Extra help may be needed

People with disabilities may need extra help during emergencies. If you have a disability, make arrangements with a family member, friend, neighbour or work colleague to help you in an emergency. Likewise, if you know someone with a disability and could offer help during a disaster, discuss how you could support them in an emergency.

Disabilities and potential challenges

We've listed some disabilities and conditions below and the potential challenges people with these disabilities may face in an emergency.

• Hearing impairment – you may not be well served by radio and should make arrangements with someone to inform you about what is happening.
• Sight impairment – you may have extra difficulties if your home is disrupted (perhaps in an earthquake) and may find it hard in an unfamiliar environment, such as a welfare centre. Arrange support to help you through any such event.
• Asthma and other nervous and respiratory disorders – you may be especially affected by stress, dust, volcanic ash etc. Have plenty of medicines and face masks in your survival kit.
• Special food needs – be sure to include as much as you can in your survival kit.
• Mobility aids – insist on bringing your aid if you are evacuated. Moving to safety is fine, but you need to be able to move around when you get there.

We are committed to helping everyone in North Shore City during an emergency, including people with disabilities.

North Shore City Civil Defence will:

• work with agencies representing people with disabilities to develop special needs emergency plans
• if possible give warning of a coming disaster
• if necessary evacuate people with disabilities to a welfare centre
• if necessary evacuate people with disabilities to another town where comfort and services can be provided
• help people with disabilities in their home if there is no evacuation
• help as much as possible to restore homes.