Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable populations define groups of individuals where traditional services are not able to fully address their needs. It also includes groups or individuals who feel they are not able to safely access and use the standard resources offered in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Recent disasters around the world have shown that some individuals have little or no ability to address their own preparedness, response, and recovery. These may include: seniors, people with disabilities, special health needs, children, those living in poverty, ethnic minorities and newcomers to Oceanside.
Each person's needs and abilities are unique, but everyone can take important steps to prepare for emergencies. Prepare a household emergency plan including an emergency kit, and practice this plan!
If you anticipate needing assistance during a disaster, talk to family, friends, and others who are or will be part of your personal support network. Here are some ideas to follow:
- Write down your emergency plan and share it with your support network.
- Make sure that someone in your local network has a key to your home and knows where you keep your emergency supplies.
- Teach those who have agreed to help you how to use lifesaving equipment and how to administer medication in case of an emergency.
- If you take medication, be sure you have adequate stock to make it on your own for a week or longer.
- Make a list of prescription medication including dosage, treatment and any allergy information. Consult with your doctor about what else you need to prepare.
- Consider other personal needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, wheelchair batteries and oxygen.
- If you undergo routine treatments or if you receive regular services such as home health care, treatment or transportation, talk to your service provider about their emergency plans. Work with them to identify back-up service providers.
- Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices or other life-sustaining devices. Include operating information and instructions. Make sure a friend or family member has copies of these documents.
- Fill out a vital information wallet card to help prepare for your medical needs during a public health emergency.
References & Links
