Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

Heroes are found everyday. Thank those who are a hero in your life.

There are no words to express my sorrow for what happened in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. I was watching the television when the attacks happened, and I was shocked. As a person with a disability, I wondered how I would get out. I thank all of you that helped someone with a disability evacuate. You are truly a hero. I thank all the people who helped those with disabilities to safety, and stayed with them at their time of need. Thank you for understanding that people with disabilities are human beings too.

In light of this disaster, I want to make known what can be done in future emergencies. People with disabilities take longer to evacuate during an emergency. They need to take extra steps in making sure they can leave. Try to be as patient as possible if you’re helping someone evacuate. Ask them how you can assist them.

If you have a disability, here are some items that you should have in case of an emergency. You can keep these items in your house, office, or vehicle. Flashlight, extra medicine that you take on a regular basis, water, first aid kit, blanket, paper, pencil, extra batteries, and a battery operated radio, cell phone, extra clothes, and food. Know where these items are, and keep the products in good condition. If you have a service dog or pet, remember to have extra food and water for them.

Be prepared to evacuate. Have an emergency route in mind and practice it. Many recommend that you have two emergency routes just in case one is closed. If you use a wheelchair, discuss emergency tactics at work. Make sure people know how to operate your wheelchair and know how heavy it is.

Keep a list of important names and phone numbers who should be contacted during or about an emergency. For example, you could include your relatives, personal care provider, spouse, children, and doctor. You might also want to wear an identity bracelet with your disability written on in.

If you have a speech or hearing disability, keep a memo pad available so you can write down what you wish to communicate. Remind others that you can’t hear emergency signals. Develop a buddy system where people know of your situation and are willing to provide assistance for you. When you call 9-1-1, hit the space bar to indicate that you’re using a TDD machine.