- Home
- Government
- Departments A-I
- Emergency Services
- Emergency Management
- Prepare For An Emergency
- Seniors & Functional Needs
Seniors & Functional Needs
The more you plan for an emergency the better off you will be. Every persons abilities and needs are unique but every individual can take steps to prepare for emergencies. Everyone can be ready when an emergency occur.
Things you will want to consider:
Things you will want to consider:
- How will a disaster affect your special needs
- Develop a kit with your special needs in mind
- Since you may not have access to a supply store or pharmacy, be prepared to make it on your own.
- Think about what you use on a daily basis. Plan for those needs.
- What do you need to maintain your health, safety and independence?
Develop Your Plan of Action
The first step is to evaluate your own personal needs and develop an emergency plan that will fit those needs.Collect Information
Create a list of what you use on a daily basis. Develop this by taking note of your daily activities as they occur. Do you use a cane? A walker? How about oxygen? What other things do you need or use on a daily basis?Take note of contact information including phone, email and social media information for family, friends, caregivers, doctor's offices and other providers. Do you use anything special to communicate? Relay services or mobile device or computer? Be sure and include those in your list.
Develop Your Network
Once you develop your plan be sure to share that with your family, friends or neighbors. Get them involved in your planning process and have them learn about any special considerations you may have. Make sure they have a list of your current medications and go over it with them. Teach them how to operate any special equipment you may have.If you keep extra items to help support your needs make sure your network is informed of where they are kept and how to utilize them.
When working with your network identify what your plans are should you need to evacuate. where will you go? How will you get there? Make sure to let them know different ways to get in contact with you after an event is over.
Practice Your Plan
The key to any successful plan is practice, practice, practice! - Review your plan with your network on an annual basis.
- Pick key sections and have an exercise with them. Get their feedback and figure out what may have worked and what did not.
- Now, make changes to reflect what you have learned.
Have you already made your plan and still have questions or want some feedback? Contact our office and we will be glad to sit down and work with you. Our goal is to help the citizens of Onslow County be resilient and independent.
Additional Resources
Want to learn more? Need a checklist? Just need more information? Check out the links below:- CHECKLIST: Staying Independent During Disaster
- CHECKLIST: Household Emergency Plan
- VIDEO: We Prepare Everyday
- VIDEO: Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs
- Link: FEMA Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
- Link: FEMA Seniors
- Link: ReadyNC - Functional Needs
- Link: ReadyNC - Seniors
- Link: FEMA's Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC)
- Link: Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition (KCER)
- Link: National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
-
Emergency Management
Physical Address
1180 Commons Drive North
Jacksonville, NC 28546
Phone: 910-347-4270Fax: 910-455-6767Emergency Phone: 911