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Resources

For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

May 2023 | Adult Down Syndrome Center - Resource List

Recently, we were asked about emergency preparedness and safety resources for people with Down syndrome. We started to research the topic and found numerous resources that may be helpful to people with Down syndrome and their families. Making plans that account for the specific needs of your family for every possible emergency situation probably feels overwhelming (it does to us!). Developing plans will take time and the plans may change as the needs of your family change. Consider setting aside some time each month to work on emergency preparedness and safety. Some of the resources linked below include checklists and calendars to help you break up the planning process.

Ready

Ready opens in new window is a national public service campaign designed to help people prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities opens in new window page is a good starting place. Ready also has a page that guides you through filling out an emergency plan opens in new window online and then creating a PDF of your plan that you can print.

Local resources

Your city, county, or state may have emergency preparedness resources with information that is more specific to your area. For example, the state of Illinois has a website called Ready Illinois opens in new window.

 

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross website opens in new window provides steps to help you become "Red Cross Ready" for emergencies. The How to Prepare for Emergencies opens in new window page provides an overview and links to a preparedness essentials checklist and plan templates. You can review resources by type of emergency and by type of need. There is a Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities opens in new window page as well. 

 

Temple University Institute on Disabilities

The Temple University Institute on Disabilities has emergency preparedness resources opens in new window developed specifically for people with disabilities. Their resources include free downloadable emergency communication picture aids opens in new window that have words related to emergencies. 

 

ASERT

Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT) is a program that was started in Pennsylvania to provide information and resources for people with autism and their families. They have developed several visuals and social stories that individuals with Down syndrome (with or without autism) may find helpful. 

When to call 911 opens in new window

Home safety opens in new window

Fire safety opens in new window

 

The resources above are a small sample of emergency and safety resources that are available. Have you used any of them? Were they helpful? Do you know of other resources? Please contact us to share your feedback and ideas.

Find More Resources

We offer a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers and the professionals who care for and work with them. Search our collection of articles, webinars, videos, and other educational materials.

View Resource Library

 

Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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