Emergencies happen when we least expect them. Paladin Security services the nation throughout six time zones and being prepared is imperative. It is also impractical to capture preparedness that will apply to every region, so we have to approach emergency preparedness as a community initiative by ensuring that everyone has a role to play.
Create a personal Support Network
Have at least three people you know and trust who will help you with an emergency
- Ask people you trust if they are willing to help you in case of an emergency. Identify contacts for important locations such as home, work or school.
- Tell these support people where your emergency kit is kept. Provide one member a key to your home.
- Have a support network contact who is far enough away that they are unlikely affected by the emergency.
- Develop a plan that meets the group’s needs.
- Practice your emergency plan with your support network. If applicable, show them how your special needs equipment works.
By ensuring personal preparedness, we allow services to be more dedicated to those who cannot help themselves.
Federal assistance is managed through Public Safety Canada. For more information, you can visit their website at www.publicsafety.gc.ca under “Emergency Management”.
The last installment in our #EPWeek tips spoke of the importance of having important measures in place that emphasizes the need to keep up to date on current conditions, ie. Weather, which may impact you.
In celebration of this year’s Emergency Preparedness Week, we will be offering tips on how to address preparedness for people with disabilities.
Preparedness for people with disabilities
Non-visible disability
Not all disabilities are visible. If you or a family member has a non-visible disability, it is important to pay close attention to the preparedness measures.
Consider keeping an emergency contact list on you at all times that notes key people who are aware of your condition. Inform your designated support network of your medications are stored. If needed, consider wearing an alert bracelet or identification to help notify a first responder on your special needs. Also, request that a panic push-button be installed in your work and living areas so that in an event of an emergency, you can easily notify others of your location.
Ensure you have a supply of food items that complies with any dietary restrictions you may have. Have a detailed list of all prescription medication; as well, have at least a one-week supple of all needed medications, medical supplies and special equipment such as:
- Extra supply of insulin or oral agent
- Extra supply of syringes, needles and insulin pens (if used)
- Small container for storing used syringes and/or needles (if applicable)
- Blood glucose testing kit, spare batteries and record book
- Supply of blood glucose and urine ketone testing strips
- Fast acting insulin for high blood glucose (if applicable), fast acting sugar for low blood glucose
- Ice packs and thermal bag to store insulin (if applicable)
If you are assisting with someone with a non-visible disability, allow the person to describe the help they need. Ensure you find effective ways to communicate, even if it includes drawn or written instructions. Maintain eye contact when speaking to the person, and if they person needs to take medication, ask if they are in need of assistance.
For more tips on how to get prepared, visit https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/
