Project Description:
Two polls conducted in 2007 found that very few Americans are ready for a disaster or emergency; 1) 87% of Americans would not be ready if a public health crisis such as an infectious disease epidemic or foodborne illness outbreak struck their communities tomorrow; Only 7% of Americans have taken the three necessary steps to prepare for a disaster or emergency: get a kit, make a plan, and be informed.
Although no data specific to families of children with disabilities could be located, according to the National Organization on Disability Harris Poll Survey, 58% of people with disabilities said they do not know whom to contact about emergency plans for their community in the event of a terrorist attack or other crisis and 61% said that they have not made plans to quickly and safely evacuate their home. People with disabilities, of all ages, are one of the most vulnerable populations that are most likely to be adversely affected in an emergency or natural disaster . For women and families of children with disabilities and/or special health care needs, the need to plan for survival at home, in a shelter, or elsewhere in the event of an emergency is critical because of the complex and multiple needs associated with having a child with a disability.
The goal of this project is to create and conduct a 2-hour webinar (3 times) that will educate about, increase awareness of, and ultimately motivate behavior change regarding the importance of planning and preparing for an emergency or disaster among 200-300 of Oregon?s families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
Training objectives ? Women and their families will understand the importance of needing to:
? Develop a plan for their child?s specific needs including: medications, behavior plans, communication plans, mobility devices, medical equipment, personal care, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology.
? Establish an emergency support group that includes family, friends and neighbors.
? Update and have visible for first responders their child?s emergency/medical contact information.
? Create Emergency Kits (i.e., To-Go-Bag and 72-hour kit) that include emergency supplies, food, and important papers specific to their child?s unique needs.
? Develop and practice a home evacuation plan for the family and pets/service animals.
? Identify interim services for an evacuation plan both locally and out of state; i.e., identify family and friends, accessible shelters, temporary housing, and accessible transportation options.
? Identify additional local and national resources.
Outcome measures: Participants will:
? Gain in their understanding of what types of disasters and emergencies can occur in their region.
? Gain in their understanding of the importance to prepare their families for an emergency.
? Indicate that they are going to begin preparing for an emergency within the next 3 months.
? Indicate that they are going to look into obtaining additional information from the resources that are available on OODH?s, local and national websites.
? Indicate that they are going to talk to a friend or extended family member about how they can be of assistance during an emergency.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban
