ADVOCACY

What is Emergency Preparedness?

The term "Emergency management planning and preparedness" can cover a wide variety of topics like emergency, risk, disaster, and hazard management as well as civil defense and protection. An "emergency" is defined as an exceptional event that exceeds the capacity of normal resources and organization to cope. All emergencies are by definition dangerous, which means that the potential loss of life is involved. Four levels of emergency can be identified as follows: (Alexander 2002)

1. Routine Dispatch Problem—the most minor of emergencies, involving first responders;
2. Incident—any emergency a jurisdiction can handle without needing to call in outside help;
3. Disaster—also called a catastrophe, an incident involving substantial destruction and mass casualty;
4. National (or International) Disaster—a disaster of substantial magnitude and seriousness.

Being prepared for an emergency is crucial for you and your family, in your home, in your place of business or your school and throughout your community.

Experts, including the American Red Cross, say that being prepared for an emergency takes planning, foresight, cooperation, and diligence. They say, "Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed."

For people with disabilities, proper planning could be lifesaving. It is essential for people with disabilities, their families and support system prepare carefully based on their unique needs.

For specific information on how to prepare, go to the Resources.

Emergency Preparedness—The mission of the Institute on Disabilities

The mission of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University with regard to Emergency Preparedness:

To develop and execute research, create programs, disseminate information, and deliver services and training to, with and for people with disabilities about emergency preparedness in the home, work, and community.

The Institute's Emergency Preparedness program will reach out to and, collaborate with, local communities, the city of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as national organizations to provide information and services to make an impact on the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities, families and support system.

 Emergency Preparedness Brochure - Download this useful and easy-to-read brochure about Emergency Preparedness for Pennsylvanians.
Download Emergency Preparedness Brochure (PDF)

NOTE: If you are a group, agency or any entity that would like to customize the Emergency Preparedness brochure for your area/state, contact us and we will send you the file in the format that you need.
 Download Sample Customizable Emergency Preparedness Brochure (PDF)

Adobe Reader for PDFs - get Adobe Reader for PDF

Communication Aids in Case of Emergency

The Institute on Disabilities has created and is now offering to the public communication aids to be used by people with communication disabilities and by people who do not speak English during an emergency. Designed for people with disabilities as well as emergency shelter workers and first responders, these aids can be downloaded FREE.

More information about the Emergency Communication 4 ALL Aids.

News and Resources

• American Red Cross
  www.redcross.org
• An ADA Guide for Local Governments - Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities
  www.ada.gov
  www.ada.gov/emergencyprep.htm
• NOAA Weather Radio
  www.nssl.noaa.gov/edu/safety/specialneeds.html (general info)
  www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/special_need.htm (deaf and hard of hearing)
  
• The Access to Emergency Alerts project (WBGH/NCAM)
  http://ncam.wgbh.org/alerts
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  www.ready.gov 800-BE READY (voice)
  800-464-6161 (TTY)
• Easter Seals (s.a.f.e.t.y. First program)
  www.easter-seals.org 800-221-6827 (voice)
  312-726-4258 (TTY)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
  www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/specialplans.shtm 800-480-2520 (voice)
  
  FEMA includes on its website frequently asked questions about seeking aid after a natural disaster. The questions are answered in American Sign Language, open captioning and audio. www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6347
• Humane Society of the U.S. (Disaster Center)
  www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center 202-452-1100 (voice)
• National Organization on Disability
  www.nod.org/emergency 202-293-5960 (voice)
  202-293-5968 (TTY)
• National Spinal Cord Research Association Resource Center on Emergency Preparedness
  www.spinalcord.org 800-962-9629 (voice)
• Center for Disability Issues and the Health Profession, Western University of Health Sciences
  Email: evac@westernu.edu 909-469-5380 (voice)
  909-469-5520 (TTY).
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  www.ready.gov 800-BE READY (voice)
  800-464-6161 (TTY)
• U.S. Fire Administration
  www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/atrisk 301-447-1000 (voice)
• United Spinal Association
  www.unitedspinal.org 718-803-3782 (voice)
• The Center For An Accessible Society
  www.accessiblesociety.org
• Disability Preparedness Resource Center
  www.disability.gov/emergency_preparedness This disability preparedness web site provides practical information on how people with and without disabilities can prepare for an emergency. It also provides information for family members of, and service providers to, people with disabilities. In addition, it includes information for emergency planners and first responders to help them to better prepare for serving persons with disabilities.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Disabilities/Limitations
  www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/disable.htm
• The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities
  www.advocacycenter.org/
• Independent Living Research Utilization
  www.ilru.org
  www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/florida.html Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are private, nonprofit corporations that provide services to maximize the independence of individuals with disabilities and the accessibility of the communities where they live.
• U.S. Department of Justice: Accessibility of State and Local Government Websites to People with Disabilities
  http://www.ada.gov/websites2.htm

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