Emergency winter resources for people with disabilities
Info on building emergency plans and kits, how to find warming shelters, and more.
As recent storms have brought snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures to many parts of West Virginia, it is important to know what resources are available to help in case you experience an emergency this winter.
People with disabilities and vulnerable populations like the elderly should have emergency plans in place. If bad weather is incoming, make sure you have refills for your prescriptions in case you get stuck at home. Several of these resources offer advice on how to make plans and prepare for these emergencies.
Resources:
- WV211 - You can type "warming" into the search to find shelters and resources in your town, or view the topic "Organizational/Community/International Services" and service type "Disaster Services." They also have resources for food, utility assistance, and more. Dial 211 to reach by phone, or text your zip code to 898-211. Available 24/7.
- Emergency Management and People with Disabilities - A pamphlet developed by the WVU CED that outlines community emergency planning, evacuation plans, personal emergency planning, statewide Red Cross, EMS, and Fire Dept. contacts, and other resources.
- Disability Rights of WV Disaster Preparedness and Response recources - Includes national disaster helplines, FEMA info, the United Cerebral Palsy Emergency and Disaster Preparedness site, and more.
- The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies Winter Storm Checklist for Disabled People - An in-depth winter emergency checklist for people with disabilities.
- Astrive Emergency Preparedness resources - Includes resources for individuals with disabilities and their families, such as personal preparedness for individuals with disabilities training slides, disability-specific emergency plans and self-assessments, and an emergency preparedness toolkit for people with disabilities.
- Appalachian Center for Independent Living Emergency Preparedness guides - Info on creating emergency plans, building emergency kits, and a list of emergency management phone numbers by WV county.
- Ready.gov Info for People with Disabilities - Great info on emergency plans and emergency kits, including breaking down kit types based on disability type (visual impairment, mobility issue, speech disability, etc.).
Watch: The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley share winter safety tips for people with disabilities.