Welcome to PeerGalaxy Calendar featuring over 336,800+ monthly offerings of FREE telephone- and online-accessible peer support, recovery support, and wellness activities! Plus 50+ warmlines, helplines, chatlines, and hotlines. Plus workshops, webinars, job postings, resources, observances, special events, consumer input opportunities and more.
WE ARE PEER FOR YOU!
Click the Accessibility Button on the right side, halfway down in the middle, for enhanced viewing and/or access options! Click the Translate Button in the lower left corner for language options.
At the top, the 24/7/365 SAMHSA Disaster Helpline and similar links.
Next, Bundled “All Day” Events
Some organizations (like 12 step recovery programs, AA, NA, AlAnon, etc.) have so many events happening throughout the day that they need to be in a bundled listing to spare endless scrolling. Often there is a link to look up events by zip code and other criteria.
Lastly, Time-Specific Events
So you can see what’s happening in the next hours, time specific events are tagged and listed by start time from 12:01am early morning to 11:59pm late night. There can be events and warmlines operating in different time zones, though we try to list all in Oregon’s Pacific Time Zone.
Page Advancement
The calendar displays ~50 listings per page. To advance to next page with ~50 more listings, click the right arrow in the lower left corner of the calendar
Information, hours, and activation criteria for shelters and warming centers change frequently based on weather and funding. Always call 2-1-1 or the listed local number, or check the linked website, before traveling to any site. Information is provided as a courtesy only, services are not provided by PeerGalaxy and the services provided are incomplete.
04 – Resources – Autism Resources, Articles, Support
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting about 1 in 36 children and roughly 2.2% of adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). It influences social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and how individuals experience the world. Symptoms and support needs vary widely, which is why it is called a “spectrum” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023).
People with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication, engage in repetitive behaviors, show sensory sensitivities, and prefer routines and predictability, with signs typically appearing in early childhood (NIMH, 2023). Causes include neurological differences, genetic factors, and possible environmental influences, while psychological causes have been ruled out (NIMH, 2023).
With appropriate supports and inclusive environments, autistic individuals can thrive in education, work, and community life (Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN], 2023).
If you are a disaster survivor, please visitFEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.
EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kitthat includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining anearthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
Stay Safe During
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes
Image
1. Drop (or Lock)
Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold On
If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.
Using a Cane?
Image
Using a Walker?
Image
Using a Wheelchair?
Image
Stay Safe After
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alertsand warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needsand know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
Image
Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kitor on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 orsign up online.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items
Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal
People Experiencing Extreme Heat
People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:
People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.
People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.
People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.
If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.
Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.
Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.
Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.
Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.
People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
Other trainings and certificate programs (scholarships may be available)
Verbal Intervention™
Verbal Intervention™ (VI) instills the confidence and skills to verbally de‑escalate disruptive behaviors and prevent further escalation. It’s well‑suited to organizations with a hands‑off policy or that require non‑restrictive techniques.
Available as a virtual (Online & Live Virtual) Instructor Certification Program.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de‑escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post‑crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Verbal de‑escalation techniques and skills also featured in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® and NCI™ With Advanced Physical Skills training.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention®
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (NCI™) provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.
Available as a blended (Online & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills (APS) equips your staff with the decision-making skills needed to confidently assess and address risk in the face of complex behaviors. It combines verbal intervention strategies and restrictive interventions with advanced physical skills for the highest-risk scenarios. Instructors can customize training to each staff member’s individual risk level.
Available as a blended (Online, Live Virtual & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safe and advanced deceleration, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques for situations involving dangerous behaviors.
Intervene in high- and medium-risk situations that don’t require advanced skills.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.
The Columbia Lighthouse Project offers numerous FREE training options for individuals and systems in more than 20 languages. The shortest training takes about 20 minutes, and almost all of them can be completed within an hour. Trainings are not setting specific. Choose the method that works best for you.at this link:
Information, hours, and activation criteria for shelters and warming centers change frequently based on weather and funding. Always call 2-1-1 or the listed local number, or check the linked website, before traveling to any site. Information is provided as a courtesy only, services are not provided by PeerGalaxy and the services provided are incomplete.
04 – Resources – Autism Resources, Articles, Support
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting about 1 in 36 children and roughly 2.2% of adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). It influences social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and how individuals experience the world. Symptoms and support needs vary widely, which is why it is called a “spectrum” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023).
People with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication, engage in repetitive behaviors, show sensory sensitivities, and prefer routines and predictability, with signs typically appearing in early childhood (NIMH, 2023). Causes include neurological differences, genetic factors, and possible environmental influences, while psychological causes have been ruled out (NIMH, 2023).
With appropriate supports and inclusive environments, autistic individuals can thrive in education, work, and community life (Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN], 2023).
If you are a disaster survivor, please visitFEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.
EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kitthat includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining anearthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
Stay Safe During
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes
Image
1. Drop (or Lock)
Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold On
If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.
Using a Cane?
Image
Using a Walker?
Image
Using a Wheelchair?
Image
Stay Safe After
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alertsand warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needsand know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
Image
Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kitor on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 orsign up online.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items
Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal
People Experiencing Extreme Heat
People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:
People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.
People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.
People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.
If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.
Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.
Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.
Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.
Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.
People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
Other trainings and certificate programs (scholarships may be available)
Verbal Intervention™
Verbal Intervention™ (VI) instills the confidence and skills to verbally de‑escalate disruptive behaviors and prevent further escalation. It’s well‑suited to organizations with a hands‑off policy or that require non‑restrictive techniques.
Available as a virtual (Online & Live Virtual) Instructor Certification Program.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de‑escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post‑crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Verbal de‑escalation techniques and skills also featured in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® and NCI™ With Advanced Physical Skills training.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention®
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (NCI™) provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.
Available as a blended (Online & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills (APS) equips your staff with the decision-making skills needed to confidently assess and address risk in the face of complex behaviors. It combines verbal intervention strategies and restrictive interventions with advanced physical skills for the highest-risk scenarios. Instructors can customize training to each staff member’s individual risk level.
Available as a blended (Online, Live Virtual & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safe and advanced deceleration, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques for situations involving dangerous behaviors.
Intervene in high- and medium-risk situations that don’t require advanced skills.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.
The Columbia Lighthouse Project offers numerous FREE training options for individuals and systems in more than 20 languages. The shortest training takes about 20 minutes, and almost all of them can be completed within an hour. Trainings are not setting specific. Choose the method that works best for you.at this link:
La línea directa de Trans Lifeline es un servicio telefónico de apoyo dirigido por personas transgénero para las personas transgénero y/o que están cuestionando su género. Creemos que el mejor apoyo que las personas Trans pueden recibir es el de los miembros de la comunidad Trans con experiencias de vida compartidas.
Llámanos si necesitas a alguien Trans con quien hablar, incluso si no estás en crisis o no sabes con certeza si eres transgénero.
Marca al (877) 565-8860 en los Estados Unidos o al (877) 330-6366 en Canadá y oprime el #2 para conectarte con operadorxs que hablan español.
Information, hours, and activation criteria for shelters and warming centers change frequently based on weather and funding. Always call 2-1-1 or the listed local number, or check the linked website, before traveling to any site. Information is provided as a courtesy only, services are not provided by PeerGalaxy and the services provided are incomplete.
04 – Resources – Autism Resources, Articles, Support
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting about 1 in 36 children and roughly 2.2% of adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). It influences social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and how individuals experience the world. Symptoms and support needs vary widely, which is why it is called a “spectrum” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023).
People with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication, engage in repetitive behaviors, show sensory sensitivities, and prefer routines and predictability, with signs typically appearing in early childhood (NIMH, 2023). Causes include neurological differences, genetic factors, and possible environmental influences, while psychological causes have been ruled out (NIMH, 2023).
With appropriate supports and inclusive environments, autistic individuals can thrive in education, work, and community life (Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN], 2023).
If you are a disaster survivor, please visitFEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.
EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kitthat includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining anearthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
Stay Safe During
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes
Image
1. Drop (or Lock)
Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold On
If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.
Using a Cane?
Image
Using a Walker?
Image
Using a Wheelchair?
Image
Stay Safe After
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alertsand warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needsand know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
Image
Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kitor on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 orsign up online.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items
Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal
People Experiencing Extreme Heat
People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:
People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.
People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.
People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.
If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.
Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.
Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.
Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.
Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.
People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
Other trainings and certificate programs (scholarships may be available)
Verbal Intervention™
Verbal Intervention™ (VI) instills the confidence and skills to verbally de‑escalate disruptive behaviors and prevent further escalation. It’s well‑suited to organizations with a hands‑off policy or that require non‑restrictive techniques.
Available as a virtual (Online & Live Virtual) Instructor Certification Program.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de‑escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post‑crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Verbal de‑escalation techniques and skills also featured in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® and NCI™ With Advanced Physical Skills training.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention®
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (NCI™) provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.
Available as a blended (Online & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills (APS) equips your staff with the decision-making skills needed to confidently assess and address risk in the face of complex behaviors. It combines verbal intervention strategies and restrictive interventions with advanced physical skills for the highest-risk scenarios. Instructors can customize training to each staff member’s individual risk level.
Available as a blended (Online, Live Virtual & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safe and advanced deceleration, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques for situations involving dangerous behaviors.
Intervene in high- and medium-risk situations that don’t require advanced skills.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.
The Columbia Lighthouse Project offers numerous FREE training options for individuals and systems in more than 20 languages. The shortest training takes about 20 minutes, and almost all of them can be completed within an hour. Trainings are not setting specific. Choose the method that works best for you.at this link:
Information, hours, and activation criteria for shelters and warming centers change frequently based on weather and funding. Always call 2-1-1 or the listed local number, or check the linked website, before traveling to any site. Information is provided as a courtesy only, services are not provided by PeerGalaxy and the services provided are incomplete.
04 – Resources – Autism Resources, Articles, Support
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting about 1 in 36 children and roughly 2.2% of adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). It influences social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and how individuals experience the world. Symptoms and support needs vary widely, which is why it is called a “spectrum” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023).
People with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication, engage in repetitive behaviors, show sensory sensitivities, and prefer routines and predictability, with signs typically appearing in early childhood (NIMH, 2023). Causes include neurological differences, genetic factors, and possible environmental influences, while psychological causes have been ruled out (NIMH, 2023).
With appropriate supports and inclusive environments, autistic individuals can thrive in education, work, and community life (Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN], 2023).
If you are a disaster survivor, please visitFEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.
EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kitthat includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining anearthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
Stay Safe During
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes
Image
1. Drop (or Lock)
Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold On
If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.
Using a Cane?
Image
Using a Walker?
Image
Using a Wheelchair?
Image
Stay Safe After
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alertsand warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needsand know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
Image
Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kitor on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 orsign up online.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items
Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal
People Experiencing Extreme Heat
People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:
People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.
People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.
People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.
If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.
Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.
Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.
Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.
Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.
People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
Other trainings and certificate programs (scholarships may be available)
Verbal Intervention™
Verbal Intervention™ (VI) instills the confidence and skills to verbally de‑escalate disruptive behaviors and prevent further escalation. It’s well‑suited to organizations with a hands‑off policy or that require non‑restrictive techniques.
Available as a virtual (Online & Live Virtual) Instructor Certification Program.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de‑escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post‑crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Verbal de‑escalation techniques and skills also featured in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® and NCI™ With Advanced Physical Skills training.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention®
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (NCI™) provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.
Available as a blended (Online & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills (APS) equips your staff with the decision-making skills needed to confidently assess and address risk in the face of complex behaviors. It combines verbal intervention strategies and restrictive interventions with advanced physical skills for the highest-risk scenarios. Instructors can customize training to each staff member’s individual risk level.
Available as a blended (Online, Live Virtual & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safe and advanced deceleration, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques for situations involving dangerous behaviors.
Intervene in high- and medium-risk situations that don’t require advanced skills.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.
The Columbia Lighthouse Project offers numerous FREE training options for individuals and systems in more than 20 languages. The shortest training takes about 20 minutes, and almost all of them can be completed within an hour. Trainings are not setting specific. Choose the method that works best for you.at this link:
Information, hours, and activation criteria for shelters and warming centers change frequently based on weather and funding. Always call 2-1-1 or the listed local number, or check the linked website, before traveling to any site. Information is provided as a courtesy only, services are not provided by PeerGalaxy and the services provided are incomplete.
04 – Resources – Autism Resources, Articles, Support
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting about 1 in 36 children and roughly 2.2% of adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). It influences social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and how individuals experience the world. Symptoms and support needs vary widely, which is why it is called a “spectrum” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023).
People with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication, engage in repetitive behaviors, show sensory sensitivities, and prefer routines and predictability, with signs typically appearing in early childhood (NIMH, 2023). Causes include neurological differences, genetic factors, and possible environmental influences, while psychological causes have been ruled out (NIMH, 2023).
With appropriate supports and inclusive environments, autistic individuals can thrive in education, work, and community life (Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN], 2023).
If you are a disaster survivor, please visitFEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.
EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kitthat includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining anearthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
Stay Safe During
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes
Image
1. Drop (or Lock)
Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold On
If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.
Using a Cane?
Image
Using a Walker?
Image
Using a Wheelchair?
Image
Stay Safe After
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alertsand warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needsand know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
Image
Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kitor on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 orsign up online.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items
Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal
People Experiencing Extreme Heat
People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:
People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.
People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.
People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.
If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.
Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.
Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.
Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.
Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.
People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
Other trainings and certificate programs (scholarships may be available)
Verbal Intervention™
Verbal Intervention™ (VI) instills the confidence and skills to verbally de‑escalate disruptive behaviors and prevent further escalation. It’s well‑suited to organizations with a hands‑off policy or that require non‑restrictive techniques.
Available as a virtual (Online & Live Virtual) Instructor Certification Program.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de‑escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post‑crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Verbal de‑escalation techniques and skills also featured in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® and NCI™ With Advanced Physical Skills training.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention®
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (NCI™) provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.
Available as a blended (Online & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® With Advanced Physical Skills (APS) equips your staff with the decision-making skills needed to confidently assess and address risk in the face of complex behaviors. It combines verbal intervention strategies and restrictive interventions with advanced physical skills for the highest-risk scenarios. Instructors can customize training to each staff member’s individual risk level.
Available as a blended (Online, Live Virtual & In-Person) Instructor Certification Program.
Safe and advanced deceleration, disengagement, and physical intervention techniques for situations involving dangerous behaviors.
Intervene in high- and medium-risk situations that don’t require advanced skills.
Safety interventions and disengagement techniques for escalating risk behaviors.
Limit-setting strategies when verbally intervening to de-escalate defensive behaviors.
Recognize opportunities for post-crisis learning.
The effects of trauma and the psychology of the brain on the person in crisis as well as the responding individual.
Person-centered to help ensure a consistently inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to a person displaying crisis behavior.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk screening through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask.
The Columbia Lighthouse Project offers numerous FREE training options for individuals and systems in more than 20 languages. The shortest training takes about 20 minutes, and almost all of them can be completed within an hour. Trainings are not setting specific. Choose the method that works best for you.at this link:
La línea directa de Trans Lifeline es un servicio telefónico de apoyo dirigido por personas transgénero para las personas transgénero y/o que están cuestionando su género. Creemos que el mejor apoyo que las personas Trans pueden recibir es el de los miembros de la comunidad Trans con experiencias de vida compartidas.
Llámanos si necesitas a alguien Trans con quien hablar, incluso si no estás en crisis o no sabes con certeza si eres transgénero.
Marca al (877) 565-8860 en los Estados Unidos o al (877) 330-6366 en Canadá y oprime el #2 para conectarte con operadorxs que hablan español.
Information, hours, and activation criteria for shelters and warming centers change frequently based on weather and funding. Always call 2-1-1 or the listed local number, or check the linked website, before traveling to any site. Information is provided as a courtesy only, services are not provided by PeerGalaxy and the services provided are incomplete.
04 – Resources – Autism Resources, Articles, Support
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability affecting about 1 in 36 children and roughly 2.2% of adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). It influences social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and how individuals experience the world. Symptoms and support needs vary widely, which is why it is called a “spectrum” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023).
People with ASD may have challenges with social interaction and communication, engage in repetitive behaviors, show sensory sensitivities, and prefer routines and predictability, with signs typically appearing in early childhood (NIMH, 2023). Causes include neurological differences, genetic factors, and possible environmental influences, while psychological causes have been ruled out (NIMH, 2023).
With appropriate supports and inclusive environments, autistic individuals can thrive in education, work, and community life (Autistic Self Advocacy Network [ASAN], 2023).
If you are a disaster survivor, please visitFEMA.gov for up-to-date information on current disaster declarations. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call (800) 621-3362.
EARTH QUAKE PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Before an Earthquake
The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.
Make an Emergency Plan: Create a family emergency communications planthat has an out-of-state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated. Make a supply kitthat includes enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher and a whistle.
Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, make essential purchases and slowly build up supplies.
Protect Your Home: Secure heavy items in your home like bookcases, refrigerators, water heaters, televisions and objects that hang on walls. Store heavy and breakable objects on low shelves.
Consider making improvements to your building to fix structural issues that could cause your building to collapse during an earthquake.
Consider obtaining anearthquake insurance policy. A standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
Stay Safe During
If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:
If you are inside, stay and do not run outside and avoid doorways.
If you are in bed, turn face down and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
If you are in a car, pull over and stop. Set your parking brake.
If you’re outside, stay there. Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Drop and cover until shaking stops to protect yourself from flying debris. Learn more at Earthquake Country Alliance.
Protect Yourself During Earthquakes
Image
1. Drop (or Lock)
Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.
2. Cover
Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.
3. Hold On
If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.
Using a Cane?
Image
Using a Walker?
Image
Using a Wheelchair?
Image
Stay Safe After
There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.
Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.
If you are in a damaged building, go outside and quickly move away from the building. Do not enter damaged buildings.
If you are trapped, send a text or bang on a pipe or wall. Cover your mouth with your shirt for protection and instead of shouting, use a whistle.
If you are in an area that may experience tsunamis, go inland or to higher ground immediately after the shaking stops. Avoid contact with floodwaters as they can contain chemicals, sewage, and debris.
Check yourself to see if you are hurt and help others if you have training. Learn how to be the help until help arrives.
If you are sick or injured and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.
Use social media to let people know you’re okay.
Use text messages to communicate, which may be more reliable than phone calls.
Be careful when cleaning up. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Do not try to remove heavy debris by yourself. Use an appropriate mask if cleaning mold or other debris. People withasthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
Plan for your regular needs and know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable.
Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, sex or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV and radio. Follow mobile alertsand warnings about severe weather in your area.
Download the FEMA App and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
Make a Plan
In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needsand know what you would do if they become limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include:
Image
Create a support network of people who can help you in a disaster. Keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kitor on your electronic devices.
Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving a trusted member a key to your house or apartment.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting around during or after disaster. Check with local transit providers as well as with your emergency management agency to identify appropriate accessible options.
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify in order to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.
If you are on dialysis or other life-sustaining medical treatment know the location and availability of more than one facility that can help you.
If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. You can also ask your power provider to put you on a list for priority power restoration.
About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets. Also add pertinent medical information to your electronic devices.
If you have a communication disability consider carrying printed cards or storing information on your devices to inform first responders and others how to communicate with you.
If you use assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed.
Locate and access your electronic health records from a variety of sources by using the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ online tool.
Plan for children and adults who may have difficulty in unfamiliar or chaotic environments. Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.
Keep a list of the nearest medical facilities, local hospitals and nearest accessible transportation.
Get Your Benefits Electronically
A disaster can disrupt mail service for days or weeks. If you depend on Social Security or other regular benefits, switching to electronic payments is an easy way to protect yourself financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
Direct deposit to a checking or savings account. If you get federal benefits you can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or sign up online.
The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 orsign up online.
Build a Kit
In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use every day and which ones you may need to add to your kit.
Tips for Medications
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.
Keep a list of your prescription medicines. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.
Store extra nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.
Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.
Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
Extra hearing-aid batteries
Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark.
Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
Tips for People with Speech Disability
If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
Keep handheld electronic devices charged and loaded with videos and activities.
Purchase spare chargers for electronic devices and keep them charged.
Include sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy).
Consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli.
Have comfort snacks available.
Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible.
Show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate your wheelchair.
Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you can’t purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries charged at all times.
Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, consider keeping an extra cushion on hand.
Communicate with neighbors who can assist you if you need to evacuate the building.
Tips for Individuals with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia
Do not leave the person alone. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.
If evacuating, help manage the change in environment by bringing a pillow and blanket or other comforting items they can hold onto.
When at a shelter, try to stay away from exits and choose a quiet corner.
If there is an episode of agitation, respond to the emotions being expressed. For example, say “You’re frightened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m right here with you.”
Additional Items
Several days supply of prescription medicines
A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
A backup supply of oxygen
A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records and other supplies for your service or support animal
People Experiencing Extreme Heat
People with disabilities, access and functional needs, and older adults may be at increased risk to extreme heat. For example:
People with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk during extreme heat because they may not be able to cool their body through sweating.
People with severe mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, are at risk because their medications may interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself.
People with cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are at risk because they may have trouble understanding and explaining how the heat affects them. This could prevent them from taking protective actions. It’s important to know that a person’s ability to perceive and communicate physical discomfort may vary with the stage of dementia or disease.
If you have a support network – caregivers, family and friends – ask them to help monitor and address your heat-related needs; have them check in with you regularly to ensure you are safe and healthy.
Read the side effects of medications and talk with your doctor about how heat exposure will interact with them.
Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to cool the body if you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Ask your local energy utility for priority access in the event of power loss because power restoration is life-sustaining for someone in the home.
Monitor your local weather and emergency information alerts.
Have a plan that includes shade, hydration, sun protection, and limiting exposure time if you’re going to be outdoors.
Identify possible locations with air-conditioning and ensure needed accommodations ahead of time. This could include someone in your support network with air conditioning.
People with medical needs who can’t be accommodated at conventional cooling options may have to contact local hospitals or nursing homes to create contingency plans if they can’t stay at home.
