Special Needs Preparedness

Each person's needs and abilities are unique, but every individual can take important steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies and put plans in place. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan, you can be better prepared for any situation.

Preparing for an Emergency

  • Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs. 
  • Plan to make it on your own, at least for 72 hours. It's possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore
  • Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available 
  • Create a kit with your unique consideration in mind. What do you need to maintain your health, safety and independence 
  • If you or someone close to you has a disability or other access or functional need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your family 
  • Find out about individual assistance that may be available in your community. Register in advance with the Delta County Office of Emergency Management at 970-874-2015, your local fire department, other government agencies or non-profit groups. Tell them of your individual needs or those of a family member and find out what assistance, help or services can be provided. 

Who are Individuals with Access and Functional Needs?

  • Those who are deaf or hard of hearing may need to make special arrangements to receive emergency warnings. 
  • Single working parents and those with limited English proficiency may need help planning for disasters and emergencies. Community, faith-based and cultural groups may be able to help keep people informed. 
  • People without vehicles may need to make arrangements for transportation. 
  • People with special dietary needs should take precautions to have an adequate emergency food supply.

Digital Security Resources  - Don't get scammed out of your hard earned money!

The National Security Education Association  produces guides for people with vision loss, hearing loss and/or other disabilities. Check out the below resources on how to stay safe while using the internet and avoid phishing emails, scams and identity theft! 

Learn more about Access and Functional needs and how to prepare for an emergency.