People with Disabilities

Emergencies can have a greater impact on people with disabilities. Emergency planning and preparedness may look different depending on your individual needs. Learn how to prepare for, and how you can help people with disabilities in, an emergency.

The PreparedBC website provides a Resources for People with Disabilities guide (PDF) to assist people with disabilities to become better prepared for an emergency or disaster. This includes general preparedness information and tips specifically designed for individuals with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. After reviewing the Resources for People with Disabilities guide, you’ll have a better understanding of: 

• Common hazards in British Columbia
• How to prepare your home for an emergency
• How to prepare an emergency plan and build an emergency kit
• The importance of building a personal support network to assist during an emergency
• How to prepare if you have a service animal
• Additional tips and resources for varying accessibility needs

Additional information and resources are available from the following organizations:

• Disability Alliance BC - Works with a broad network of disability organizations and peoples with disabilities to build relationships with the emergency management sector.
  • CMIST Personal Emergency Planning (PDF) – A checklist for people with disabilities and their support workers.
• Public Safety Canada, Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities – a guide for people with disabilities with information on personal support networks, what to do before and during and emergency, and how to assist people with disabilities. 

Visit the Personal Preparedness page for more information about emergency preparedness.