So, what was ruled? Here are the highlights:
- Preparation in advance – the evacuation teams must be prepared for the evacuation of people with disabilities. It means making sure there are available means, such as evacuation chairs, folding stretchers, accessible vehicles, and even simple writing tools to communicate with those hard of hearing.
- Adjusted action plan – for evacuation, persons with disabilities must be located in advance, given priority, and have their needs ascertained: is there a need for a companion? Service animal? Medical equipment or certain personal aids? In cases of height differences – means fit for people with disabilities must be used, and if possible – via elevator. If, during the evacuation, any personal equipment or aids are taken or harmed (such as a wheelchair or a cane) – the person with disability must receive alternative equipment, so they can continue to operate safely.
- Accessible transportation – specialized buses will have wheelchair lifts, spaces for wheelchairs anchoring, adjusted seatbelts, accessible audio systems, visual markers, etc. Everything is done to ensure a safe and comfortable ride for all.
- Maintaining information continuity – anyone who evacuates a person with disability to a reception facility must also transfer any relevant information to said facility. That way, the facility will be able to continue providing the person with disability with anything they need, without losing information on the way.
- Assistance for people with special medical needs – people who are using a ventilator, at home care, or in a complicated medical situation – will be evacuated separately from the general population, to a fitting medical institute or reception center, with medical escort, fitting equipment, and anything required to keep their life and health even during emergencies. It is important to prepare for this evacuation in advance!
- Companions and accessibility aids – people with disabilities are entitled to evacuate with a companion, a service animal, medicine, and essential personal equipment. It is also a part of their safety and integrity.
The ability to be safely evacuated and received during an emergency is not a privilege – it is a basic right. Access Israel Association, via The “Purple Vest” Initiative, is working to integrate laws and regulations in the field, increase awareness, and ensure that in the moment of truth – all of us are safe.
Because only when we take care of everyone – the evacuation is not only possible, but also respectful, egalitarian, and safe.