Storms present real challenge to disabled, elderly

For the millions of Americans who have physical, medical, or other disabilities, hurricanes present a real challenge.

"Individuals with special needs are in the best position to plan for their own safety when disaster strikes, because they know their own personal needs and limitations," said Sandy Coachman, director of the Austin Transitional Recovery Office operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"However, their unique needs may require more detailed planning and involve neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and personal care attendants," continued Coachman.

For those who have special needs and live alone, FEMA suggests the following four steps to prepare for hurricane season.

Get Informed

Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community through your local emergency management coordinator.

Make a Plan

Decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during and after a hurricane.

Consider your needs for daily living, getting around after and evacuating to a safer area.

Organize a network of assistance that includes care attendants, neighbors, friends, relatives and co-workers at home, school, workplace, volunteer site and any other place where you spend a lot of time.

Members of your network should be aware of your capabilities and needs and be able to provide help within minutes.

Assemble a Kit

Disaster kits should be stored in a portable container as close to an exit door as possible.

Special items should be considered as well. Such as:

Extra batteries for hearing aids and wheelchairs;

Food and water for companion animals;

Essential medicines;

List of current prescriptions and medications;

Medical history;

The type and model numbers of medical devices you need and use.

Service animals may become confused and disoriented so confine and harness then.

A leash or harness can also go into your disaster kit.

Maintain Your Plan and

Kit

Discuss the plan with your care attendant and the people in your network.

Review the plan every six months and quiz your assistants ever so often.

Be sure they know how to operate any medical equipment and rotate your food and water supplies.

In an event you choose to use an emergency public shelter keep appropriate licenses for your service animals updated and on person.