IS IT HOT ENOUGH FOR YOU? JUST WAIT, IT WILL BE.
People with disabilities face heightened risks during extreme heat as certain conditions and medications interfere with the body’s natural ability to cool itself.
Effective preparedness involves creating a personalized emergency plan, securing backup power sources for vital medical equipment, and mapping accessible cooling centers in your area.
Here’s Some Things You Can Do
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Personal & Medical Planning
- Consult your doctor: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of your medications or conditions affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature (e.g., spinal cord injuries, certain psychiatric medications, diabetes and more).
- Medication stockpiling: If possible have an extra 7-day supply of essential medications in case you need to evacuate or travel to a cooler location.
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Power & Equipment Contingencies
- Consult With Your Power Company: Contact your local power utility company or municipality to request to be put on a priority power restoration list with emergency notifications, so that your local power company can notify you as to the status of the power outage and the estimated restoration time.
- Backup power: If your life-sustaining equipment relies on electricity (e.g., CPAP, ventilators, power wheelchairs), establish a backup power plan. Keep spare batteries and portable chargers on hand, unless your home has a generator.
- Mobility tools: Ensure that your emergency go kit contains mobility aids and has spare tires, pumps, or repair kits.
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Environmental & Cooling Strategies
- Identify Cooling Centers: In preparation for a heat emergency locate nearby air-conditioned public spaces such as libraries, shopping malls, or community centers. You can dial 2-1-1 or use your Red Cross Shelter Locator to find one fast.
- Home modifications: During a heat wave close shades and curtains during the day to block out solar heat, and prepare easy-to-use cooling items like chemical ice packs, damp towels, and spray bottles.
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Emergency Support Network
- Build a communication plan: Identify 2-3 trusted individuals (family, neighbors, or care providers) who will check on you during extreme heat events.
- Accessibility-focused alerts: Ensure that you sign up for emergency alerts from your county or state officials in a format that works for your needs (e.g., TTY devices, text messages, or email).
For resources tailored to your specific needs, check out the following resources:
https://www.ready.gov/disability-toolkit
https://www.cdc.gov/disability-emergency-preparedness/people-with-disabilities/index.html
