For those people with special needs, a natural disaster can be an especially scary event. People who have disabilities may feel particularly vulnerable during an earthquake. With careful preparation, however, the experience will most likely seem more manageable and less frightening. People with special needs have to safeguard their home, create a disaster plan, and assemble a disaster kit also. Here are some additional tips to help those with special needs prepare for an earthquake:

• Set up a buddy system with family members, friends, or neighbors.
• Make a list of important names, addresses, and phone numbers, such as those of doctors, pharmacies, family members, and friends. Also list any medications, allergies, or special needs. Keep a copy of the list, and give a copy to your buddy.
• If you have a visual impairment, be sure to keep an extra pair of eyeglasses, contacts and contact solution, and a few extra canes in different places around your home. It would also be wise to plan several evacuation routes from your home.
• If you have a hearing impairment, be sure to keep a battery-operated television and extra batteries as part of your earthquake supplies. A pen and paper for communicating are also essential supplies.
• If you use a wheelchair, you may want to keep medications, a small flashlight, and a whistle in a small bag attached to your wheelchair. The whistle can be used to alert others to your location in the event of an earthquake.