Helpful Links for Emergency Preparedness


It is important that people with disabilities or impairments take action and be prepared for disasters. These emergency readiness resources are for people with disabilities and their families and first responders.

Information for People with Disabilities

Hurricanes: American Sign Language (ASL) Videos (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
CDC offers American Sign Language (ASL) public service announcement videos to help deaf and hearing-impaired persons stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane.

Disability and Health: Emergency Preparedness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Muscular Dystrophy Association: Preparing for Emergencies, A Checklist for People with Neuromuscular Diseases (PDF available upon request). The MDA provides a checklist to help people with neuromuscular diseases protect themselves and their family.

Ready.gov: Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Special Needs. Get Ready Now (PDF available upon request).
Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

"Ready Now!" Toolkit (PDF available upon request). The "Ready Now!" toolkit from the Oregon Office on Disability and Health is for people with disabilities and emphasizes independence, allowing each person to address his or her specific needs.*

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs (PDF available upon request). This booklet from FEMA and the American Red Cross helps people with disabilities prepare for all kinds of emergencies.

Information for Emergency Managers, Responders, Service Care Providers to Assist People with Disabilities

Nobody Left Behind
Website provides resources to help personnel in the health, emergency management, response, disaster relief or disabilities fields learn more about preparing for disasters and assistance for people with disabilities.*

Effective Emergency Preparedness Planning for Employers (U.S. Department of Labor)
This website includes resources related to workplace emergency preparedness and the needs of employees with disabilities.