If you have special needs, know someone with special needs or are caring for someone with special needs, it is a good idea to think about preparing for emergencies or disaster well in advance.
What exactly is meant by special needs? Do you, someone you know or someone you take of require special medication? How about oxygen, tube feedings, dialysis or other life sustaining equipment?
Will you need a wheelchair, walker or a special bed? If you have to evacuate your home, will you need transportation? Think about what your special needs would be should you become involved in a disaster.
Disaster can be tornadoes, floods, chemical accidents, acts of terrorism or other catastrophes. Here are some of the problems they can cause for you:
• Require you or the person you care for to vacate your home or living quarters.
• Prevent you from obtaining the water, food and medication you need.
• Prevent you from obtaining the electrical power you require for dialysis or oxygen.
• Interfere with other home health care you may require.
You do not need to panic when disaster strikes. It is important to properly prepare ahead of time. The Sandusky County Health Department is voluntarily registering people who might need assistance in the event of an emergency or disaster. Call and ask for a pre-registration form. Pre-identifying those with special needs will help the health department plan to serve residents better during an emergency or disaster.
Those who register are urged to be sure to explain special needs clearly when registering, since dialysis, respirators and other special equipment may require very special accommodations.
To obtain a Special Needs Registry Form call 419-334-6357
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