(NC) While disasters and emergencies affect everyone, their impact on people with special needs is often compounded by a reliance on electrical power, elevators, and accessible transportation — all of which can be compromised in these situations.

Public Safety Canada offers these tips for seniors and people with special needs:

1. Create a personal support network of at least three people who can help. Ensure they are aware of your needs (such as prescription medication) and how to operate any equipment you may require.

2. Make an emergency contact list with the names and phone numbers of your personal support network, doctors, neighbours, etc. Keep a copy of this list handy and share it with your personal support network.

3. Familiarize yourself with all escape routes and the locations of emergency doors and exits in your home.

4. Have a panic button installed in the building where you work or live so that you can notify others of your whereabouts if you need assistance.

5. Create a basic emergency kit tailored to meet your specific needs. Some basic items to include are prescription eyewear and footwear, copies of all medication prescriptions, an extra supply of medications (if possible) and vitamin supplements, latex-free gloves (to give to anyone providing personal care to you), extra dentures and cleaner, and a list of all medical supplies and equipment related your medical condition. You may also wish to include special devices such as canes, walkers, lightweight manual wheelchairs, hearing aids, breathing apparatuses, blood glucose monitoring devices, and whatever batteries or other supplies are needed to operate them.

6. If you have a pet or service animal, bring it with you in case of an evacuation and have an emergency plan for your animal as well. In your emergency kit, include food and other items for your pet or service animal.

Find more information at www.getprepared.ca.

www.newscanada.com