Preparing as a person with special needs

During an emergency, it is up to each person to take the first steps to ensure their safety and protect their belongings. This includes preparing a household evacuation plan and an emergency kit for the home.  

People with special needs must prepare by taking their specific needs into account.  

Identify the obstacles and challenges you might face and plan for everything necessary to ensure your safety and well-being – or that of someone in your household with special needs.

Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and emergency equipment at the places where you live and work.  

Have an emergency alarm button installed at your home and workplace so you can indicate your location and that you require special assistance in an emergency.  

If applicable, wear a MedicAlert bracelet or carry a MedicAlert ID card, which will inform emergency services of your disabilities and allergies (food or medication).

Check if your municipality offers specific services for people with special needs:

• a registry of people with reduced mobility or special needs.
• special procedures for alerting people with hearing impairments during an emergency.
• adapted equipment for evacuations (patient lift, bariatric sling, adapted stretcher). 

Build a personal support network:

• Make a list of at least three people you know, including one who lives near you, who can come to your aid quickly.
• Keep a document with these people’s contact information handy and place a copy in your emergency kit. Tell these people where your emergency kit is stored. Give one of them a key to your home.
• Show these people how your equipment works and test your family safety plan with them. 

If you have a hearing impairment  

• Keep paper and a pencil within reach.
• Prepare a document containing the information needed to communicate your needs, such as “I use Québec Sign Language” or “Please keep me informed of safety instructions in writing or in sign language.”
• Get a pager connected to an emergency alert system at your workplace or home.
• Install smoke detectors with flashing lights or a vibration system to alert you if an alarm is triggered.  

If you have a visual impairment  

• Keep a long white cane within reach to help you get around. Debris may be on the floor, or furniture may have been moved during the disaster.
• Mark gas, water, and electrical shut-off valves in advance with fluorescent tape, Braille, or large print. 

If you need to move around with electrical devices  

• Have a backup power source available.
• Agree with family members or friends on where you can stay in the event of a prolonged power outage. 

In addition to the general items your emergency kit should contain, here are some more specific items it should include:

• a list of foods and medications to which you are allergic.
• a list of the medications you are currently taking (note the reason for taking them, the generic name, the dosage, the frequency of administration, and the name and contact information of your doctor).
• a photocopy of your prescriptions.
• a supply of your medications for at least one week.

Store your medical devices and assistive equipment in a place that is easily accessible in case of an emergency. Label all equipment according to your specific needs, indicating how to use, remove, or move each device in an emergency. Give this list to the people in your support network and keep a copy in your emergency kit. 

If you have a wheelchair or mobility scooter

Here are the items you should also add to your emergency kit:

• a tire repair kit.
• a can of compressed air to inflate tires.
• extra inner tubes.
• a pair of thick gloves to protect your hands in case your wheelchair rolls over glass or other sharp or pointed debris.
• a spare battery. 

If you have a service animal 

Here are the items you should add to your emergency kit:

• bottled water and pet food for at least three days.
• water and food bowls.
• a manual can opener.
• a leash and collar.
• a blanket and toys.
• paper towels and plastic bags.
• your pet’s medications, along with a list detailing its medical condition, dosage, and frequency of administration, as well as your veterinarian’s contact information.
• your pet’s medical records, including the vaccination record.  
• bandages (the pet could get cuts on its paws on rough terrain).
• an up-to-date ID tag with your name and phone number, as well as your veterinarian’s contact information.
• a recent photo of the service animal, in case it becomes separated from you. 

Experiencing a disaster can trigger unusual physical, emotional, and behavioural reactions. Pay attention to your reactions and those of your loved ones, including

• anxiety, distress, or frequent crying.
• lack of interest or energy.
• difficulty concentrating or confusion.
• increased alcohol or drug use. 

Psychosocial support is available to you. This service is confidential and free of charge. 

Helping children react appropriately during an emergency by taking simple, comforting actions.  

For more information on reactions following a disaster and ways to help manage these emotions, visit the page Getting better following a disaster.