Oakland Fire Department 911 Registry for special needs population and disabled seniors

Did you know that the City of Oakland has a registry for Oakland citizens that will detect the location and special needs of our most vulnerable in the case of a disaster?  This will allow priority emergency  response to aid  those less able to fend for themselves in a disaster.

There is a simple registration form to fill out and it is vital to detail any special needs you may have.  Request a 911 registration form by calling 510.238.2382. Be sure to leave your name and telephone number if your call goes into voicemail!     

Planning for Emergencies

  What Should Seniors Know?

Mary Louise Zernicke,  Alameda County Area Agency on Aging

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

          for Seniors and People with Disabilities

Find a buddy!!!– If you need help to live independently, make sure someone is checking up on you daily.  This may be your neighbor, your child, your meals on wheels driver, or your Telecare phone volunteer, but SOMEONE needs to be there for you. Emergency response personnel will be too busy to get to individual homes.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit -- Gather the supplies (flashlights, battery operated radio first aid kit, etc.) needed to cope with all emergencies.  This includes a 3-day supply of food & water and extra medical supplies.

Important things to have:

• Several flashlights (By the bed and around the house, electricity may be out)
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Bottled water for 3 days (3 gallons per person; include a small bottle of bleach)
• Non perishable, ready to eat food for 3 days (Dried fruit, canned tuna, stew, beans, canned fruit juices, nuts, crackers, etc.).  Manual can opener (To open canned food)
• First Aid Kit  (Include a First Aid Handbook, gauze, bandages, scissors, tape, disinfectants, antiseptics, aspirin and other nonprescription medications)
• Wrench for gas turn-off (Use only if you or someone else smells gas)
• Whistle or loud bell (To attract attention if trapped)
• Extra prescription medication to last for 5 days (Also, copy of prescriptions)
• Emergency Health Information Card (Include a list of current prescriptions)

Other important things you may need:

• Extra eyeglasses, hearing aid or walking aid (Original equipment may be lost)
• Extra set of keys (In case you cannot get access to the original set)
• Pet food and extra water for pets
• Shoes under the bed (To protect feet from broken glass from windows, lamps, etc.)
• A small amount of cash in case cash dispensing machines are not working

SPECIFIC DISABILITY TIPS

For Persons Using a Wheelchair:

• Discuss lifting or carrying techniques necessary to get down stairs.  There may be instances where wheelchair users will need to leave their chairs behind in order to evacuate safely.

For Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired:

• Put an extra collapsible cane by the bed.  Attach a whistle to the cane to use to attract attention.  After an earthquake items may fall and block paths that are normally unobstructed.

• Guide dogs or working dogs may also be disoriented after a big disaster.

For Persons who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired:

• Consider storing hearing aids in a container attached to your night stand or bed post, so you can quickly locate them after a disaster.

• Keep an extra hearing aid and batteries with emergency supplies.

For Persons who use Life-Support Systems:

• Secure all vital equipment.

• Maintain a current list of alternate providers.

• Consider an alternate power source, such as a generator.

• Know how to use oxygen safely in an emergency.                                                                                            
• Regularly test backup power supply.

• Register with utility company for priority power restoration.

Adapted from materials developed by

Bay Area Prepared

2004

Department of Homeland Security Releases New Preparedness Resources For Seniors, People With Disabilities And Pet Owners

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign has released three new demonstration videos designed to highlight the specific steps older Americans, individuals with disabilities and special needs, and pet owners should take to prepare for emergencies.

The Department of Homeland Security developed these new emergency preparedness videos, which are available online at www.ready.gov, to remind individuals to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about the different types of emergencies while considering the unique needs of these individuals, their families and caregivers. The videos recommend seniors include any necessary prescription medications in their emergency supply kits. They encourage Americans with disabilities or special needs to create a personal support network that they can rely on during an emergency. Pet owners are advised to learn which emergency shelters in their area and/or along their evacuation route will allow pets.

The new videos are released in time for National Preparedness Month 2007, a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies. The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of family preparedness and to encourage individuals to take action in their homes and schools. The U. S. Administration on Aging encourages everyone to take steps now in order to be prepared in the event of a disaster or national emergency.

Important Links :

Citizens of Oakland Responding to Emergencies

Learn or enhance your emergency preparedness skills to help yourself and your neighbors.

PrepareNow.org