Ready to Evacuate in an Emergency

What to expect when you get the call to evacuate in an emergency? The recent fires are a reminder that evacuation orders can come with little warning. For people with disabilities “grab and go” isn’t that simple. There are service animals, medical equipment, and important prescriptions. You need a plan before the smoke rolls in.

Service animals are legally permitted in emergency shelters under the ADA, but chaos at the door doesn’t give you time to explain. Have a copy of your animals vaccination records and a recent photo (in case you get separated) with you.

A leash, harness, and a few days food and water are important. Keep contact info for a backup caregiver to take the animal in case you are hospitalized. Emotional support animals don’t have the same legal access, so find out ahead of time which shelters are pet friendly.

Medical equipment like oxygen concentrators, power wheelchairs and hospital beds need a plan for a power failure and evacuation. Know your equipment’s battery life and keep back up batteries charged. Register with your utility company’s vulnerable customer program if they have one so you are prioritized for outage updates. Keep manual backups where possible of your wheelchair, or a hand crank suction device. Pack chargers, extension cords and any adapters you might need. Remember shelters may have limited outlets.

Running out of medication is one of the most common and preventable crises. Keep a paper list of all medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors with you. Don’t rely on a phone that could die. Ask your pharmacist about an emergency refill. Washington allows early refills during emergencies. Pack at least a week’s supply in your go bag. Include insulin pumps and nebulizers and their supplies.

Not every shelter is going to be accessible. Save the number of the county emergency management location and you can check their evacuation site listings which should note accessibility features. Call ahead to see if they can accommodate your equipment or have sign language interpretation.

Keep the important information in your go-bag and share with a family member. This can save you critical time.