Checklist of Things To Have, To Know, and To Do

The following suggestions/tips are offered in no particular order:

• Conduct an ability self-assessment
• Collect "carry-with-you" supplies to keep with you at all times
• Collect disability-related supplies for emergency kits
• Maintain a 7-day supply of essential medications
• Keep important equipment and assistive devices in a consistent, convenient and secured place
• Write out instructions for things you will need help with in an emergency
• Customize an emergency health information card - include name, address, phone #, blood type, physicians names and telephone #s, medications, allergies, equipment needs, communication needs, insurance carrier & ID #, emergency contacts, etc. - Keep copies in wallet, purse, and emergency supply kits
• Make an emergency contact list
• Establish a personal support network
• Make arrangements, prior to an emergency, for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster
• Make copies of important keys for your support network
• Show your support network where you have your emergency supplies and important equipment and assistive devices
• Notify your support network when you are going out of town and when you will return. And have them do the same.
• Keep emergency documents in a consistent, convenient and secured place
• Make copies of important documents and give to your support network
• If you have pets and/or service animals, don't forget to make plans for them as well. They will also need food and supplies in an emergency.

For more detailed information on what to have in your emergency kits, how to organize your information/important documents, etc., click here.