Emergency Preparedness

When an emergency or natural disaster strikes, it is important for everyone, especially for people living with ALS, to be prepared. It may seem like a lot of work, but doing a little at a time will ensure that you are ready for anything. You will feel more confident about protecting yourself and your loved ones in the event of a disaster.

If there is an emergency, you can either call or text 9-1-1!

Be Prepared

Make a Plan

Create and write down a plan using the CT Ready! Personal Preparedness Guide, the Red Cross Emergency Plan Document or the Ready.gov form.

Complete a personal assessment and create a personal support network of those who could assist in the event of an emergency (friends, family, relatives, neighbors, roommates, co-workers, etc.).  Read more about how to build a support network on the American Red Cross website.
Emergency information list: Identify who you will need to call in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Make sure to have at least 7 days of medication on hand. 
Smoke alarms should be on each level of a home and tested once per month. 
Know where utility cutoff valves are and how to disconnect them. 
Consider contacting your utility companies so that they are aware of your medical needs.   
Contact your fire department and let them know a person with ALS lives in the home.  
Make an evacuation route: Have a plan for how to get out of your home during an evacuation/fire/emergency, and other disasters.
Consider researching and having contact information for local independent living centers and/or disability service organizations that are easy to access and are safe.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation in case of a disaster/emergency.
Consider having multiple backup destinations to have options in an emergency.

Stay Informed

The below websites have useful emergency preparedness information:

State of Connecticut’s Resources for Individuals in Emergency or Disaster Situations
The FDA’s Home Use Devices: How to Prepare for and Handle Power Outages for Medical Devices that Require Electricity
FEMA’s Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs
United States Ready.gov Disaster and Emergency Planning
American Red Cross How to Prepare for Emergencies