Disabled veterans should plan to be self-reliant during disasters.With the threat of wildfires, floods and deadly hurricanes, disabled veterans are being urged to be more self-reliant during natural disasters and emergencies. Ways that disabled veterans can help themselves can be found in brochures published by the National Organization on Disability (NOD) explaining how to prepare and deal with disasters. "If anything, Hurricane Katrina  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. has shown that our disabled veterans should have a plan and know how to execute it during a natural or man-made disaster man-made disaster Technological disaster Public health An event in which a significant number of people are injured or die as a result of human devices or activities, unrelated to conflicts, and attributed to operator error–eg, Exxon Valdez ," said National Service Director Randy Reese. "NOD estimates that of the 54 million disabled citizens in our nation, 61 percent have not made plans to quickly and safely evacuate their homes." One of the deadliest threats to veterans with mobility disabilities is fire. It is vital that veterans with mobility disabilities contact their fire department for help in evacuation planning, and to make sure the advice fits their needs, says the NOD. The group recommends that clothing, linens and blankets be made of fire-resistant material, and that furniture be arranged so that it doesn't block a quick exit. The NOD also urges those with mobility disabilities to prepare a "ready kit" and "go bag" which would include heavy gloves to use while wheeling over glass and debris and an extra battery for motorized mo·tor·ize tr.v. mo·tor·ized, mo·tor·iz·ing, mo·tor·iz·es 1. To equip with a motor. 2. To supply with motor-driven vehicles. 3. To provide with automobiles. wheelchairs or scooters. All disabled persons are recommended to create a network of trusted persons who can assist during an emergency. They should be familiar with the abilities and limitations of the disabled they will assist during an emergency. Those with sensory disabilities should include writing materials to prepare notes and extra batteries for hearing aids Hearing Aids Definition A hearing aid is a device that can amplify sound waves in order to help a deaf or hard-of-hearing person hear sounds more clearly. or portable TTYs. NOD says to include an extra cane and food, medicine and a favorite toy for service animals. "According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the U.S. Census Bureau Noun 1. Census Bureau - the bureau of the Commerce Department responsible for taking the census; provides demographic information and analyses about the population of the United States Bureau of the Census , there are 1.5 million wheelchair uses in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. ," said Reese. "Nearly 4 million require the assistance of another person for daily activities, such as getting dressed, eating or bathing. These disabled persons and their caregivers should make plans to deal with emergencies." To obtain NOD brochures, please send an e-mail to epi@nod.org and put "EPI Pamphlet Request" in the subject line, or you may fax a request to (202) 293-7999. |
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