For many people living with disabilities, everyday tasks can require a methodical and layered approach. Questions of building accessibility, reliable transportation and mobility device cooperation can require contingency planning for everyday activities. This added mental load is not simply a result of a diagnosis. It is shaped by environments and systems that are not consistently designed with accessibility or disabled people in mind.
When severe weather strikes, what does this mean for people living with disabilities? Severe weather preparedness can include additional considerations, such as access to power for medical equipment, accessible transportation and shelter options, and maintaining essential supplies.
Rachel Cowan, Ph.D., project director for the University of Alabama at Birmingham Spinal Cord Injury Model System and associate professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, offers several tips for those living with disabilities and their loved ones to consider when preparing for severe weather.
Set alerts
Time is of the essence when planning for severe weather. Receiving advanced notifications can help ensure there is enough time to prepare.
Cowan, a quadriplegic wheelchair user herself, suggests setting up alerts for weather updates, because knowing when to evacuate or shelter in place down to the second can make a big difference.
“I get alerts via app notifications, texts and email,” Cowan said. “I also signed up for my local EMA alerts and pay attention to the weather forecast in the spring and fall when tornadoes are most likely.”
For those with a smartphone, make sure weather alerts are enabled. Most phones receive wireless emergency alerts; however, signing up for the local county’s Emergency Management Agency and downloading the FEMA app for notifications, preparedness guidance and recovery assistance are all great resources.
Cowan says it is optimal to have a battery-powered or hand crank NOAA weather radio with a tone alert in the event of power, internet and cell service outages.
Stock up and prepare devices
Whether a storm forces an evacuation or sheltering in place, it is good to have an emergency kit stocked with essentials. Ready.gov provides a list of items like water, non-perishable food, flashlights and extra batteries. The list, while important, can be lengthy, and does not include additional items and medical supplies a person with a disability may need.
For a shortcut, purchase a prepackaged emergency kit. The Red Cross and other companies sell kits suitable for one person or an entire family. Then focus time and energy on adding personal necessities like medical, urological and skin care supplies.
Many insurance providers allow patients to receive 90-day supplies of medications and durable medical equipment products. This strategy may allow more medication to be available if you are displaced or unable to reach a pharmacy.
When severe weather is forecast, it is important to ensure essential devices are charged and in working order. This may include phones, tablets, power banks, mobility devices and medical equipment.
Running a quick maintenance check can prevent untimely issues.
Air up wheelchair tires and check for any loose parts. For those not equipped to perform wheelchair or equipment maintenance, a local DME provider can assist at a scheduled service appointment.
Plan ahead with support
In a 2011 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems UAB research study, 51 percent of wheelchair users with SCI reported relying on assistance to evacuate their home, and 63 percent reported requiring assistance in evacuating their town.
“Whether you live alone or with others, communicate with a neighbor, care partner or local friend about your plan and clarify their role,” Cowan said.
Cowan suggests having a small stash of medical supplies at someone else’s house in case of damage to home or urgent evacuation is needed.
“I also keep a basic wheelchair toolkit in my car or backpack, and know friends with tools who can help if needed,” Cowan said.
Know where to go
In advance of severe weather, decide where to shelter during a storm. The interior part of a basement is usually the safest part of a home; but in homes without a basement or if it is inaccessible, an inside room without windows on the lowest floor is the safest option. For those who live alone, consider asking someone to stay over in case an evacuation is needed when severe weather is expected.
Cowan, who stays in her wheelchair until the threat has passed even if it is late, says that, for those living with disabilities who plan to shelter in place at home, sometimes the inconvenience can be a time saver.
“I don’t like it, but for me it is a better choice than trying to get out of bed quickly and to my safe space,” Cowan said.
In homes that lack accessible space, a community storm shelter may be a better option. While the Americans with Disabilities Act requires community storm shelters to be accessible, it is still best to call ahead to make sure the location will meet any specific needs.
Starting a plan of action now and building over time can help those living with a disability stay safe, supported and informed when it matters most.