How to Prepare if a Flood Occurs Near You

Natural disasters can happen anytime, so it’s important to be prepared for when that time comes. This article will discuss disaster safety and how to help you prepare for a flood if one appears in your area.

Planning Ahead

Regions of the United States with low-lying areas near bodies of water are at high risk of flood. While local governments and disaster-relief organizations are always available to help if a disaster occurs in your community, you should still make your own emergency flood plan to ensure your safety. You can start by:

• Creating an emergency kit for essentials in case you ever need to evacuate your home. Your emergency kit should include things like batteries, medications, first aid items, hygiene supplies, a whistle, extra clothes, health and medical information, water, and non-perishable food.

• Keeping your wheelchair's model information handy in case your equipment is damaged or needs to be replaced.

• Making a list of emergency contacts you can reach out to if you need assistance.

• Checking with your city ordinance on emergency transportation services for wheelchair users. Many cities offer accessible transportation options through paratransit systems, public transit systems, and government services.
  

Travel Tips During a Flood

Floods can reach towering water heights, and moving across streets with high waters in a wheelchair can be difficult. If your equipment happens to breakdown, leaving you stranded, following these tips can help you get to a safe location.

• Reach out to your emergency contact(s) and let them know where you are and what you need help with.

• Locate the nearest accessibility transportation company and reach out to them for assistance.

• Identify landmarks and watch the sun to so you don't get lost.

• Locate the nearest shelter and stay there until someone can assist.

Product Recommendations to Keep Your Equipment Dry

To preserve the life of your chair, you should protect components such as the batteries and control panel. These components are necessary for your wheelchair to operate, and must remain dry at all times. Before going outside with your chair, here are a few products you should take with you to help keep your equipment dry.

• Water-resistant ponchos

• Wheelchair tire covers

• Canopies or wheelchair-attachable umbrellas

• Rain covers to protect electrical elements

Natural disasters can happen at any given time, but preparation, communication, and research can make all the difference in achieving safety when these events occur.

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Resources

• https://curemedical.com/preparing-for-a-hurricane-when-you-use-a-wheelchair/

• https://emergency.vanderbilt.edu/vu/quick-ref-guides/evacuation-disabled.php/

• https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/hurricane-preparation-person-disability-or-accessfunctional-need

• https://www.patheos.com/blogs/notalonespecialneedsparenting/2018/07/9-tips-for-surviving-a-tornado-in-a-wheelchair/

• https://rolstoelco.com/using-a-wheelchair-in-the-rain/

• https://www.showmeboone.com/oem/plan-prepare/flooding.asp

• https://solotripsandtips.com/getting-lost-while-traveling-enjoy-losing-way/

• https://www.vantagemobility.com/blog/flood-safety-tips#