During A Disaster: How to Stay Safe

In instances of disaster, such as a fire, blizzard, tornado warning, or hurricane flood, those living with paralysis have extenuating factors to consider to ensure their safety and livelihood. 

The Reeve Foundation’s Emergency Preparedness for People with Paralysis Booklet is designed to be one of the most comprehensive, crucial resources that aid national organizations, people living with paralysis, and their caretakers in preparing for emergencies and impending weather. 

With your go bag packed and home emergency kit ready, you’ve taken critical steps to stay safe during severe weather events. Now, understand how to best communicate during a storm and prepare for the specific hazards that affect your region. 

Communication Tips 

• A surge of calls can overwhelm communication networks in an emergency. Texting may be the fastest way to reach family and friends as it requires fewer network resources: make sure to activate dictation features on your phone and tablets ahead of time.  

• Limit phone calls to keep networks free for emergency communications.  

• If you must make a call and encounter a busy signal, hang up and wait 10 seconds before redialing to limit network congestion.  

• If the power goes out, conserve cell phone batteries by deleting apps not in use, reducing screen brightness and setting the phone to airplane mode.  

• If you have a landline in your home and are evacuated, forward calls to your cell phone.  
  

Weather Hazards: Be ready for the specific natural hazards that can affect your community. 

FLOODS  

Flooding is a year-round threat to communities across the United States, causing more deaths than any weather-related hazard besides excessive heat. Flash floods are especially dangerous: sudden snowmelt and heavy rainfall occurring in a short period of time can not only cause water to rise as high as 30 feet, but also trigger rock and mudslides.  

Before:  

• Clear drains and gutters of debris and leaves. •Install a sump pump in the basement.  

• Consider purchasing flood insurance. 

• Move valuable and sentimental possessions to highest floors. 
  

During:   

• Never drive through flood waters. Six inches of water is strong enough to knock a person over, one foot is enough to sweep away a car.  

• Do not drive on bridges over fast moving water.  

• Follow local evacuation orders.  

• If trapped at home, evacuate to the highest level that you are able to access. 
  
  

 After:  

• Do not return home until local authorities deem the area safe.  

• Tune in to local news stations to make sure water is safe to cook with or drink.  

•  Do not touch standing water, which may contain sewage, chemicals, or sharp objects.  

• After returning home, check the house for snakes or other animals.  

•  Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or in standing water to avoid electrocution. 
  

HURRICANES

Hurricanes are tropical storms with wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour. While these storms pose a significant threat to coastal communities, they can also cause torrential rains and severe flooding hundreds of miles inland.  

Before: 

• Be aware of your risk: Pacific Hurricane Season is May 15-November 30; Atlantic Hurricane Season is June 1-November 30.  

• Make sure the interior of your house or apartment is secure to prevent injuries from falling debris. Have family members or friends fasten heavy picture frames and mirrors away from beds. Move heavy objects to low shelves. Secure shelves to wall studs.  

• Familiarize yourself with your evacuation route. 

• Prepare for possible floods. 
  

During:  

• Evacuate immediately if the order is given. 

• If you are home, shelter in a windowless room, or away from large furniture or objects that can fall on you. 
• If you are trapped inside and water enters your home, go to the highest level of building you can access while waiting for help.