Disaster

If an emergency warning is issued via the media, are you ready to deal with such an event? If you are then fine, but if you're like me, oh well, it will never happen to me then please read on. Disabled and elderly people are often more vulnerable than the able-bodied for several reasons, the first is that they are normally slower in their actions and movements which in themselves could constitute a danger. Make sure your neighbours or fellow workers are fully aware of your mobility problems and instruct them accordingly. If you need to be carried then ensure that others know how to lift and carry you and arrange for any specialised transport to be available to take you away from a potential disaster scene if necessary. If you are a wheelchair or scooter user, this mode of transport may not be able to be used in certain circumstances and therefore knowing how to lift and carry could be a life-saving necessity. Secondly prepare an emergency escape response plan particularly if you live or work on a level above ground level and even then include it in your escape plans to cope with all circumstances. Know where exit doors and fire escapes are located. Read any fire instructions and know where the nearest fire alarm, extinguisher and hose reels are located.

Next, identity how you will contact each other and who will take what action in emergencies. Always be aware exactly where you are at any time because people coming to assist you will require to know quickly rather than spend time searching for you, remember you may be unconscious due to your medical condition or medication causing drowsy and sleepy symptoms. Your name or number on your office, apartment or house doors will help others quickly identify where you are. Leave keys with trustworthy people for access in times of emergency. If possible keep an 'emergency medication kit' containing samples of all your medication particularly items such as Prednisolone, Warfarin, Pain killers, injections and similar medication which are essential items of medication in an accessible position for you or others to collection during evacuation. If you are hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired make sure your fellow workers and neighbours are fully aware of this as you may not see or hear emergency warnings such as sirens and radio announcements or flashing lights and therefore be totally unaware of impending disaster. Organise a plan about how to inform the impaired person of an oncoming disaster. Guide dogs could become confused or disoriented in a disaster and people who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them as well as their dog to safety during disaster and ensure the guide dog stays with its owner all the time to maintain calmness and familiarity for both the dog and its owner. Finally ensure oxygen and respiratory equipment is available to people with respiratory illnesses and that very individualized medication for people suffering from Epilepsy, Parkinson's Disease and other conditions is included in the 'emergency medication kit' as any interruption in these kinds of medical regimes can be very serous for the patients. In large-scale disasters and emergency conditions, such medication may not be readily available.

Much or all of this information may not be able to be communicated in such times due to impairments, disorientation or confusion so be pre-paired for such eventualities. Practise evacuation at least once a year and update preparations such as change of location or address, update medication and dosages and diagnoses.

Mobile phone's could be essential in such circumstances, if you can afford one then purchase a 'pay as you go' system mobile so that you can be contacted and you can contact others. REMEMBER: you could be trapped; mobile communication could lead rescuers straight to you.

By the Marquis de Derval et de Moisdon