Creating Emergency Kits and Plans with People with Disabilities

Creating Emergency Kits

and Plans with People

with Disabilities

2015

New Hampshire

Disability & Public

Health Project

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 2

Alternative formats available on request.

Suggested Citation

New Hampshire Disability and Public Health project. (2015). Creating Emergency Kits and Plans with

People with Disabilities: Train the Trainer Handbook. Durham, NH: Institute on Disability, University

of New Hampshire.

10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101 | Durham, NH 03824

603.862.4320 | Relay: 711 | Fax: 603.862.0555

[email protected]

www.nhdisabilityhealth.org

facebook.com/iod.dph

twitter.com/nhdph

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 3

Contents

Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................

DPH & Disability in New Hampshire ....................................................................................

Handbook Overview ..................................................................................................................... 6

Agenda & Timeline .......................................................................................................................

Create a Demo Kit ........................................................................................................................ 8

Part 1 – Establish a Common Language

Defining Disability ................................................................................................................ 10

Talking About Disability ...................................................................................................... 12

Introducing C-MIST

.............................................................................................................. 13

Part 2 – Build a Kit

Stay Kit - Go Bag Activity ..................................................................................................... 16

Basic Items ................................................................................................................ 16

Modifications ............................................................................................................ 17

Specialized Items ..................................................................................................... 19

Part 3 – Make a Plan

C-MIST Personal Planning Tool .......................................................................................... 22

Prompting Questions ........................................................................................................... 23

Sample Assessment .............................................................................................................. 24

Sample Plan ........................................................................................................................... 25

Concluding the Training.......................................................................................................... 26

References ....................................................................................................................................

Appendix (Handouts)

Training Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 31

Trainee Toolkit ..................................................................................................................... 33

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 4

Acknowledgments

This publication was supported by Grant / Cooperative Agreement Number 1U59DD000954-01

from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the

responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of CDC.

The New Hampshire Disability & Public Health project (DPH) is led by Charles Drum, MPA, JD,

PhD, Director of the UNH Institute on Disability, and José Montero, MD, Director of the NH Division

of Public Health Services. This handbook and the training modules it contains are the result of a

collaborative effort between DPH, the Public Health Network of Central New Hampshire, and

Lakes Region Community Services.

The original handbook and this updated version were created by DPH staff members Kimberly

Phillips, Sara Rainer, and Brian Cronin. The authors wish to thank the following individuals and

organizations:

For initiating the project and bringing the collaborating entities to the table, thanks to Donna

Quinn, Director of the Public Health Network of Central New Hampshire; for helping to shape the

scope of the training and for providing the audiences for the initial pilot and trainings, thanks to

Laurie Vachon, Director of Lakes Region Community Services; for reviewing and commenting on

earlier drafts of the handbook, thanks to DPH staff at the Institute on Disability, Charles Drum,

Monica McClain, Joan Earle Hahn, Kathleen Bates, and Jennifer Squires.

Finally, thanks to our first team of volunteer trainers from Central New Hampshire’s Community

Emergency Response Team and Medical Reserve Corps: Camilla Jones, Ray Jones, Ingrid

Heidenreich, and Richard LaFlamme.

Questions and comments about this handbook or other aspects of the train the trainer modules

presented within? Please call DPH at (603) 862-4320 │Relay 711; email us at dph.iod@unh.edu;

or get in touch via the project website at http://nhdisabilityhealth.org.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 5

DPH & Disability in New Hampshire

The CDC-funded New Hampshire Disability and Public Health project (DPH) is a collaboration

between the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability and NH Division of Public Health

Services. The project goal, to promote and maximize health, prevent chronic disease, improve

emergency preparedness and increase the quality of life among people with disabilities, is

achieved through activities that focus on infusing disability components into existing public health

programs and initiatives.

Figure 1 shows the prevalence of disability among adults in New Hampshire compared to the

United States.

Prevalence rates are one available metric that helps to determine levels of need

and demonstrates the importance of including a disability perspective in public health

programming and services within the state.

Figure 1. Prevalence of disability by age group (BRFSS, 2013)

Prevalence rates in the figure above come from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance

System (BRFSS), in which disability is defined as a “yes” response to one or more of the following

questions:

• Do you have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?

• Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have serious difficulty

concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?

• Are you blind or do you have serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses?

• Do you have difficulty dressing or bathing?

• Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have difficulty doing errands

alone such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping?

• Do you Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or

emotional problems?

• Do you now have any health problem that requires you to use special equipment, such as a

cane, a wheelchair, a special bed, or a special telephone?

24%

38%

26%

45%

Age 18-64 Age 65 & older

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 6

Handbook Overview

This trainer handbook is designed to help individuals work with people with disabilities to create

customized emergency preparedness kits and plans. If you work in the field of disability or are a

family member of a person with a disability, this curriculum will teach you about the basics of

emergency preparedness. If you have experience with emergency planning and preparedness,

this curriculum will help you teach people about the kinds of modifications and considerations

people with disabilities might require in order to be personally prepared.

Learning Objectives

• Establish a common language to interact respectfully and effectively with people with

disabilities.

• Review basic, modified, and specialized emergency supply kit items.

• Learn to use the C-MIST Personal Planning Tool to make individual emergency plans.

Before you train

• Read through the entire handbook, so you are familiar with the contents.

• Rehearse at least once, timing yourself to ensure that you can cover the needed material in the

time allotted. Leave ample time at the end of your session for questions and for participants to

fill out your training evaluations.

• Make enough copies of all the handouts you will deliver, including training evaluations (see

Appendix).

• Some trainers have made laminated posters of the prompting questions (page 23) and the

blank planning template (page A-16) to write on directly.

o Be sure to bring tape and/or poster board to hang the posters up.

o Or if you choose not to make posters, consider displaying the prompting questions on a

flipchart for participants.

• Have dry erase markers to use with the posters or a white board, or bring a large paper flip

chart and a few colored markers.

• Have extra pens or pencils for use with the training evaluation forms.

• Assemble contents of your example Stay Kit and the Go Bag into suitable containers.

• Bring a watch or device and keep track of the time.

• Finally, make it your own!

After the training

• Mail Training Evaluation forms (copies or originals) to

DPH

10 West Edge Drive

Durham, NH 03824

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 7

Agenda & Timeline

 Introduction

Welcome participants and introduce yourself to the group

Hand out Toolkit for Training Participants to everyone

Introduce the training and share the learning objectives

 Part 1: Establish a Common Language

Discuss definition of disability

Briefly present and explain the C-MIST Functional Needs Framework

 Part 2: Build a Kit

Stay Kit – Go Bag contents activity

a. Review essential items

b. Discuss useful modifications

c. Propose additional specialized items to include

 Part 3: Make a Plan

Personal Planning Tool activity

a. Assess strengths and abilities

b. Brainstorm needs in an emergency

c. Complete personalized preparedness plan

 Conclusion

Inform participants where to find local, state, and national resources to learn more

Question and answer

Training evaluations – participants fill out both the pre- and post- sections AFTER the

training

Key:

Green boxes highlight talking points

 Italicized text provides instructions for the trainer

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 8

Create a Demo Kit

Before the training, pull together a demo emergency preparedness kit for the Stay Kit / Go Bag

activity. Review the activity on pages 16-19 to help you plan your specific demo kit items. Keep it

simple, but consider the kinds of modifications and considerations you’ll be discussing with

participants.

Ideas for Demo Kit Items

• Durable waterproof container (for Stay Kit items)

•

Small backpack (for Go Bag items)

•

1 x gallon water

• Smaller water bottle with easy-open sports cap

•

Examples of high-protein, non-perishable foods for a variety of diet and

ability types (consider variations such as nut allergies, mobility limitations

that may prohibit using a can opener, chewing and swallowing difficulties)

• Flashlight and batteries

• Examples of other types of batteries (hearing aid or other devices)

• Prescription medication in original container (or an item to represent this)

• Small ice pack or cold storage bag for medications that need to stay cold

• Hand Sanitizer in a few different types of containers (e.g., wipes, pump-top,

flip-top, spray)

• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush or plastic utensils)

• Model magic or similar putty for molding

• Pet and/or service animal supplies

• Water resistant, easy-open document holder and example document

templates

• Whistle or bell

• First aid kit

• Index cards, other “cue card” materials, or a small notebook

• Pen(s)

• Security or comfort item (picture of loved one)

•

Busy items (e.g., cards or a slinky)

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 9

Part 1

Establish a Common Language

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 10

Defining Disability

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines disability as a complex phenomenon

involving an interaction between a person and the environment in which s/he functions.

What does this mean?

It means that on the one hand, the person has a difficulty with a body function or structure.

On the other hand, the environment can make it difficult for the person to carry out a task

or action.

Inaccessible environments, stigma, and stereotypes, pose barriers for people with

disabilities to fully participate in community living.

Disability can take many forms and is not always visible or readily apparent.

Disability can occur at any point during the lifespan and may originate from birth, illness,

injury, or aging.

Here are just a few examples:

• An infant is born with Spina Bifida, which may affect walking;

• A child in a car crash sustains traumatic brain injury, affecting thinking and

remembering;

• A young adult has depression or another mental illness making it hard to manage

stress;

• A woman in early midlife develops multiple sclerosis and finds moving about is difficult;

• A college student with epilepsy needs in-class accommodations (e.g., extra time on

tests);

• A man in late midlife develops hearing loss, affecting his ability to communicate;

• An older adult loses eyesight from glaucoma.

Let’s look at an example of the way the environment can facilitate or complicate disability.

(Direct participants to page A-2 of their Toolkit.)

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 11

Scenario: Maria

Consider two scenarios about Maria, a middle-aged woman with an intellectual disability. Maria

does not read or write; she understands many things, but does not remember very well. She

sometimes receives help from a paid care provider, and she likes to manage some of her activities

independently.

Scenario 1

Maria took the bus to her doctor appointment last Tuesday. The bus stop is near her home,

and she was able to recognize which bus to get on by the large red triangle in the front side

window. Maria’s direct support person had ridden the bus with her several times before

she was able to do it on her own. They rehearsed the process and even made small

laminated cards of Maria’s frequent destinations. One side shows a picture of the places

Maria might go (e.g., to the park, the library, the doctor), and the other side informs the bus

driver which stop Maria needs, so the driver can cue her when they arrive. Maria followed

the sidewalk directly to her doctor’s building. Once inside, she consulted the directory,

which had names and headshots of all of the physicians. She recognized her doctor and

turned in the direction the arrows pointed her. Each time she had to turn in the hallway,

the directory with pictures and arrows was there to guide her. After the appointment,

Maria returned to the bus stop, got on the bus with the red triangle, showed the bus driver

the card with the picture of her home on it, and returned home in time for lunch.

Scenario 2

Maria wanted to go to her doctor appointment on her own this

time instead of being taken by her direct support assistant. She

lived near the bus stop, so she walked down and waited for the

bus. She was not sure if she should get on the first bus that

stopped, and she did not recognize the driver, so she kept

waiting. She asked the driver of the next bus, “Does this bus

stop near my doctor?” The bus driver asked whether she meant

the offices on Main Street, but Maria wasn’t sure. The bus

driver said the bus needed to get going to keep on schedule for

the other passengers. Maria was nervous and sad. She went

home and didn’t make it to her appointment that day.

Would anyone like to share some thoughts or reactions to what you’ve read?

These scenarios introduce the idea of universal design, and illustrate how disability

changes (is reduced) when an individual’s systems and surroundings are accessible.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 12

Talking About Disability

There are many ways to talk about disability. Sometimes even the same or similar ideas of

disability are discussed in multiple ways. Consider the following professional

environments, each with its own specific terms and categorizations:

Special Education Data Collection Government Emergency Response

Are you familiar with the C-MIST functional needs framework?

In primary education,

you may hear terms

like Individualized

Education Plan (IEP)

or a 504 plan

The U.S. Census and

other national data

sources use terms such

as ambulatory,

cognitive, vision,

hearing, self-care,

and

independent

living

Disability is sometimes

defined by eligibility

for state or federal

programs such as

Medicaid or Social

Security

benefits

First responders and

emergency personnel

use the C-MIST

Functional Needs

Framework to plan

and prepare to meet

the diverse needs of

community members

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 13

Introducing C-MIST

C-MIST Functional Needs Framework

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of New Hampshire use a

functional needs framework to identify and understand at-risk individuals’ needs in emergency

planning and preparedness. The framework includes five essential functional needs categories:

communication, medical needs, maintaining independence, supervision, and transportation (C-

MIST). C-MIST provides a useful and flexible framework for emergency planning and response,

emphasizing a person’s needs rather than the disability.

6-8

(Direct participants to page A-3 and/or refer to poster.)

Communication

Some people have difficulties receiving and responding to information. People with

communication needs may have reduced or no ability to see, hear, or speak; or

have limitations understanding or learning. This category also includes people who

cannot speak, read, or understand English.

Medical Needs

For the purposes of emergency planning, this category includes people who need

assistance with activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing, eating, dressing,

or toileting; as well as people who are managing chronic, contagious, or terminal

illnesses; and people requiring medications, IV therapy, feeding tubes, dialysis,

oxygen, suction, catheters, and ostomies.

Independence

Some people use medication or assistive devices to function independently on a

daily basis, such as: mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes), communication

aids (hearing aids, computers), medical equipment (syringes, oxygen), or service

animals.

Supervision

People may require supervision when they experience Alzheimer’s or other forms

of dementia; psychiatric conditions such as Schizophrenia, severe depression, or

chronic and severe mental illness; intellectural or developmental disabilities; or

brain injury. Needs in this category sometimes require a more supervised and

protected setting in an emergency.

Transportation

Transportation is an essential part of emergency planning. People who do not

drive because of a disability, legal restriction, temporary injury, age, poverty, or

lack of access to a vehicle are included in this category.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 14

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 15

Part 2

Build a Kit

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 16

Build a Kit

It is important for everyone to be as prepared as possible for an emergency. Emergency

kits are most effective when they are person-centered and individualized.

Stay Kit / Go Bag activity

This activity allows you to cover three important components of building emergency

preparedness kits (direct participants to page A-4):

 Refer to the ReadyNH list of items for a basic kit;

 Display each item and discuss person-centered modifications to make the kit accessible; and

 Give examples of additional items to include, like special equipment or wellness enhancers.

You won’t have time to cover everything, but your presentation will inspire participants to

think creatively about all kinds of contingencies and accommodations. Challenge participants

to share their own ideas, too.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 17

Modifications: Talking Points

Why it’s in the kit -

Water is essential to survival, and must be included in an

emergency kit. During an emergency, water sources could be cut off or

contaminated. It is recommended to keep one gallon of water per person per day in

your stay kit (i.e., 3 gallons for 3 days).

Modification ideas

• Some people with disabilities require drinking straws, modified cups, or cup holders to

drink independently. Be sure to plan for your needs.

• Some water bottles are easier to open and drink from than others. Water bottles with

straws or twist tops, or camel packs, may be more usable for some people.

• Remember your pets or service animal. They will need water and a bowl to drink from.

•

Why it’s in the kit – In case of a power outage or being confined to the home.

Foods in the kit should not spoil easily, should not need to be refrigerated, and

should not require cooking.

Modification ideas

• Some people with disabilities have sensitivities to certain foods or textures, or may have

difficulty chewing or swallowing certain foods. Create a list of emergency foods that work

for the individual.

• Non-perishable foods come in all kinds of containers, and some are easier than others to

open, especially for individuals with certain kinds of mobility limitations (packages vs.

cans).

• Keep in mind any special dietary needs when choosing what foods to include in the kit.

• Remember to have food for your pets or service animal.

Why it’s in the kit – Pack a flashlight in case of a power outage and to get around

in dark areas. It may also be used to get the attention of neighbors or emergency

personnel without going outside.

Modification ideas

• Choose a flashlight that is easy to turn on and off, and does not require screws to replace

the batteries. Consider including a shakable, maintenance free flashlight that does not

require replacing batteries.

• Consider the usability of the flashlight. A person with a mobility disability may prefer a

headlamp, or a flashlight that can be attached to a wheelchair, walker, or cane.

• Glow sticks are another easy to use source of light that you can include in your kit.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 18

Why it’s in the kit – Be sure to include extra batteries for the items in your kit or

the devices used to function on a daily basis.

Modification ideas

• If the individual uses any special equipment or devices (communication aids, mobility aids,

etc.), determine if it can run on batteries in the event of a power outage. If so, know what

size and types of batteries are needed, and have extras in the kit.

• Be sure to list which types of batteries go with which items, instructions to change the

batteries, and an estimate of how long battery power might operate the device.

Why it’s in the kit - At least a 3-day supply of all necessary prescription

medications should be kept in the kit, along with copies of the prescriptions and

doctor contact information. Make sure medications are stored in their original

labeled containers.

Modification ideas

• If any medications need to be refrigerated, consider putting a small cooler or cold storage

bag in the kit. Keep ice packs or baggies of ice in the freezer, so they can be easily added to

the kit if needed.

Why it’s in the kit - Hand sanitizer, a toothbrush, and other personal hygiene

items can help with safety and comfort if evacuation is necessary or there is a lack

of running water.

Modification ideas

• Hand sanitizer is packaged in many different ways (e.g., flip caps, wipes, pump tops), so

choose the kind that is easiest for the individual to use.

• Some people with disabilities require special tools or equipment for grooming to eat

independently, like utensils or a toothbrush with weighted handles, grips or clips. Include

the supplies or equipment that will help you remain healthy and independent in an

emergency.

Why it’s in the kit – Whistles are included in the kit to signal for help in an

emergency situation.

Modification ideas

• People with respiratory issues may have difficulty using a whistle to signal for help.

Consider including an air horn or other loud noisemaker rather than a whistle.

EXTRA

BATTERIES

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 19

Specialized Items

Include any special supplies or equipment in the kit that an individual uses to function on a

daily basis. These may include:

• Glasses

• Wheelchair

• Attachment objects

• Wheelchair repair kit

• Dressing devices

• Walker

• Writing devices

• Crutches

• Hearing devices

• Cane

• Oxygen

• Monitors

Suggestions to consider

• Photo(s) of loved ones or a favorite object - may help calm or soothe an individual who is

easily upset by changes to the routine and help the person to follow instructions or receive

information.

• Model Magic – a great example of a creative and quick problem-solving tool to modify items in

the kit.

It is non-toxic and doesn’t crack like play dough, and can be used to create adaptive

eating utensils that are lightweight and contour to a person’s unique grip. It can also serve as a

busy item to help pass the time.

• Self-Adhesive Foam Shapes – foam shapes can be used as raised characters to label items in a

kit for a person with a visual impairment.

• WikkiStix – WikkiStix are another example of a quick solution for labeling kit items for a

person with a visual impairment.

WikkiStix are fun to use, and may also be a calming activity

in an emergency situation.

• Velcro products –a highly useful tool that can be used to modify various kit items.

For

example, a person could apply one side of a Velcro strip to a shirt sleeve or a wheelchair arm

and the other side to a flashlight to keep it nearby.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 20

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 21

Part 3

Make a Plan

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 22

C-MIST Personal Planning Tool

The C-MIST Personal Planning Tool is helpful in considering what specialized items to add

to a Stay Kit and Go Bag because it guides individuals through step-by-step creation of a

personalized Emergency Plan. (Direct participants to page A-7.)

We will use a case study of Mr. Smith to learn and practice the three steps of the C-MIST

Personal Tool:

• Assess

• Brainstorm

• Plan

Case Study: Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith experienced a traumatic brain injury while serving in the military on a tour of duty

overseas. The accident damaged his frontal and left parietal lobes. He has difficulties with

concentration, memory, writing, and expressive language. Mr. Smith’s civilian career had relied on

these skills, and he has been unable to return to work since his discharge. Mr. Smith has been

taking medication for anxiety and depression since he returned to the US. He lives alone on the

third floor of an apartment complex with his service dog, and he has many friends in the building.

He doesn’t drive and relies on his sister to run errands and grocery shop. Mr. Smith has not made

his own personal preparedness plans, but his sister organized a supply of emergency food and

water in his apartment to last him 72 hours.

 While participants read the scenario, draw an empty T-chart on the white board or flip chart.

 Start with the prompting questions for the first category, communication. Have participants

respond with their thoughts and ideas and record their input in the left column.

 Point out that Mr. Smith (like a real person) may or may not have needs in all of the areas.

When assessing Mr. Smith’s abilities, explain how he does things and use your imagination!

 You may need to help frame their input into positive, strengths-based statements; for

example:

Participant says: You reframe:

Person can’t go anywhere alone Person’s caregiver accompanies on all outings

Person doesn’t talk at all Person responds to simple drawings

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 23

Prompting Questions

Communication

• How do you best understand and respond to information?

• How do you communicate your needs to others?

• Do you use assistive devices or interpreters for communication?

• How do you keep in touch with your family, friends, caregivers, and others?

Medical Needs

• Do you have help for personal care such as bathing or grooming?

• Do you use assistive equipment for daily activities such as bathing or eating?

• Do you regularly take prescription medication? How do you refill your prescriptions?

• Do you require medical equipment that runs on electricity?

Independence

• What medications or assistive devices do you need to function independently?

• Do any of your devices rely on electricity or batteries to function?

• Do you have a service animal?

• How do you accomplish daily activities such as bathing and eating?

• How do you accomplish other activities, such as grocery shopping and paying your bills?

Supervision

• What strategies help you to keep calm and feel safe?

• How do you stay in touch with your preferred caregivers?

• Are there cues or strategies that help you to remember things or follow directions?

• Are there ways to help you function in an unfamiliar environment or with an unfamiliar

person?

Transportation

• How do you generally get where you need to go?

• Is there public transportation in your area?

• Are there people you rely on to drive you places?

• How do you get in touch with people who sometimes take you places?

Brainstorming Questions

What might this ability look like in an emergency?

What tools and strategies could help the person to stay safe and continue functioning?

What information would be useful to a first responder?

Let’s start by answering the prompting questions about Mr. Smith’s strengths and abilities in

two categories: communication and independence. Then we will answer the brainstorming

questions about how he can maintain his abilities in an emergency. If we have time, we can fill

in additional categories.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 24

 Examples of answers you might hear are provided below. You may not have time to do all of the

categories, so starting with two is a good idea. Keep an eye on the time!

Mr. Smith’s

Strengths & Abilities Today

To Maintain Abilities

in an Emergency

Communication

• Helpful when people speak slowly, clearly,

and use short, simple sentences.

• Good with visual images

Uses cell phone to talk to sister daily

• How can he convey this to emergency

responders?

• A picture board could help with

communication

Need to have phone charger

Medical Needs

• Uses prescription medication

• Needs to keep as much on hand as possible.

Copies of prescriptions; pharmacy and doctor

contact info

Independence

• Has a service dog

•

Does shopping and errands with sister

• Needs food, water and other animal

supplies

•

How will he keep in touch with his sister?

Supervision

• Independent

Transportation

• Sister provides transportation

• What if she is unavailable or Mr. Smith is

unable to reach her?

• Can neighbors or friends provide

transportation?

Now that we understand how to assess and brainstorm, let’s transform the information we

have generated into action steps and a concrete plan (Step 3).

 Fill in the plan according to the answers the group has generated. Use the example on the next

page to help you.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 25

Mr. Smith’s Emergency Plan

Action Steps / To Do

when

done

• Place note in wallet or Go Bag stating communication preferences.

• Get or make a picture board to keep in Go Bag.

• Include sister’s information in contact list.

• Add reminder note / picture to place cell phone and charger in Go Bag.

• Put a few days’ extra medication in Stay Kit / Go Bag.

• Place copies of prescriptions in Stay Kit / Go Bag.

• Add doctor and pharmacy contact information to emergency list.

•

• Pack extra dog food and water in Stay Kit and Go Bag.

• Make sure dog tags are up to date.

• Include necessary supplies (leash, baggies, etc) in Go Bag.

•

• Make a plan with sister about how to contact/ meet in emergency.

• Talk to neighbors to establish back-up transportation / personal

support network.

•

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 26

Concluding the Training

Your Toolkit contains a page with links and resources to help you stay informed and

be ready for an emergency.

You are also given the web address and contact information for staff from the NH

Disability & Public Health Project at the UNH Institute on Disability.

 You may wish to share your contact information, as well.

We will conclude now with the training evaluations, which will take about 3 to 5

minutes of your time.

Thank you for your participation!

 Hand out training evaluations to participants and designate a place for them to return

them anonymously (e.g., face down on the side table).

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 27

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance

System Survey Data. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance

System Survey Questionnaire. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

World Health Organization. (2013). Health Topics: Disability. Retrieved Oct. 2013. from

http://www.who.int/topics/disabilities/en/.

Nagi, S.Z. (1965). "Some Conceptual Issues in Disability and Rehabilitation." Pp. 100-13 in

Sociology and Rehabilitation, edited by M. Sussman. Washington, DC: American Sociological

Association.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2010). Types of Disabilties. Retrieved Oct. 2013 from

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/types.html.

Kailes, J. I., & Enders, A. (2007). Moving beyond ‘special needs’: A function-based framework for

emergency management and planning. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 17(4), 230–237.

Purdy, B. (n.d.). C-MIST: A Function Based Framework for Emergency Planning. Retrieved Sept.

2013 from

http://www.freetobe.ca/resources/pdf/C-MISTforEmergencyPlanning.pdf.

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities. (2008). Learning CMIST: Train the Trainer: Helping

Individuals with Disabilities Create Emergency Preparedness Plans. Retrieved Sept. 2013 from

http://www.bccpd.bc.ca/docs/learningcmist.pdf.

State of New Hampshire. (2014). Emergency Kits. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from

http://www.readynh.gov/emergency-kits/index.htm.

Willkomm, T. (2013). Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes Book II: Ordinary Items,

Extraordinary Solutions. Durham, NH: Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire.

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 28

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 29

Appendix

Training Evaluation &

Participant Handouts

(make copies)

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 30

DPH Preparedness Trainer Handbook 31

PRE/POST SELF-ASSESSMENT

TRAINING EVALUATION

Strongly

agree

Agree

Neither

agree nor

disagree

Disagree

Strongly

disagree

Training content was communicated effectively.

□ □ □ □ □

The Stay Kit / Go Bag demonstration was a

useful learning activity.

□ □ □ □ □

The Personal Planning Tool activity was helpful

in teaching how to make a personalized

emergency plan.

□ □ □ □ □

The training improved my knowledge of

emergency preparedness for people with

disabilities.

□ □ □ □ □

Please indicate how satisfied you are OVERALL with today’s session.

□ Highly satisfied □ Satisfied □ Somewhat satisfied □ Not satisfied at all

Comments:

How confident are you in

your ability to…

BEFORE THIS TRAINING

AFTER THIS TRAINING

Not Very

Confident

Very

Confident

Not Very

Confident

Very

Confident

help a person with

disabilities be prepared

for an emergency?

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

make an emergency plan

with a person with

disabilities?

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

build a Stay Kit / Go Bag

with a person with

disabilities?

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Creating Emergency Plans and Kits with

People with Disabilities

Toolkit for Training Participants

A-2

Person & Environment

Case Study: Maria

Consider two scenarios about Maria, a middle-aged woman with an intellectual disability.

Maria does not read or write; she understands many things, but does not remember very

well. She sometimes receives help from a paid care provider, and she likes to manage

some of her activities independently.

Scenario 1

Maria took the bus to her doctor appointment last Tuesday. The bus stop is near her

home, and she was able to recognize which bus to get on by the large red triangle in

the front side window. Maria’s direct support person had ridden the bus with her

several times before she was able to do it on her own. They rehearsed the process

and even made small laminated cards of Maria’s frequent destinations. One side

shows a picture of the places Maria might go (e.g., to the park, the library, the

doctor), and the other side informs the bus driver which stop Maria needs, so the

driver can cue her when they arrive. Maria followed the sidewalk directly to her

doctor’s building. Once inside, she consulted the directory, which had names and

headshots of all of the physicians. She recognized her doctor and turned in the

direction the arrows pointed her. Each time she had to turn in the hallway, the

directory with pictures and arrows was there to guide her. After the appointment,

Maria returned to the bus stop, got on the bus with the red triangle, showed the bus

driver the card with the picture of her home on it, and returned home in time for

lunch.

Scenario 2

Maria wanted to go to her doctor appointment on her own this

time instead of being taken by her direct support assistant.

She lived near the bus stop, so she walked down and waited

for the bus. She was not sure if she should get on the first bus

that stopped, and she did not recognize the driver, so she kept

waiting. She asked the driver of the next bus, “Does this bus

stop near my doctor?” The bus driver asked whether she

meant the offices on Main Street, but Maria wasn’t sure. The

bus driver said the bus needed to get going to keep on

schedule for the other passengers. Maria was nervous and sad. She went home and

didn’t make it to her appointment that day.

A-3

C-MIST Functional Needs Framework

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of New Hampshire use a

functional needs framework to identify and understand at-risk individuals’ needs in emergency

planning and preparedness. The framework includes five essential functional needs categories:

communication, medical needs, maintaining independence, supervision, and transportation (C-

MIST).

Communication

Some people have difficulties receiving and responding to information. People with

communication needs may have reduced or no ability to see, hear, or speak; or

have limitations understanding or learning. This category also includes people who

cannot speak, read, or understand English.

Medical Needs

For the purposes of emergency planning, this category includes people who need

assistance with activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing, eating, dressing,

or toileting; as well as people who are managing chronic, contagious, or terminal

illnesses; and people requiring medications, IV therapy, feeding tubes, dialysis,

oxygen, suction, catheters, and ostomies.

Independence

Some people use medication or assistive devices to function independently on a

daily basis, such as: mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes), communication

aids (hearing aids, computers), medical equipment (syringes, oxygen), or service

animals.

Supervision

People may require supervision when they experience Alzheimer’s or other forms

of dementia; psychiatric conditions such as Schizophrenia, severe depression, or

chronic and severe mental illness; intellectural or developmental disabilities; or

brain injury. Needs in this category sometimes require a more supervised and

protected setting in an emergency.

Transportation

Transportation is an essential part of emergency planning. People who do not

drive because of a disability, legal restriction, temporary injury, age, poverty, or

lack of access to a vehicle are included in this category.

A-4

Building an Emergency Preparedness Kit

The goal of the Stay Kit and Go Bag is to remain safe, independent, and healthy whether sheltering

at home or evacuating. Keep the Kit and Bag packed and ready. Check them every few months to

keep supplies fresh and updated. Replace food, animal food, and water, and make sure the change

of clothes is right for the season.

A list of basic Stay Kit and Go Bag supplies is in the table below. A sample price list is provided on

page A-3. Remember to add specialized items and equipment, as needed. The C-MIST Personal

Planning Tool in this toolkit will help you determine what items to include in an individual’s

unique kit.

A-5

Sample Inventory of Kit Items

Stay Kit / Go Bag

Items

Quantity Walmart Target Amazon Lowe's

Dollar

Tree

Water

1 gallon

$0.88

$1.20

$1.00

16.9 oz, 24 pack

$10.88

$4.44

$4.00

Flashlight

$4.50

(2 Pack)

$6.39

$4.14

$8.77

$1.00

Lantern

$21.88

$19.99

$19.28

$15.97

Hand sanitizer

8 oz bottles

$3.68

(2 Pack)

$1.00

Sanitizing hand wipes

40 count

$2.28

$1.00

Extra batteries

AAA 4 count

5.04*

4.93*

3.97*

$1.00

*Duracell

**Energizer

AA 4 count

3.99*

5.04*

3.96*

3.97*

$1.00

D 4 count

6.52**

6.99**

6.07**

6.97**

$1.00

9-volt 2 count

$6.97

$8.34

$6.97

Important documents

folder

$1.76

$1.00

$2.00

$1.00

Blanket

$1.74

$8.04

$15.47

Toothbrush & paste

kit

$0.97

$1.00

Wisp

16 count

$4.96

$4.99

$4.96

$1.00

Busy items (cards,

crayons, etc)

playing cards

$0.99

$2.99

$4.50

$1.00

First aid kit

Johnson's 140 pc

$9.97

$9.99

$10.19

$1.00

Radio (battery

operated or wound)

Red Cross

$24.99

$24.97

Whistle

$3.88

$4.89

$0.87

$3.97

Horn

$4.96

$9.49

$6.97

Duct tape

20 yds

$3.83

$3.39

$3.83

$3.68

$1.00

Paper products &

utensils

paper plates 20

$3.19

$2.99

$1.00

disposable

utensils 48 ct

$1.99

(30)

$4.59

$1.00

tissue pocket

packs 8x10

$4.56

$3.00

$3.64

$1.00

Model magic

6 pack of .5 oz

$5.37

$1.00

Premade EP backpack

$14.71

$17.49

Industrial twist ties

2 pk 17"

$2.49

Velcro

4' x 2" roll

$7.67

$8.97

A-6

The C-MIST Personal Planning Tool

The C-MIST Personal Planning Tool assists you to consider what specialized items to add to a Stay

Kit and Go Bag and guides you through the creation of a personalized Emergency Plan. The

Planning Tool consists of three steps.

Step 1: Assess

Use the space provided in the left column of each page to answer the prompting questions (at the

top of each page) for the five C-MIST categories. Think about and write down what strengths and

abilities the individual has, rather than writing needs or deficits. Focusing on strengths and

abilities will help you to think constructively about planning in the subsequent steps. For example:

Instead of: You write:

Person can’t go anywhere alone Person’s caregiver accompanies on all outings

Person doesn’t talk at all Person responds to simple drawings

Step 2: Brainstorm

After compiling a list of the person’s strengths and abilities with the personal assessment in Step

1, brainstorm what the individual may need in order to maintain abilities and continue functioning

in an emergency situation. Write your thoughts in the right column on each page. Consider

answers to the following questions:

What might this ability look like in an emergency?

What tools and strategies could help the person to stay safe and continue

functioning?

What information would be useful to a first responder?

Step 3: Plan

Transform the information and strategies you came up with in

Step 2 (anything you wrote in the right column) into action

steps and concrete plans. Use the template on page A-12.

A-7

Make a Practice Plan

Case Study: Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith experienced a traumatic brain injury while serving in the military on a tour of

duty overseas. The accident damaged his frontal and left parietal lobes. He has difficulties

with concentration, memory, writing, and expressive language. Mr. Smith’s civilian career

had relied on these skills, and he has been unable to return to work since his discharge. Mr.

Smith has been taking medication for anxiety and depression since he returned to the US.

He lives alone on the third floor of an apartment complex with his service dog, and he has

many friends in the building. He doesn’t drive and relies on his sister to run errands and

grocery shop. Mr. Smith has not made his own personal preparedness plans, but his sister

organized a supply of emergency food and water in his apartment to last him 72 hours.

A-8

Prompting Questions

Communication

• How do you best understand and respond to information?

• How do you communicate your needs to others?

• Do you use assistive devices or interpreters for communication?

• How do you keep in touch with your family, friends, caregivers, and others?

Medical Needs

• Do you have help for personal care such as bathing or grooming?

• Do you use assistive equipment for daily activities such as bathing or eating?

• Do you regularly take prescription medication? How do you refill your prescriptions?

• Do you require medical equipment that runs on electricity?

Independence

• What medications or assistive devices do you need to function independently?

• Do any of your devices rely on electricity or batteries to function?

• Do you have a service animal?

• How do you accomplish daily activities such as bathing and eating?

• How do you accomplish other activities, such as grocery shopping and paying your bills?

Supervision

• What strategies help you to keep calm and feel safe?

• How do you stay in touch with your preferred caregivers?

• Are there cues or strategies that help you to remember things or follow directions?

• Are there ways to help you function in an unfamiliar environment or with an unfamiliar

person?

Transportation

• How do you generally get where you need to go?

• Is there public transportation in your area?

• Are there people you rely on to drive you places?

• How do you get in touch with people who sometimes take you places?

Brainstorming Questions

What might this ability look like in an emergency?

What tools and strategies could help the person to stay safe and continue functioning?

What information would be useful to a first responder?

A-9

Be Informed

Disasters and emergencies can happen without warning. Planning ahead can help you and your

family to remain independent, healthy, and safe.

Everyone’s needs and abilities are unique. Consider what you might need before, during, and after

a disaster. Learn about the different types of hazards that face your community, region, and the

places you spend most of your time. Contact local emergency planning committees and emergency

responders to learn what plans and services are already in place and whether these plans reflect

your needs.

Local

Get involved in neighborhood and community emergency preparedness activities. People with

disabilities and functional needs provide valuable information to emergency planners by sharing

personal experience and problem solving skills.

State

• Ready NH

http://www.nh.gov/readynh/needs/

• NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management

http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/hsem/Planning/planningindiv.html

• NH Community Emergency Response Teams

http://www.volunteernh.org/html/certteams.htm

• NH Public Health Networks

http://www.nhphn.org

National

• Ready.gov

http://www.ready.gov

• FEMA

http://www.fema.gov

• Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org/prepare

A-10

Copies to Keep

Use the next pages to build a kit and plan

with someone you know.

A-11

How do you best understand and respond to information?

How do you communicate your needs to others?

Do you use assistive devices or interpreters for communication?

How do you keep in touch with your family, friends, caregivers, and

others?

Strengths & Abilities Today

To Maintain Abilities

in an Emergency

A-12

Do you have help for personal care such as bathing or grooming?

Do you use assistive equipment for daily activities such as bathing or

eating?

Do you regularly take prescription medication? How do you refill them?

Do you require medical equipment that runs on electricity?

Strengths & Abilities Today

To Maintain Abilities

in an Emergency

A-13

What medications or assistive devices do you need to function independently?

Do any of your devices rely on electricity or batteries to function?

Do you have a service animal?

How do you accomplish daily activities such as bathing and eating?

How do you accomplish other activities, such as grocery shopping and paying

your bills?

Strengths & Abilities Today

To Maintain Abilities

in an Emergency

A-14

What strategies help you to keep calm and feel safe?

How do you stay in touch with your preferred caregivers?

Are there cues or strategies that help you to remember things or follow

directions?

Are there ways to help you function in an unfamiliar environment or with

and unfamiliar person?

Strengths & Abilities Today

To Maintain Abilities

in an Emergency

A-15

How do you generally get where you need to go?

Is there public transportation in your area?

Are there people you rely on to drive you places?

How do you get in touch with people who sometimes take you places?

Strengths & Abilities Today

To Maintain Abilities

in an Emergency

A-16

__________________’s Emergency Plan

Action Steps / To Do

when

done

•

A-17

Visit the DPH website at

http://nhdisabilityhealth.org

for more tools and resources, including:

 C-MIST Personal Planning Tool

 Medication list templates

 Basic Emergency Kit supplies from ReadyNH

 Emergency contact cards from ReadyNH

 Web links to state and national resources