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IEMA
highlights preparedness for people with functional needs
Guidebook offers tips to help people with functional needs and their
caregivers plan for emergencies
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[January 21, 2011]
SPRINGFIELD –
While every home should have a disaster preparedness kit stocked
with such items as a flashlight, bottled water and a first-aid kit,
emergency preparedness is even more critical for households with
members who have functional needs.
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Throughout December, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)
will highlight the importance of disaster preparedness for people
with functional needs as part of its 12-Month Preparedness Campaign.
“An ice storm, tornado or other disaster can leave people without
power, heat or water for several days,” said IEMA Interim Director
Joe Klinger. “For those who may need some type of assistance, these
conditions can be especially dangerous if they aren’t prepared.”
To help people with functional needs and their caregivers prepare
for emergencies, the Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF) developed
a guidebook, Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Functional
Needs. The booklet addresses the unique preparedness considerations
for people with visual, cognitive or mobility impairments; citizens
who are deaf or hard of hearing; those who utilize service animals
or life support systems; and senior citizens.
For each functional need, the guidebook provides a list of
supplemental items for a disaster kit, tips on developing an
emergency plan, suggestions on how to be better informed about
community emergency planning and a checklist of preparedness
activities.
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In addition, the booklet contains a list of items for a standard
disaster kit, a cut-out health information card, contact information
for agencies providing services to people with functional needs and
a copy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and
American Red Cross guide, Preparing for Disaster for People with
Disabilities and Other Special Needs.
The booklet and additional information about emergency preparedness
is available on the Ready Illinois website at
www.Ready.Illinois.gov.
[FILE FROM OFFICE OF COMMUNICATION, STATE OF ILLINOIS]
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