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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT | Box 4117 | Gaithersburg, MD 20885-4117
240-777-2300 (voice) | 240-777-2345 (fax)

Planning for People with Functional and Access Needs

If someone in your family has access or functional needs, you may need to take some additional steps to prepare for a disaster. Remember, you may be on your own for up to three days before power, food, or water becomes available.

Make sure you take the following steps:

• Ensure you have a fully-stocked emergency kit with enough food and water for 72 hours.
• Determine if you will need any additional resources, and make a plan incase those items are in short supply.
• Develop a support network to help you plan for emergencies. Include friends, family, neighbors, faith-based, and community groups.
• If you use in-home support services, plan on how you will keep them informed of your situation during and after an emergency.
• Work with local transportation and disability services to plan for accessible transportation if needed for evacuation.
• If you use a service-animal, make sure you have food, water, and other items for your service animal in your emergency kit.
  

For more information:

FEMA's Ready.gov campaign offers a wealth of information on what people with functional or access needs should do to prepare for emergencies.