COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Office of Aging and Disability Services attracted a packed house for their presentation on emergency preparedness. Aimed at providing information for the disabled and those who serve individuals with disabilities, the message was equally relevant to all county residents – be prepared.
The county Public Safety Training Center was an appropriate site for a two hour training workshop intended to help residents prepare for the times when disaster strikes. With Sandy still a very vivid memory and the constant barrage of news about dangerous weather patterns, toxic spills, and out of control fires occurring across the nation, the session attracted a full house.
A great deal of specific information was provided but the basic message is simple, intuitive and logical. Make a plan ahead of time, have a “Go” bag ready and establish your support group. For individuals with disabilities there is the added task of striking the right balance between a desire for privacy and independence on the one hand and the need for sharing information about specific needs in order to prepare others to help in an emergency.
Disasters can take many forms, and the anxiety and emotional distress they create make it all the more important to develop a plan ahead of time when thinking is clear and time is not pressing. The plan is both general and highly personal. It starts with understanding yourself and your needs in a candid and open way. It is especially important for those with disabilities to examine all the aspects of daily life and the various things, routines, medications and people upon which you depend in some way to complete life activities. Plan for when and how to evacuate in an emergency and what needs to be taken with you. Consider family and networks of friends when thinking of options along with knowledge of local shelters. Drawing a plan can be a process of self-examination – the fundamental question being “who am I” and what do I need?
The presentation, led by Colleen Roche, who is affiliated with the State of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services, stressed repeatedly that individuals need to build scenarios in which they consider the impact of loss of communication tools, power, normal transportation options and the many other likely disruptions that accompany disasters. Plans should be on paper so they are independent of the operation of electronic devices that may depend on cell service or electrical power. Pets are another significant consideration. Shelters will accept official service animals, but rules regarding pets vary and knowing how your local area is prepared for handling pets may be important.
The plan may also require coordination with others. Registering with local and state databases gives first responders and other emergency personnel the information that may need to effectively respond to specific medical or functional needs. Establishing a support group at home or work may be required if self examination makes clear that special assistance will be needed in a disaster. The planning process, whether or not it involves a person with disabilities, is an in depth and honest look at how you should best respond to an emergency, and it is most effectively done ahead of time while no emergency exists.
With a plan in hand, the “Go” bag becomes important. Think of it as an emergency kit designed by you to help get through the first few days of dislocation in a disaster. The bag includes the things you need and are not certain to find immediately at an alternate location. This can include medications, important documents, cell phone charger, cash, special equipment for dealing with a medical problem or disability, required batteries, a flashlight and similar things based on your plan. The bag should be packed and readily accessible.
The temptation is strong for many individuals with special needs to ride out a storm or other major threat in place because of the difficulties and uncertainties involved in evacuation. Donna Groome, executive director of the County’s Department of Aging and Disability Services, urged that mandatory evacuation orders be strictly observed and that individuals give careful consideration to their best assurances of safety when confronted by voluntary notices of evacuation. Functional or heath related limitations should not be the reason individuals assume risks by making ill-advised decisions to remain in an emergency situation. Assistance will be available, but it is incumbent on individuals to plan ahead and be prepared to help others help them.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.
Villas – Don't kid yourself. Those "Nobel" prize people are as political as you can get. Wise up!
