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In emergencies, the limited mobility of pregnant women, children, mentally or physically challenged persons, and the elderly mean that these groups are more at risk from natural phenomena. However, preparations to meet a possible disaster and the decisions made for the appropriate and timely protection of these groups before, during, and after such events can make the difference between safeguarding the lives and wellbeing of these groups, and exposing them to suffering further physical and emotional harm.
In
emergencies, the limited mobility of pregnant women, children, mentally
or physically challenged persons, and the elderly mean that these
groups are more at risk from natural phenomena. However, preparations
to meet a possible disaster and the decisions made for the appropriate
and timely protection of these groups before, during, and after such
events can make the difference between safeguarding the lives and
wellbeing of these groups, and exposing them to suffering further
physical and emotional harm.
- Promote
a census for the identification of mentally or physically challenged
persons, and frail seniors (dependent on third parties for completing
their daily activities).
- Establish,
in collaboration with the municipal authorities, a registry of
physically and mentally challenged persons and the elderly, classifying
persons according to their individual capabilities and needs for
specific assistance.
- Promote
training activities, and training targeted at mentally or physically
challenged persons and the elderly, so that based on their individual
capabilities they can cope, on their own, with some of their needs
during emergencies.
- Prepare
a list of individuals who have the primary responsibility for the care
of physically and mentally challenged persons, and frail elderly
persons.
- Where
necessary, identify groups of volunteers and organizations interested
in supporting physically and mentally challenged persons, and frail
elderly persons who live alone and lack a primary person responsible
for their care.
- Insofar
as possible encourage individuals to volunteer to be responsible for
the care of the elderly and for assistance to physically and mentally
challenged persons. Promote the participation of males in such
activities, as well as intergenerational support.
- Promote
the organization of training and teaching activities directed at people
who have the primary responsibility for care of physically and mentally
challenged persons, and the elderly; likewise for volunteer groups, so
they can help these persons in emergencies.
- Promote the establishment of support networks for physically and mentally challenged persons and the elderly.
- Confirm
whether existing programs for care of populations in emergencies
include special consideration of physically and mentally challenged
persons and the elderly.
- Promote
the establishment of specific plans for the evacuation of physically
and mentally challenged persons and the elderly in emergencies.
- Contribute
to the creation of shelters and temporary refuges to care for
physically and mentally challenged persons, and the elderly, and
confirm that specific activities are planned to protect these persons
and satisfy their special needs.
- Insofar as is possible, establish health care services with trained staff in the shelters and temporary refuges.
- Promote
the creation of a bank of mechanical and electronic equipment to meet
specific needs (eyeglasses, hearing aids, oxygen tanks, humidifiers,
canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and others).
- Monitor
that the fluids intake of elderly persons is sufficient to prevent
dehydration, which in this age group can occur very rapidly.
Contact
Fernando Amado
Ph: (202) 974-3727
Email:
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Response Guidelines 
