Every family should create and be familiar with their family disaster plan, which includes an evacuation plan. You should also have an emergency supply kit for your home, office, and car. Authorities suggest preparing to take care of your needs for at least three days.

All families have the same basic requirements, but if your child has special needs you may need to consider other factors. For example, have medication or medical equipment that takes care of your child’s needs for one week. Do you need supplies like these?

• Extra glasses
• Hearing aids and hearing aid batteries
• Wheelchair batteries
• Oxygen
• Catheters
• Food for guide or companion dogs

Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need, prescriptions, and insurance information. If there is a need for routine medical treatments provided at a clinic, talk to the service provider about their emergency plans.

Resources

http://www.aap.org/advocacy/emergprep.htm American Academy of Pediatrics website with links to details of emergency preparation for children with special health care needs

http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/bos/home/0,,1864_191401_494679451,00.html San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services website, including materials for people with disabilities; also available in Spanish

http://www.bayarea-redcross.org/ Website of the Bay Area Chapter of the Red Cross

http://www.marin.networkofcare.org/kids/parents_guide/well_being/disasters_things.cfm First 5 Marin Network of Care for Kids disaster guide for parents

http://www.prepare.org/children/children.htm
American Red Cross material that can be used to help children in school and at home to prepare for natural and man-made disasters, respond safely to emergencies and recover from trauma


References

http://bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov/epo
BEPREPAREDCALIFORNIA website, of the California Department of Public Health

http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/1?OpenForm
Website of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services

http://www.diversitypreparedness.org/
Website of the National Resource Center on Advancing Emergency Preparedness for Culturally Diverse Communities