Encouraging Seniors & People with Disabilities to Prepare for Winter
Weather
Cold Weather Tips for Texans with Disabilities and Elderly from FEMA and the
Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities
Attached are resources for preparing for cold weather in Texas. (see below)
Additionally, FEMA has information below on preparation for cold weather for
people with disabilities and the elderly. Please distribute widely to your
friends and neighbors.
FEMA is alerting the elderly and people with disabilities to prepare for
winter weather. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53310 A
few easy steps to prepare for emergencies that might come up include having
backup power for medical equipment and a charged cell phone on hand in case
land lines are disrupted. Visit Ready.gov for more information about
preparing for an emergency and tips on preparing for winter storms and
extreme cold. http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html
FEMA officials urge seniors and people with disabilities to:
* Make prior arrangements with your physician or check with your oxygen
supplier about emergency plans for those on respirators or other electric
powered medical equipment.
* Plan now to have electrical backup for medical equipment.
* Develop a back-up communications plan in case land lines are disrupted by
having a charged cell phone or a pager.
* Maintain a two-week supply of medications, both prescription and
non-prescription.
* Have copies of your medical records, prescriptions and medical needs
readily available.
* Plan now to have accessible transportation in case of evacuation.
* Have contact lenses, extra eyeglasses and batteries for hearing aids ready
to go.
* Include your service animals and pets in your plans.
* Think ahead about neighborhood shelters that can accommodate the needs of
seniors and the disabled.
FEMA also recommends that people with special needs develop and stay in
touch with a nearby network of assistance before winter storms or record
cold move in. It’s important for neighbors, relatives, care attendants,
friends and coworkers to be part of your care and communications circle.
Never depend on one person alone.
Severe winter weather including snow, subfreezing temperatures, strong
winds, ice or even heavy rain requires planning ahead.
FEMA recommends an emergency supply kit that includes:
* A battery or hand crank powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries,
and at minimum a week’s supply of food and water.
* Adequate clothing and blankets for warmth.
* First Aid Supplies.
Finally, it’s important to understand the terms of declining weather and
pending winter storms.
* A winter weather advisory means that cold, ice and snow are expected.
* A winter storm watch means severe weather such as heavy snow or ice is
possible in the next day or two.
* A winter storm warning means that severe winter conditions have begun or
will begin very soon.
Remember that planning ahead, assembling an emergency supply kit, staying
informed and keeping those in your circle informed about you are the best
ways to stay safe through the uncertain days of winter
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure
that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our
capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and
mitigate all hazards.
Download Texans with Disabilities Preparedness for Cold Weather (DOC format)
http://deafnetwork.com/wordpress/download/481/
Download Emergency Preparedness Resources for People with Disabilities (DOC
format)