printed copy of your emergency plan in your kit
• Print a list of all food and drug allergies and include it in your kit
• Include any current medications, particularly if they are life-saving
  • If you take restricted medications or those administered by a health professional, talk to your doctor about how to prepare
• Consider any assistive devices you rely on
• Make your kit easy to find and carry
• Check your kit annually and replace any expired supplies

During an emergency

Experiencing an emergency can be overwhelming. Remember that stress can worsen some medical conditions.

• Call 9-1-1 if you are in danger or unable to evacuate
• If you use life sustaining equipment or need regular attendant care, ask someone to check on you right away
• If your network isn't available, ask others around you for assistance as needed
• Direct those assisting you to your emergency plan so they have access to critical information about your needs

How to assist persons with disabilities

• Unless it's a life-threatening situation, don't touch:
  • the person
  • a service animal
  • any equipment
• Ask if the person wants your help and how you can assist
• If someone refuses your help in a life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1
• Follow instructions posted on assistive equipment and devices
• Wear latex-free gloves to prevent viral infections or allergic reactions
• Offer to help check for injuries if the person has reduced bodily sensation

Supporting persons with service animals

If the person has a service animal, assess whether it's safe for the animal to work through the emergency situation.

• Assess the specific hazard or emergency
• Look for changes to the physical environment
• Service animals providing sighted assistance may be working or off duty during different types of emergencies. Communicate whether the animal is working or not to first responders. Visit emergency preparedness for pets and service animals