South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

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Emergency Planning for Persons with Special Needs

If you or someone you know has a special need, you may want to take additional precautions to prepare for an emergency situation. Whether the incident is a biological, chemical, or radiological attack, or a natural emergency such as a hurricane, there are steps to take to protect your safety.

There are many instances of special needs, including:

• Mobility – persons with mobility impairments may need assistance moving to a shelter or other protected area.
• Language – persons who do not speak English may need assistance understanding instructions from law enforcement and other emergency personnel when called upon to respond to emergency situations.
• Deafness or hard-of-hearing – persons who are hearing-impaired should make special arrangements for receiving warnings and emergency notifications.
• Dietary – persons with special dietary needs should store an adequate supply of food.

Many communities in South Carolina offer assistance for persons with special needs. It is wise to contact local police, fire, and emergency services agencies to determine whether this help is available in your area.

Discuss with your employer any special needs you have.

If you live or work in a multi-story building and would require assistance during an emergency, consider the purchase of an escape chair. It is important to always know the exit routes from the building. They should be clearly marked, as required by law.

Keep extra batteries, oxygen, medication, food for guide dogs and other items you may need. Also, make a list of the special medical devices you commonly use, along with their serial numbers.

Caregivers should develop a plan for communicating in the event of an emergency. And last, but not least, network with your relatives, friends and neighbors. In the event of an emergency, your life could depend upon their ability to provide appropriate help.

Additional planning information is available in the Preparing for Disaster section of this website.

For additional information, contact:  (803) 898-3708