Being prepared for emergencies is important for everyone. Whether it’s a fire, a power outage, or a natural disaster, having a solid plan can make all the difference. However, when people prepare for emergencies, they often overlook some key details—especially when it comes to accessibility. In this blog, we’ll talk about some common mistakes people make when preparing for emergencies and how to avoid them, so everyone, including those with mobility challenges, can stay safe.
1. Not Including Accessibility in Your Plan
One of the biggest mistakes people make when preparing for emergencies is forgetting about accessibility. A good emergency plan should be safe for everyone, including people with disabilities or mobility issues. If someone in your home or workplace uses a wheelchair or has trouble walking, make sure the plan includes ways to help them evacuate safely.
For example, an evacuation chair like the Evac+Chair can be a lifesaver in a building with stairs. It allows someone to be easily transported down the stairs during an emergency.
2. Not Practicing Your Plan
Many people have emergency plans but never practice them. This is a mistake because, during an actual emergency, panic can make it hard to remember what to do. Practicing your plan helps everyone feel more confident and comfortable when the real thing happens.
Make sure to include everyone in the practice, especially those who might need extra help. If you have an evacuation chair or other safety tools, make sure everyone knows how to use them. Regular drills also help to spot any issues with the plan that might not work in a real emergency.
3. Ignoring Special Needs
Another common mistake is not considering the specific needs of people with disabilities or medical conditions. For example, someone who uses a mobility aid like a wheelchair or walker might need more time to evacuate. People with hearing or vision impairments might need different types of alarms or notifications.
It’s important to create a personalized plan that addresses these needs. Make sure emergency exits are accessible and consider adding tools like vibrating alarms for those with hearing impairments. Storing extra medication or medical supplies in an emergency kit is also a good idea.
4. Forgetting to Create Clear Escape Routes
In an emergency, clear and accessible escape routes are vital. A common mistake is having blocked pathways that make it hard to move quickly, especially for those using mobility aids. Make sure hallways, doorways, and stairs are free of clutter, and remove anything that could slow down an evacuation.
In addition, make sure all emergency exits are clearly marked, and people with mobility issues know which routes are safest for them.
5. Not Having Backup Power for Essential Devices
People who rely on medical devices like oxygen machines, ventilators, or electric wheelchairs need to think about how they will keep these devices running during a power outage. A common mistake is not having a backup power source or plan for these situations.
Consider investing in a generator or portable battery that can keep essential devices running during an emergency. This is particularly important if the person cannot evacuate immediately and needs to stay in place until help arrives.
6. Overlooking Communication Plans
In an emergency, it’s easy to lose contact with others. Not having a communication plan is a common mistake. Make sure everyone knows how to stay in touch during an emergency. This could be through cell phones, radios, or even a designated meeting spot if communication is down.
For people with disabilities, it might be helpful to have a backup communication method, like text-based emergency alerts or a buddy system, to make sure they can reach help if needed.
Preparing for emergencies can save lives, but it’s important to avoid these common mistakes. Make sure your emergency plan includes everyone, especially those with mobility challenges or other special needs. By practicing your plan, ensuring accessible escape routes, and considering special medical needs, you can be better prepared when the unexpected happens.
Remember, emergencies don’t come with a warning, so take the time now to make sure your plan is complete, inclusive, and ready to go.