For Immediate Release
Contact: (Your Name and telephone number)
“In the event of a disaster such as a tornado or an earthquake, people with visual disabilities can take some steps to prepare themselves before a disaster strikes. Both preparing before and practicing your plan can help a person with a visual disability when a real disaster occurs,” said _________ Emergency Management Director.
Canes:
·
If a
person with a visual disability uses a cane, it is wise to keep extras in
strategic, consistent and secured locations at work, at home, or at school.
Practice maneuvering around familiar and non-familiar obstacles and hazards at
work, at home, or at school.
·
Keep a
spare cane in your home emergency kit.
Alternate
Mobility Preparedness:
·
Persons
with low vision might place security lights in each room to light paths for
travel. These lights plug into electric wall outlets and light up automatically
if there is a loss of power. They will continue to operate automatically for one
to six hours and can be turned off manually. They can also be used as a
short-lasting flashlight.
·
Store
high-powered flashlights with wide beams and extra batteries.
·
Plan and
practice for loss of auditory clues that you might normally rely on to maneuver
at work, home or at school.
·
Service
animals may become confused, panicked, frightened, or disoriented during and
after a disaster. Keep them confined or securely leashed or harnessed.
A leash/harness is an important item for managing a nervous or upset
animal. Be prepared to use alternate ways to negotiate your way to safety.
Label
supplies:
·
If
helpful, mark emergency supplies with large print, florescent tape or Braille.
Secure
Computers:
·
Anchor
special equipment and large pieces of furniture, such as computers, bookcases,
and shelves in your office or at home. Create
a computer backup system for important data and store it off site.
Advocacy
Issues:
·
Advocate
that TV and radio news post important telephone numbers as well as announce them
slowly and repeat them frequently.