Skip to main content
Print

Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you are ready to care for children with disabilities and special health care needs during an emergency.

Medications

  • There is a current copy of each child’s Individual Health Care Plan and a three-day supply of medications for each child who needs medication.
  • Medications are not expired, are stored at the proper temperature, and can stay at that temperature during evacuation (e.g., a cooler with a cold pack for refrigerated medications).
  • A staff member is assigned and trained to move medications during evacuation.

Evacuation and Transfer of Children Who Can’t Walk

  • Wheeled equipment (e.g., evacuation cribs, wagons, strollers with multiple seats) is available for evacuating children who can’t walk.
  • There is a wheelchair for evacuating each wheelchair-dependent child.
  • All staff are trained in how to evacuate children who can’t walk and practice evacuating these children during drills.

Emergency Identification

  • Each child’s emergency information is up to date with name, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts.

Special Equipment and Supplies

  • There is a three-day supply of special equipment and assistive devices for each child who needs it, including children who have sensory issues.
  • There is a three-day supply of equipment, food, and formula for children with special diets and feeding tubes.
  • Assistive devices are labeled with the child’s name and contact information.

Communication

  • Children with special communication needs have access to their personal communication devices.
  • A plan for communicating with parents or guardians who have special communication needs is in place.

Download Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Read more:

,  Safety Practices