So, what are the key points to know from the regulations?
- Accessible shelter for all – any program is required to locate a shelter fitting the residents and staff – accessible, safe for a long stay, and close enough to safely reach in the case of an emergency. There must be clear signage, marking of hazards in the way, reception of an alarm app, and ensuring the residents and staff can hear sirens clearly.
- A structured evacuation plan – an action plan must be developed, detailing the number of people evacuating while sitting or lying down, what means and vehicles are required, and how to reach the evacuation vehicles in an accessible way. The staff must go through training and practice, and be ready with medicine bags, food, and personal equipment for each resident, following an individual plan including essential information about medical needs, contacts, and possibly even service animals.
- Early evacuation for those who need it – some of the people with disabilities will evacuate before the general population – according to their health condition and dependence level. Nursing and healthcare companies are required to prepare in advance with early evacuation procedures, ensuring a smooth operation.
- Keeping in touch and remote support – during an emergency, organizations providing service to people with disabilities or nursing and healthcare companies providing services to people with disabilities at their home, will be keeping in touch with the people with disabilities and their families – with accessibility, digitally, and by home visits if possible. Beyond basic aid such as food and medicine, it is also important to provide emotional support, remote activities, and relief from stress and loneliness.
- Schools of students with disabilities – school principals and local authorities are responsible for a safe evacuation of students with disabilities, caring for their essential needs, and updating the parents. If a non-immediate evacuation is required – the local authorities are responsible for an organized transfer to their home or to another safe place. The Ministry of Education is required to develop clear procedures for evacuation, to keep in contact with the students and their families, and to prepare for remote learning and support. In addition, there is an emphasis on supplying rehabilitation and learning equipment remotely to retain the educational and treatment continuity even during an emergency.
- Customized protective kit – when protective kits are handed out – it must be ensured that people with disabilities will also receive them, in time, and according to their needs.
- Functional continuity in an emergency – programs for people with disabilities will make preparations in advance – with plans for prolonged staying, supplying medicine and specialized food, emergency kits in the shelter, and staff training. All this for the purpose of retaining functional continuity in the case of prolonged staying in the shelter. In addition, an “emergency officer in charge” has to be appointed to ensure the maintenance of the emergency equipment.
And another important thing – the regulations also mention the responsibility of legal guardians and agents, to ensure that during an emergency, the person with the disability is truly safe. It includes preparations in advance, locating a fit shelter and ensuring that the path to it is clear, safe evacuation, and keeping an accessible contact with the person in any way.
The regulations remind us all – emergencies do not exempt us from responsibility; on the contrary. Whether at home or in programs – preparations in advance must be made so that people with disabilities receive a full a comprehensive and safe response. Because only when we care for everyone – can we truly get through emergencies together.