Staying Safe: Emergency Preparedness for You and Your Family
If you live in Ohio, you probably remember it: days of heavy rain and wind that knocked out power for some neighbors and caused flooding and flash flooding in low areas, tornadoes, and earlier this summer, smoke from wildfires hundreds of miles away made it unsafe to be outside. These were good reminders that emergencies can happen quickly, and it's smart to be ready for the next one.
Being prepared doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some simple, practical steps you and your family can take.
Why This Matters
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/IDD) may face extra challenges during emergencies, like needing extra time to evacuate, relying on medical equipment that needs power, or needing information in a format that's easy to understand. Planning ahead means you're not figuring things out in the middle of a crisis. It means you and your family can act quickly and calmly when an emergency does happen.
Steps You Can Take Today
1. Sign up for alerts.
Download the FEMA App (for Apple and Android) and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management agency. These alerts tell you about storms, flooding, and where to find open shelters or warming/cooling centers.
2. Make a communication plan.
Pick one person outside your home, a friend or relative in another town, as a single point of contact. If phone lines get overloaded during a storm, it can sometimes be easier for everyone to check in with one person than to try to reach each other directly.
3. Build a simple emergency kit.
You don't need anything fancy. A lot of what you might use to go camping can also be useful during an emergency or disaster! Be sure to include:
Flashlights and extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight/radio)
Chargers and a portable battery pack for phones, tablets, and communication devices
A few days of medication, plus a written list of what you take and the dosages
Water (about a gallon per person, per day. Don’t forget pets too!) and non-perishable snacks and food that don’t need to be heated up to eat it.
Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical info)
Comfort or sensory items that help you feel calm
4. Talk to your doctor about your emergency plan.
If you or someone in your household needs oxygen, a power-dependent device (like a power wheelchair or C-PAP), or specific medications, ask your provider what to do if the power goes out or you can't get to a pharmacy right away.
5. Know your safe spots.
For flooding: know the higher ground near your home and never walk, wheel, or drive through moving water. Even six inches can sweep a person or vehicle away. For thunderstorms and tornadoes: pick a room with no windows, like a basement or interior hallway, and practice getting there with your household.
6. Keep your support network in the loop.
Let neighbors, caregivers, or family who help you know your plan in advance. Confirm they're still available to help if something happens, and make sure they know about any equipment, routines, or communication tools you rely on.
7. Know where to find help.
Public libraries often serve as warming and cooling centers during business hours.
The Red Cross can help you find an open shelter: call 1-800-733-2767, or text SHELTER plus your ZIP code to 43362.
Your local Center for Independent Living or Area Agency on Aging can also point you to local resources.
If a Storm Is Coming
Charge your phone and any backup batteries.
Bring in loose outdoor items like furniture or trash cans if you can safely do so.
Check that flashlights work and are easy to find.
If flash flooding is possible in your area, move to higher ground right away, don't wait for an official warning.
After the Storm
Check in with your support network to let them know you're safe. If you lose power for more than four hours, throw out the meat, dairy, eggs, and leftovers in your fridge to avoid getting sick. Avoid downed power lines outside of your house, and don't drive through flooded or washed-out roads. If you need help finding safe drinking water, road conditions, or recovery resources, your local emergency management office is a good place to start.
A Few Minutes Now Can Make a Big Difference
You don't have to build your whole plan in one day. Start with one step, like charging a backup battery or picking your safe spot in your house, and add to it over time. Being prepared helps you stay safe, stay independent, and stay in control when the unexpected happens.
For more detailed tips on specific emergencies, including winter storms, extreme heat, tornadoes, and more, visit the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies' Disaster Tips page.