Emergency Preparedness
In emergency situations, many people with disabilities die or suffer needlessly because of a lack of adequate planning. Following the attacks of September 11, NOD launched the Emergency Preparedness Initiative to help ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are accounted for in emergency preparations, and that all employees are safe at work.
Background
According to the American Red Cross, some 45,000 disasters, man-made and natural, occur in the United States each year. But too few emergency planners have the expertise necessary to ensure that preparations make adequate provisions for disabilities. To address this need, the Emergency Preparedness Initiative has worked with government agencies at all levels to ensure that emergency plans are inclusive and complete.
NOD also conducts training programs to help businesses develop inclusive emergency plans. Whether your business is just starting a workplace emergency program, or if you have a highly developed and integrated emergency operations center, NOD can help you assess your emergency plans and develop protocols that protect all employees. This training and outreach program is delivered by staff experienced in disability and emergency management issues, and can be customized to fit any company’s needs.
Strategy
The Emergency Preparedness Program has two main objectives:
- Ensure that the functional needs of people with disabilities are adequately addressed prior to an emergency, enabling emergency responders to make informed decisions regarding the best use of available resources.
- Ensure that people with disabilities are included in the emergency-planning process at all levels of government and the private sector so they can offer their insights, knowledge, and resourcefulness.
Resources and Reports
Our emergency preparedness resources include:
- Partners in Preparedness Brochure
- Guide for Emergency Planners, Managers and Responders
- Disaster Readiness Tips for People with Disabilities
- Preparing Makes Sense Brochure Series
View emergency preparedness resources.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, NOD deployed teams of disability specialists and first responders to the Gulf Region to assess the situation for people with disabilities; the results of this Special Needs for Katrina Evacuees (SNAKE) assessment were released in two congressional briefings.
