Plan for Needed Evacuations

Discuss your child’s disabling condition with your pediatrician to determine what you need to have on hand for an evacuation
Pre-determine where you will evacuate to and how you will get there. Bear in mind that roads may be blocked so you may need several alternate routes. Additionally, public transportation may not be functioning, so if you don’t have a vehicle have standing arrangements with someone who does.
Remember if you will be relying on a car, you may need to store some extra gasoline in a safe location as gas stations may be without electric and unable to pump gas. Also, be certain to try and keep the tanks on all your vehicles topped off.
Even if you were planning to remain at home, if the local police order an emergency evacuation of all homes, leave right away. Make certain that everyone is wearing protective clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather and that they have a first aid kit, ID, and some money with them. Leave a note in your house indicating when you left, and where you are going in case anyone comes looking for you. Call your family members and let them know where you are going and your anticipated route. Take your emergency supplies with you (these should be pre packed in your vehicle)
Practice quickly loading the car with your emergency kit and driving at least part of your evacuation route. This is particularly important because special needs children have more difficult with transitions than other children. They need all of these activities to be part of their normal routine so they don’t freeze or act out when an emergency does arise.
To help your special needs child understand the types of emergencies that might arise in your geographic region, it is a good idea to get a selection of books that relate to children their age who successfully made it through similar disasters. You might also be able to find some good videos with a similar theme. Making the “crisis” more familiar. The preparation routine, will increase the likelihood of your child adapting to the situation when needed.
Make sure your grandchild is wearing identification. Attach it to the back of his shirt with a pin, clip it on shoelaces or write it on his arm with a marker. Include the child’s name, diagnosis and your cell number. Indicate what the child may need to keep him safe and calm until you are reunited. Be sure you have a recent photo of the child and your own identification information to show police in case the child is lost.

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