EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AWARNESS PROGRAM

EPAP is a program aimed at making our consumers self prepared and aware of steps they can take to be ready in case of an emergency.   Some important steps you can do to prepare for the unexpected are assemble an emergency supply kit, make an emergency plan and store important documents in a safe, waterproof location.  Being prepared is the same, regardless the type of emergency.

One important aspect of preparing for an emergency is being able to access your important personal information and having your information readily available to take with you when needed.

 As part of EPAP, MOCEANS offers its consumer a service in which we scan any information that the consumer deems important onto a flash drive.  Of course, all information is kept strictly confidential in accordance with HIPAAs’ Privacy Laws, as well as the standard operating procedures of all centers for independent living.

Suggested information to have scanned onto a flash drive is:

• List of emergency contacts (family, friends, doctors, etc.)
• Medication (type, dosage, usage, etc.)
• Cards (social security, medicaid, medicare, medical insurance, etc.)
• Licenses (driver, marriage, dog, etc.)
• Certificates (birth, death, wills, etc.)
• Insurances (life, car, homeowners, renters, etc.)
• Registrations (voter’s, vehicle, etc.)
• Titles/Deeds (home, car, boat, etc.)
• Appraisals (jewelry, coin or stamp collections, etc.)
• Equipment Info (wheelchair/hearing aid battery, pacemaker, oxygen, etc.)
• Account Info (bank, charge cards, etc.)

Once information is scan, MOCEANS will update any information upon request.  If you are a MOCEANS member, we will provide you with the flash drive as part of your membership support.

REGISTER READY

Is a free, voluntary and confidential program designed to assist people with special needs during emergencies and disasters.  Offered in six counties (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem) by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the program works in collaboration with county and local emergency professionals and community organizations to connect networks of first responders to people with special needs in emergency situations.

MOCEANS is proud to collaborate with Monmouth and Ocean Counties by being a registering agent for the program.  The system relies on the active role of individuals to self register and provides relevant information that first responders can use in an emergency.  Not only will emergency responders know where you are in case of evacuation but they will also be able to identify individuals with special needs in isolated emergencies such as loss of electricity for people that require electric for any medical devices.

For more information contact Sheryl Griffin at (732) 571-4884 or email Sheryl Griffin. You may write, call or go directly to the website of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in your county. 

PREPARING MAKES SENSE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS

While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies from fires and floods to potential terrorist attacks.  By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your family can be better prepared.

The following information offers a basic foundation for individuals with disabilities, special needs and their caregivers can take to start preparing for emergencies before it happens.

1.    Get A Kit Of Emergency Supplies

Think first about the basics for survival for at least three (3) days– food, water, clean air and any life-sustaining items such as medications you require.  You may want to consider two kits, one kit for remaining at home and another lightweight kit if you have to leave your home.
 

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
• Food, non-perishable food and a can opener for canned foods.
• Medications and medical supplies
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet
• Battery powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries
• Important documents

2.     Make A Plan For What You Will Do In An Emgergency

Think about the details of your daily life.  In a disaster situation you will likely not have access to everyday conveniences.  Therefore, for every aspect of your daily routine plan an alternative procedure and write it down.
 

• What modes of transportation you use and what alternative modes of could serve as back-ups.  If you require accessible transportation be sure your alternatives are also accessible.
• If you require aids specific to your disability, plan how you would cope without them.  For example, if you use a communication device, mobility aid, or rely on a service animal, what will you do if these are not available?  If you are dependent on life-sustaining equipment or treatment such s a dialysis machine, find out the location and availability of more than one facility.
• Create a personal support network.  If you need assistance during a disaster, make a list of family, friends and others who will be part of your plan.  Talk to these people and ask them to be part of your support network and share each aspect of your emergency plan with everyone in your support network.
• Develop a family communications plan.  Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.  Consider a plan where each family member calls or e-mails the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency.  If your immediate family is within the disaster area, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out of town contact may be better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Deciding to Stay or Go.  Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the decision to stay or go depends on the use of common sense and available information of the situation.  Monitor television or radio news reports for information or official instructions as they become available.  If you’re told to evacuate or seek medical treatment, do so immediately.
• Consider your service animal or pet.  Whether you decide to stay put or evacuate to a safer location in an emergency, you will need to make plans for your animal.  Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what’s best for your animals.  If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if possible.  However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that by law only service animals must be allowed inside, not pets.

3.    Be Informed About What Might Happen in Certain Types of Emergencies

It’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your area.  For more information about specific types of emergencies, visit www.ready.gov.

Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene.  Above all stay calm, be patient and think before you act.  With these simple preparations, you can be ready for any emergency, big or small.

This information was developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with AARP, the American Red Cross and the National Organization on Disability.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

NJCDD Disaster Preparation Seminars Kit and Guidebook Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities
Contact Jane Dunhamn or Frank Latham, (609) 292-3745 and visit the website, http://www.njcdd.org
 
New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJ OEM)
 
Disability Preparedness
 
Inclusive Preparedness Center
 
Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities U.S. Department of Transportation