Disasters have many effects. Some are predictable and others are not. You should know what can happen and what your environment may be like after the disaster. Some things to consider:

• roads and sidewalks may be come impassable, sometimes for weeks
• familiar landmarks may move or be destroyed, both indoors and out
• service animals, such as a guide dog, may be too injured or frightened to work
• your home may become unlivable
• your usual ways of getting groceries, medications and supplies may be disrupted
• you may have a hard time reaching or getting help from police and fire departments and other providers
• public transportation may not be working
• you might be injured and unable to meet your child's needs by yourself

You can reduce the impact of a disaster by considering the following actions:

• create a personal support network of friends, relatives, neighbors and others who can help you meet your child's needs in an emergency
• complete an assessment of your child's needs
• collect information and take actions that will help you meet your child's needs during evacuations
• gather essential supplies you would need during and after a disaster, especially those specific to your child's disability

The Red Cross has a publication called Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities from which this information was taken. The 46-page booklet is designed for use by anyone who has a disability or who works with, lives with, or assists a person with a disability. The booklet contains many fill-in-the-blank checklists.

To obtain a copy of Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities or other publications, contact your local Red Cross office. You can visit the Red Cross website at http://www.redcross.org