Preparedness for Access and Functional Needs (AFN)
THE POINT
A support network for those with access and functional needs (AFN) is very important. Some specific preparedness considerations for AFN includes the continuation of needed services, medications, medical supplies, and mobility.
DO THIS
- Build a support network and communicate your disaster needs to them.
- Talk with your health care providers about your needed services, medications and medical equipment use in disasters.
VIDEOS
DOWNLOADS
Access and Functional Needs (AFN)
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible.
Access and Functional Needs includes anyone with physical disability, hearing impairment, sight impairment, language barriers, cultural barriers, economic disparity, the very elderly, the very young, mental or cognitive disabilities, etc. People who are temporarily recovering from surgery or sickness that makes them unable to do what they could normally do makes them someone with an access or functional need.
For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Make a Plan
Build a Support Network
Establishing solid relationships with other people is one of the most effective means of surviving a disaster. Create a network of trusted individuals such as family, friends, co-workers, personal attendants, and others who can assist you during an emergency. Familiarize your network with your functional abilities and limitations, and include them in your emergency planning process.
Service Providers
If you have service providers that help you with your specific needs, talk with them about their plans for disasters. When disaster strikes, you may end up without the services you are used to. If so what are some alternatives?
Local Emergency Managers are Preparing and Planning for Individuals with Special Needs:
If you or someone close to you has a disability or a special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family in an emergency. The State of Utah offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to sign up for a voluntary Special Needs Registry to help emergency managers plan according to specific needs of their communities.
| Disability/Special Need | Additional Steps |
|---|---|
| Visually impaired | May be extremely reluctant to leave familiar surroundings when the request for evacuation comes from a stranger. A guide dog could become confused or disoriented in a disaster. People who are blind or partially sighted may have to depend on others to lead them, as well as their dog, to safety during a disaster. |
| Hearing impaired | May need to make special arrangements to receive warnings. |
| Mobility impaired | May need special assistance to get to a shelter. |
| Single working parent | May need help to plan for disasters and emergencies. |
| Non-English speaking persons | May need assistance planning for and responding to emergencies. Community and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed. |
| People without vehicles | May need to make arrangements for transportation. |
| People with special dietary needs | Should take special precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply. |
| People with medical conditions | Should know the location and availability of more than one facility if dependent on a dialysis machine or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment. |
| People with intellectual disabilities | May need help responding to emergencies and getting to a shelter. |
| People with dementia | Should be registered in the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program |
If you have special needs: Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or the local fire department for assistance so needed help can be provided.
Get a Kit
A kit for someone with access and functional needs (AFN) will still include many of the items suggested for everyone. However someone with AFN will need to consider their specific needs to also include in their kit. Here are some common considerations.
Medications and Medical Supplies
If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need on hand to make it on your own for at least a week. You should also keep a copy of your prescriptions as well as dosage or treatment information. If it is not possible to have a week-long supply of medicines and supplies, keep as much as possible on hand and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what else you should do to prepare.
If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers within your area and the areas you might evacuate to. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity to operate, talk to your health care provider about what you can do to prepare for its use during a power outage.
In addition, there may be other things specific to your personal needs that you should also have on hand. If you use eyeglasses, hearing aids and hearing aid batteries, wheelchair batteries, and oxygen, be sure you always have extras in your home. Also have copies of your medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid cards readily available.
Mobility and Transportation
Consider how you plan to transport yourself and your emergency supplies. It may be important to pre-stage your disaster supplies at the location you intend to go to in the event of a disaster. If you have special mobility or transportation considerations, make sure your support network knows in advance, and prepare a way to accommodate those needs.