Emergencies are something none of us really wants to think about. We hope the individuals we care about will never experience a fire, severe weather event, medical emergency, evacuation, lockdown, or other dangerous situation. But whether someone is sitting in a classroom or relaxing at home, the unexpected can happen.
For students with disabilities, emergency preparedness may require additional planning.
If something unexpected happened today, would the individual know what to do, and would the people around them know what they need to do?
A loud alarm may be overwhelming for someone with sensory sensitivities. An individual with a mobility disability may need assistance using an emergency exit. Someone else may depend on a communication device, medication, medical equipment, or a service animal. An individual may know exactly what to do during a practiced drill, but struggle when a real emergency looks different from what was expected.
We cannot prepare for every possible situation, but we can help make the unexpected a little more familiar, both at home and at school.
Start with the individual.
Emergency plans should consider the individual, not just their disability diagnosis. Think about what they need during an ordinary day and how those needs might change during an emergency.
A few questions can help families and school teams get started:
- How does the individual communicate?Could they share important information or tell an unfamiliar person they need help?
- What needs to stay with them?Consider communication devices, medications, mobility equipment, medical supplies, sensory supports, or a service animal.
- What could make an emergency more difficult?Consider loud sounds, flashing lights, crowds, stairs, darkness, changes in routine, or separation from familiar people.
- Who knows what the individual needs?At home, this may include family, caregivers, neighbors, or emergency contacts. At school, it may include teachers, aides, therapists, transportation staff, administrators, and the school nurse.
- What is the backup plan?What happens if a usual caregiver or teacher is unavailable, an exit is blocked, or essential support cannot immediately accompany them?
Practice at home.
An emergency plan is more useful when everyone has an opportunity to practice it. Include the individual in ways appropriate to their age, abilities, and communication needs.
At home, you might:
- Practice more than one safe way to leave the house.
- Choose and practice going to a family meeting place.
- Practice where to go during severe weather or when a smoke alarm sounds.
- Help the individual learn their address or another way to share identifying information.
- Consider how medications, medical equipment, specialized food, or devices requiring electricity would be managed during an evacuation or power outage.
School practice.
School emergency drills are important, but students with disabilities may need additional preparation or individualized supports. An IEP meeting can be a great time to discuss proactive emergency preparedness.
Families can ask:
- How will the student evacuate different areas of the school?
- Who will assist if their regular teacher or aide is unavailable?
- How will communication, mobility, medical, and behavioral needs be addressed?
- What happens to communication devices, mobility equipment, medication, service animals, or other essential supports?
- How will the student be supported during lockdowns, severe weather, evacuations, and reunification?
- How will sensory concerns related to loud alarms and crowded environments be addressed based on the student’s individual needs and emergency plan?
Make the unexpected more predictable.
For some individuals, social stories can explain emergencies in simple, concrete steps. Pictures of the person’s actual home, classroom, exits, safe locations, and trusted adults can make them even more meaningful.
You do not have to figure it out alone.
The Institute for Childhood Preparedness provides emergency preparedness training, planning resources, checklists, and other tools for families, schools, early childhood programs, and professionals. Several social stories about emergencies are available in English and Spanish, along with specific training for educators and caregivers.
Emergency preparedness is not about frightening someone or predicting everything that could go wrong. It is about providing opportunities to learn, practice, and participate in their own safety.
Start with one question: If something unexpected happened at home or school today, what would your child need to be safe, communicate, and get the support they need?
Practice the plan, share it with others, and revisit it as needs change.
TN Disability Pathfinder can connect families with disability related information, community resources, and supports that may be helpful when preparing for the individual needs of children and adults with disabilities, especially during emergencies.