Advice for people living with a disability
If you have a disability or any requirements that may put you at greater risk in an emergency, follow these steps to get ready. In an emergency, civil defence and emergency services will be busy helping the people who need them most. It’s up to you to get ready.
Talk about how an emergency could affect you
Talk to your household and your support network about:
- the types of supplies you might need, (including medical and food supplies)
- the support you might need
- where you will go if you can’t get home.
Make a plan
Make a plan to get through an emergency. You should decide what you will be able to do for yourself and what help you may need before, during and after an emergency. An emergency can change your ability to deal with your environment. It's important you plan for your lowest level of functioning. Make a plan
Build a personal support network
Build a support team of people who will help you in an emergency, before you need them. In an emergency, you may need to ask for help to do the things you usually do independently. The first people to help in an emergency are often your neighbours, friends, caregivers and co-workers. Get to know your neighbours
Make sure you have any supplies you may need
In an emergency, roads and shops could be closed for days. Make sure you have supplies, medication and food, for at least three days.
- If you need to refrigerate your medical supplies, make sure you have an alternative power supply or refrigeration system.
- Work out what supplies you will need for three days or more, including at least nine litres of water per person per day. What supplies do I need?
- Have a grab bag ready with essential supplies in case you need to leave in a hurry.
- Know where to go for help if you are dependent on life-sustaining equipment or treatment that might not work in an emergency.
Deaf or hard of hearing information
Make sure you have a way to find warnings, information and advice in an emergency.
Blind or visual impairment information
Plan for how an emergency might affect you. Be prepared if you have to evacuate.
- Earthquake preparedness for people with sight impairment
- Emergency preparedness audio file for vision impaired
Disability assist dogs’ information
Disability Assist Dogs are your responsibility. You need to include them in your emergency planning and preparation. Make sure your dog knows the people in your support network. This will make it easier for your dog to accept care from someone other than you.
Disability assist dog identification tags
Resources:
- A Guide for Disabled People on what to do in the case of an emergency - Don't be scared be prepared
- National emergency management website - getready.govt.nz
- Bay of Plenty emergency management website - bopcivildefence.govt.nz/
