Emergency Preparedness

EMERGENCY & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Approximately 28,000 citizens residing in the City of North Las Vegas have a disability. Some require assistance of another person for daily life activities such as getting dressed, eating and bathing. Many have limited vision and/or hearing loss. There are many citizens who are wheelchair users and many more require mobility aids such as canes and walkers. The elderly and those who suffer mental retardation also require special consideration. Many individuals have more than one disability.

The City of North Las Vegas recognizes that people with disabilities have great concern for the effectiveness of public programs aimed at preparing for and responding to all types of emergencies. This information is intended to make sure that the special needs of people with disabilities are adequately addressed prior to, during, and following an emergency in order to minimize the adverse impact on them and the community in the event of a disaster affecting the City of North Las Vegas.

Being prepared for emergencies can reduce the fear, panic, and inconvenience that surrounds a disaster. Therefore, the City of North Las Vegas Fire Department Division of Emergency Management presents the following guidelines to help ensure the well-being of citizens with special needs.

• Keep disaster supplies on hand:
  
  
  • Flashlight with extra batteries.
    
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
    
  • First aid kit and manual.
  • Emergency food and water.
    
  • Non-electric can opener.
    
  • Essential medicines.
    
  • Cash and credit cards.
    
  • Sturdy shoes.
    
    
• Make a list of the following important information and store it with the supplies:
  • Special equipment and supplies, e.g., hearing aid batteries.
    
  • Current prescription names and dosages.
    
  • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of doctors and pharmacists.
    
  • Detailed information about the specifications of your medication regime.
    
    
• Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to identify your disability.
  
  
• Know the location and availability of more than one facility if you are dependent on dialysis or other life-sustaining equipment or treatment.
  
  
• If you have a severe speech, language, or hearing disability:
  
  
  • When you dial 9-1-1, tap space bar to indicate TDD call.
    
  • Store a writing pad and pencils to communicate with others.
    
  • Keep a flashlight handy to signal whereabouts to other people and for illumination and communication.
    
  • Remind friends that you cannot completely hear warnings or emergency instructions and ask them to be your source of emergency information as it comes over their radio.
    
  • If you have a hearing ear dog, be aware that the dog may become confused or disoriented during an emergency. Store extra food, water and supplies for your dog.
    
    
• If you rely on any kind of service animal, such as a seeing eye dog or other animal used for therapy, plan ahead for their specialized care.
  
  
• If you need a wheelchair, show friends how to operate your wheelchair so they can move you if necessary. Make sure friends know the size of your wheelchair in case it has to be transported.
  
  
• Be ready to evacuate. Have a plan for getting out of your home or building (ask your family or friends for assistance if necessary). Also, plan two evacuation routes as some roads may be closed or blocked during a disaster.
  
  
• People with disabilities have the same choices as other community residents about whether to evacuate their homes and where to go when an emergency threatens. Listen to the advice of City officials. Decide whether it is better to leave the area, stay with a friend, or go to a public shelter. Each of these decisions requires planning and preparation.

The City Emergency Management Office will maintain a registry of people with disabilities so they may be located and assisted quickly in a disaster. If you, or someone you know, has a disability and would like to voluntarily register for this service, please contact the City of North Las Vegas Fire Department, Emergency Management Office at 633-1125 or the City of North Las Vegas ADA Coordinator at 633-1510 for more information.