6 ways families of kids with special needs can prepare for emergencies

No matter where you live, there's risk of a disaster threatening the health and safety of your community - from blizzards, ice storms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires to potential harm from accidents at local manufacturing facilities or nuclear energy centers.

But such hazards don't impact everyone equally. And one group is especially critical to plan for: children with special health needs and disabilities.

Caring for these children during a crisis may be challenging because necessary medical supplies may suddenly be unavailable or children may struggle moving from one place to another, communicating with others or coping through transitions.

"All children have unique needs but those with special medical needs may be among the most vulnerable in a disaster," said Marie Lozon, M.D., Chief of Staff at Michigan Medicine and pediatric emergency physician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

"It can be overwhelming to think about a total power loss or rapid evacuation for families, especially if their children are dependent on supplies and technology to provide life sustaining care. For example, some children are fed through a tube, may need oxygen, use a wheelchair for mobility or need medicines to prevent seizures. When families work with their communities to be disaster ready, they can help protect children from the most harmful consequences."

Nearly one out of every five children in the United States has a special healthcare need, including physical, mental and developmental disabilities, as well as long standing medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes.

That's why Lozon and colleague Mott pediatric emergency medicine physician Stuart "Stu" Bradin, D.O., have teamed up with children's specialty hospitals in Michigan and in the other Great Lakes states with efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness for children through the federally funded Region V for Kids. The project is an expansion of the former Eastern Great Lakes Pediatric Consortium for Disaster Response.

"Doctors and researchers here at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital are working with like-minded colleagues across the state to improve emergency preparedness for children in such scenarios as a pediatric-focused pandemic illness, a mass injury event or loss of infrastructure in floods, fire or weather emergencies," Bradin said.

"Many elements of a catastrophe are unpredictable and planning for one can seem daunting for families who already face everyday challenges in caretaking. But there are simple steps that can help keep everyone safe."

Lozon and Bradin, who are co-investigators for Region V for Kids' research team, share six steps from the group's disaster toolkit being shared widely to improve disaster preparation for children, particularly those with special health needs.

6 ways families of kids with special needs can prepare for emergencies

1. Identify shelter and a safe way to get there

Sometimes, families are able to safely stay in their own home during an emergency. But if not, they need a back-up plan.

"Where would your family go if you needed to leave? Are there friends or family you could stay with or would you need to temporarily stay in a local shelter?" Bradin said. "All of these questions should be answered as part of your plan."

And make sure you're ready to get out safely. That means leaving as early as possible when you get notice of an evacuation and keeping the car gas tank full.

Families should also establish a support network of at least five trusted family, friends or neighbors who could be available to help with transportation or shelter on short notice and will check on them during a disaster. You should exchange information like garage codes, house keys and car keys with them.

Your family should also know how you'll reconnect if separated and establish a designated meeting place that's familiar in case you have no way to communicate.

2. Stock up on supplies

When an emergency strikes, you never know how long you'll be without power, water or food due to store and pharmacy closures and other barriers.

"Preparing for a disaster is kind of like preparing for a camping trip," Lozon said. "Think about what you would need to take care of your family without modern conveniences for days or even a week."

Region V for Kids recommends building an emergency kit