Tips for People with Visual Impairments
This fact sheet is designed to provide a checklist
for activities for People with Disabilities to improve their emergency
preparedness readiness.
Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It is.
Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy
and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more you do,
the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your family and
your belongings.
Activity | Date Completed |
Store extra canes | ________________ |
| |
Place alternate mobility cues in each room. | ________________ |
| |
Label emergency supplies with Braille, large print
or fluorescent tape. | ________________ |
| |
Secure computers and important information. | ________________ |
Canes
If you use a cane, keep extras in strategic, consistent and
secured locations at job, home, school, volunteer site, etc. to help you
maneuver around obstacles and hazards.
Keep a spare cane in your emergency kit.
Alternate Mobility
Cues
If you have some vision, place security lights in each
room, to light paths of travel. These lights plug into electrical wall outlets
and light up automatically if there is a loss of power. They will, depending on
type, continue to operate automatically for 1 to 6 hours and can be turned off
manually and used as a short-lasting flashlight.
Store high-powered flashlights with wide beams and extra
batteries.
Service animals may become confused, panicked, frightened
or disoriented in and after a disaster. Keep them confined or securely leashed
or harnessed. A leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or
upset animal. Be prepared to use alternative ways to negotiate your environment.
Plan for losing the auditory clues you usually rely on
after a major disaster.
Label Supplies
Secure
Computers
Advocacy
Issues
For more information please visit Independent Living Resource Center
San Francisco and the American Red Cross.