Emergencies can happen at any time. After an emergency you may not have access to basic necessities, including food, water, hygiene and medical supplies or care. It is important to have medications and other supplies that are necessary for you or your family during the time of an emergency. Making a plan will help you know all the things you need to have in your home and emergency kit if you need to shelter in place.

How to make a plan

• Have a support network to help you plan for an emergency. You should pick at least three people you trust to be your emergency contacts who will check on you during an emergency. They can give you support and provide help throughout the emergency.
• A support network can include family, neighbors, friends, people you work with, service providers, faith-based groups, and community services.   
• Tell your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. If you feel safe, you can give one of them a key to your home.
• Share copies of your emergency plan and health information with your emergency support network.
• Keep an emergency contact list in your kit and in your cell phone. Include phone numbers and addresses of important people and organizations for you to be able to contact during an emergency. Having a contact list in your kit will be helpful if you are not able to use your cell phone during the emergency.

Tips for Specific Disabilities

People have different disabilities and needs. Personalize your plan and the steps you should take related to your own disability. 

Blind or Low Vision

Things to do to prepare for an emergency with a vision disability:

If you have low vision, prepare by having:

• security lights in each room to light walking paths
• extra glasses or contact lenses that will help you see in an emergency

If you are blind:

• mark emergency supplies with Braille or large print
• keep communication supplies for your particular needs
• have an extra white cane in your kit or any place you spend a lot of time
• flashlight with extra batteries
• phone chargers with extra battery packs that are fully charged
• plan what to do if you lose the hearing cues you usually rely on

If you use Braille, have:

• Braille slates
• stylus

Communication in an emergency

• Create a plan with your support network
• Put a card in your kit to help you communicate your needs to others
• Include your emergency contact and health information
• Have screen reading software
• Have apps on your phone that will help you such as, Be My Eyes, Aira, Seeing AI, GPS navigation or others that might be helpful

Deaf, Hard of Hearing or DeafBlind

In addition to preparing an emergency kit for any type of emergency that may arise in your area, people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind need to have additional preparations to get the support needed in an emergency.  Here is a list of additional items to have in your kit:

Things to do to prepare for an emergency with a hearing disability: 

• Have a weather radio with text display and flashing alert 
• Keep extra batteries in your emergency kit for your hearing devices 
• Keep hearing aids in a place you can find them easily 
• Use a sonic alert alarm, strobe light or vibrator to alert you 

Health Information Card:

• Explain your medical condition
• Emergency contacts
• Medications
• Allergies
• Equipment you use

Extra chargers for:

• Cell phone
• iPad
• Captioned telephones
• USB cable cord
• Include a solar charger if needed

Other supplies to include:

• Radio with text to receive information
• Hearing aids with extra batteries and a case to put them in
• Sonic alert alarm, strobe light or vibrator with extra batteries
• Headlamp with extra batteries so it is easier to communicate in ASL
• Small battery powered lantern to help with lip reading
• Notebook and pen to help with communication
• Communication Card (here is an example)

Apps:

• Show Me For Emergencies – an app to be used within the settings of an emergency shelter, to help with communication during an emergency or evacuation situations. Show Me for Emergencies is available to download from both the iTunes® and Google Play® stores.
• Show Me For Emergencies: FAC (Family Assistance Center) – an app to be used within the setting of a family assistance center due to a mass casualty or mass fatality incident.  It has additional information to help people look for loved ones, get information and support services. Show Me for Emergencies: FAC is available to download from both the iTunes® and Google Play® stores.
• Sono Flex Lite – communication software that turns symbols into speech to improve communication skills. This app is available only on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
• Proloquo2Go AAC – a communication app for people who cannot speak or need help being understood. This app is available only on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. There is a cost to buy it.

Communication Card:

• Create and print a Communication Card to use with emergency workers
• Carry a pre-printed copy of important messages with you such as: 
  • “I use American Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter
  • “I do not read or write English”
  • “If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or signed to me”
  • “I cannot hear sirens or alarms”

Communication in an Emergency 

• Watch television for closed captioning information about the emergency 
• Have a headlamp with extra batteries if you need to communicate with sign language 
• Include a lantern that could help you with lip reading 
• Have a pencil and paper to communicate your needs with emergency officials 
• Put a card in your kit to help you inform others of your needs 
• Include your emergency contact and health information 

Other ways to Communicate in Emergencies:

• Relay 711
• Video Relay Service (VRS)
• CapTel phone
• VECC – Salt Lake Valley Emergency Communications Center.  Register at slvecc.com/registration/ to get emergency notifications through text

For more information on what to include, read the Disaster Preparedness and the Deaf Community Guide.

Non-Verbal Communication Disabilities

People with certain disabilities may not be able to communicate with you.  This can include people with down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, etc.  There are various ways that you can communicate with someone who is non-verbal:

• Sign language (ASL)
• Communication board or cards – a sheet of symbols, pictures or photos that someone can point to and use to communicate with those around them
• A computer, tablet or smartphone with special software, screen readers, text-to-speech software

Apps:

• Show Me For Emergencies – an app to be used within the settings of an emergency shelter, to help with communication during an emergency or evacuation situations. Show Me for Emergencies is available to download from both the iTunes® and Google Play® stores.
• Show Me For Emergencies: FAC (Family Assistance Center) – an app to be used within the setting of a family assistance center due to a mass casualty or mass fatality incident.  It has additional information to help people look for loved ones, get information and support services. Show Me for Emergencies: FAC is available to download from both the iTunes® and Google Play® stores.
• Sono Flex Lite – communication software that turns symbols into speech to improve communication skills. This app is available only on the App Store for iPhone and iPad.
• Proloquo2Go AAC – a communication app for people who cannot speak or need help being understood. This app is available only on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. There is a cost to buy it.

Mobility Disabilities

This section includes information for people who use mobility devices including those who use a walker, wheelchair, scooter, or other device.

Evacuation Plan

• Find the easiest route to get around and make sure that route is clear.
• If you are in a building above ground level, plan another way to get out of the building since the elevators won’t be safe to use.
• Work with your support network and practice using the stairs to evacuate if you can.
• If you aren’t on ground level and can’t use your wheelchair or the stairs, make a plan to tell people how to lift and carry you safely.
• Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need help evacuating your home or building.

Things to do to prepare for an emergency with a mobility disability:

• Store the aids that you need in a place you can reach easily.
• Put items specific to your needs in your emergency kit.
• Make sure you plan a safe way to get out of your home and other buildings.
• Practice evacuation skills prior to a disaster.
• Keep an extra mobility device such as a can or walker if you use one.
• Keep your emergency kit in a backpack attached to or near your mobility device.
• Make a plan with your support network to help you evacuate.

Things to do to prepare for an emergency as a wheelchair user:

• If you use a power wheelchair, have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
• Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
• Keep a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter tires are not puncture proof.
• Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
• If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
• Keep gloves in your emergency kit to protect your hands.

Earthquake safety for wheelchair users:

In an earthquake we are told to “drop, cover and hold on”.  If you are using a walker or wheelchair, “lock, cover and hold on”.

• If you use a walker or wheelchair: 
  • Lock your wheels (if applicable)
  • Cover your head/neck with your arms, a book, or a pillow
  • Hold on until the shaking stops

Mental Health Disabilities

This section includes information for people who have mental health disabilities such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc. Disasters can create a lot of stress and anxiety for those directly affected. Learn and practice coping skills that will help you deal with emergencies when they happen.

Things to do to prepare for an emergency with a mental health disability

Put a card in your emergency kit, purse or wallet regarding your mental health conditions. This includes your diagnosis, medications, doctors name, number, and how emergency responders can help you. This information will help if you need medical help or need to go to the hospital.

Consider your personal situation

Evaluate how you react to stressful situations. Discuss with your family, friends, or therapist some ideas on what would help you the most. For example, you could write, “I have a mental health disability and may become confused in an emergency. Please help me find a quiet place. I will be okay shortly.” Or write reactions that you might experience under stress. More examples are below.

Possible reactions

You may:

• Be confused
• Have memory or thinking problems
• Feel anxious or panicky
• Cry or scream
• Feel threatened
• Have problems sleeping
• Shake or tremble
• Get angry easily
• Not want to be around people
• Feel depressed
• Not be able to sit still comfortably

There are many ways you may react emotionally or physically during an emergency that are not covered on this list. Plan ways to manage your reactions and practice communicating your needs.

Coping during emergencies

• Talk about the stress you are feeling
• Spend time with family and friends
• Take care of yourself, get enough rest, exercise and eat properly
• Follow your routine
• Limit exposure to the images of the disaster
• Do things you enjoy like reading, listening to music, drawing or going for a walk
• Take one thing at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed
• Accept what you can’t control, try to avoid excessive worrying
• Ask for help when you need it

Cognitive Disabilities

This section includes information for people who have intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, brain injury, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias, etc.

Things to do to prepare for an emergency with a cognitive disability:

• Consider your needs and what will help you stay calm
• Make a plan with your support network to help in each situation
• Practice what you will do in places where you spend time, like home, work, or school
• Work with your support network to personalize your emergency kit
• Have extra supplies like comfort snacks to put in your emergency kit
• Keep electronic devices loaded with videos and activities that are calming to you
• Have extra chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged
• Consider noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli

Communication in an emergency

Consider what a police officer, firefighter, or shelter staff might need to know about you. Be prepared to explain it or have it written down and keep a copy with you and one in your kit. Here are some examples:

“I get nervous in new situations and need a quiet place to rest by myself.”
“When strangers talk to me, I might get very upset.”
“If I am scared, I might run away.”
“I talk to people in a different way. I can point to pictures or key words, which you can find in my wallet or emergency supply kit.”
“I may have a hard time understanding what you are telling me. Please speak slowly and use simple words.”
“I forget easily. Please write down information for me.”

If you would benefit from using a communication tool download any helpful apps, such as “Show Me for Emergencies” (GooglePlay or Apple Store).

Hearing Disabilities

This section includes information for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Things to do to prepare for an emergency with a hearing disability:

• Have a weather radio with text display and flashing alert
• Keep extra batteries in your emergency kit for your hearing devices
• Keep hearing aids in a place you can find them easily
• Use a sonic alert alarm, strobe light or vibrator to alert you

Communication in an emergency

• Watch television for closed captioning information about the emergency
• Have a headlamp with extra batteries if you need to communicate with sign language
• Include a lantern that could help you with lip reading
• Have a pencil and paper to communicate your needs with emergency officials
• Put a card in your kit to help you inform others of your needs
• Include your emergency contact and health information

Medical Support

• Identify multiple hospitals or clinics to receive life-sustaining medical treatment. Work with your doctor to create a plan to get essential services in case of a disaster.
• Develop back-up plans for personal assistance services, hospice care, or other forms of in-home assistance.
• Show your support network how to use wheelchairs or other assistive devices in case you are not able to use them yourself.
• Have face masks in your kit if you need them when you are around others.

Service Animals

Your service animal (dog or miniature horse) is allowed in emergency shelters because of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals can be identified by the functions they perform for people with disabilities. Shelter staff may ask only two questions to determine if an animal is a service animal:

(1) “Do you need this animal because of a disability?” and
(2) “What tasks or work has the animal been trained to perform?”

• They are only allowed to ask those two questions and no other questions. They are not allowed to ask about your disability. Make sure you have answers for those two questions.
• Service animals are permitted to be in all places that serve the public as long as the animal is not out of control or otherwise posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
• Microchip your service animal in case you get separated during the emergency to help reunite you with your service animal.
• Pets are not allowed in emergency shelters.

Transportation and Evacuation  

• Make a plan with your support network for transportation and evacuation
• Have a card with information explaining your specific transportation needs
• Know where local shelters are
• If transportation is not available, you will need to shelter in place if you can do so safely

Click here to learn more about emergency management in Salt Lake City
Click here for the Salt Lake City Emergency’s 96-Hour Kit Step by Step Guide

For additional questions contact:

Salt Lake City Emergency Management
Casey Carter, Office Facilitator 
Casey.Carter@slc.gov | (801) 799-3600