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Emergency Preparedness
Satellite image of a huricane over the Gulf of Mexico.

Be Prepared and Ready

VR wants you to be prepared for disasters. While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual should evaluate their own personal needs and make an emergency plan that fits those needs. In an emergency, we all have to plan to be self sufficient, and possibly spend several days without utilities, medical aid, transportation or communications. For Floridians with disabilities extra planning may be needed for health care and other needs. Planning how you will respond is critical. Being prepared is your best protection.

There are simple steps to assist you in being prepared and ready.

  1. Thinking ahead assists you in thinking about possible disasters.
  2. Disaster planning and preparation focuses on making a plan.
  3. Response and recovery offers strategies to move from a disaster through response and recovery.
  4. Tips for different disabilities.
  5. Resources for more information and forms to use during a disaster.

Types of Disasters

Since disasters come in many forms—it is important that you understand how to put a disaster plan into action to cover a variety of situations. How will you communicate with your family in case of a disaster? Do you have a specially-equipped vehicle or accessible transportation? Do you have access to an alternate electrical or power source? Now is the time to think about all potential situations and make sure you can adapt your plan to meet your your needs. Reflect on your needs if there was:

Since disasters come in many forms—it is important that you understand how to put a disaster plan into action to cover a variety of situations. How will you communicate with your family in case of a disaster? Do you have a specially-equipped vehicle or accessible transportation? Do you have access to an alternate electrical or power source? Now is the time to think about all potential situations and make sure you can adapt your plan to meet your your needs. Reflect on your needs if there was:

  • No water, electricity, telephone, air conditioning or refrigeration.
  • A lack of transportation.
  • Confinement to home or evacuation to a shelter or elsewhere.
  • Separation from family members.
  • No mobility aids.
  • No local access to prescription refills or health product supplies.
  • Limited health care access and emergency rescue services.