Access and Functional 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 those of all members of your household, you can be better prepared for any situation.

Preparing for an Emergency:
  • Consider how a disaster might affect your individual needs or those of your family. 
  • Plan to be self-sufficient, at least for a period of time. It’s possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or drugstore.
  • Identify what resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available.
  • Create a kit with your family’s unique considerations in mind. What do you need to maintain your health, safety and independence?
  • If you, a family member, or neighbor has difficulty communicating, create a card for first responders that details what you will need and where your emergency supplies are located should you need to be transported or evacuated.
  • If you or someone in your household has an access or functional need, you may have to take additional steps to prepare.
  • Find out about individual assistance that may be available in your community.
  • Create a Smart911 profile. Having a Smart911 profile will allow 9-1-1 call takers to share important family and medical information with first responders during an emergency.

For more information about access and functional needs citizen preparedness visit www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs

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