Overview

As an Alaskan, you know how important it is to be prepared for harsh weather, including snowstorms, floods, and extreme cold. But you may not have considered the impact of a large-scale disaster—such as an earthquake, tsunami, or volcanic eruption—could have on us and our communities.

Regardless of your gender, race, or disability, planning for emergencies such as windstorms, earthquakes, or fires is an important part of taking care of yourself. People with disabilities may have special needs to consider in an emergency. If you have a disability, it may require extra planning to handle an emergency. ​

Ready Now! Toolkit
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Emergency preparedness for all

Emergency Preparedness for All is a 10-minute video aimed to assist people with disabilities and their families in preparing for a disaster. The video is signed in American Sign Language (ASL), captioned (optional), and voiced in order to be accessible to as many people as possible. 

This video was developed in partnership with the Alaska Health and Disability Program, Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, Access Alaska, Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA), and the Bridges Navigator Program. 

The Emergency Preparedness for All video was made possible by grants from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the Alaska Division of Public Health. 

Hidden Disabilities: Communication Tips for First Responders

The Hidden Disabilities: Communication Tips for First Responders  is a video developed by the UAA Center for Human Development LEND Program as a tool to assist first responders in recognizing and communicating with individuals with hidden disabilities. 

Looking to Get Involved?

Alaska Disability Advisory Group (ADAG): Council staff organized and facilitated monthly Alaska Disability Advisory Group (ADAG) on Emergency Preparedness meetings. These meeting bring together emergency managers and the disability community to address concerns. 

Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC): There are 21 Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) in the State of Alaska. The boundaries of each LEPC are called a Local Emergency Planning District (LEPD). The LEPD boundaries are determined by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC). Alaska Statute 26.23.071 establishes the Alaska SERC and LEPCs and specifies their duties. 

Resources

ReadyNow! Toolkit

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The ReadyNow! Toolkit will help you prepare for an emergency. Making an emergency plan and putting together your emergency kit is a big job. your plan may include family, friends, neighbors, and organizations that support you and can help you make decisions. Your toolkit does not have to be perfect, but it is important to plan ahead. 

7 Day Survival Kit

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The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has developed a 24-week step-by-step guide on how to build a 7-day survival kit. Some find it difficult to put together a disaster preparedness kit, but using this easy-to-follow preparedness supplies guide will take the anxiety and frustration out of preparing for a disaster. 

Tip Sheets for First Responders

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The Tip Sheets for First Responders were developed in response to requests from first responders who wanted quick, easy-to-understand guidance on how to effectively work with people with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities in emergency situations. 

Other Related Education

Contact

Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education