Recommended additional items for emergency kit:

• Extra hearing aid (if available) and spare batteries
• Notepad and pen or pencil
• Pre-printed emergency phrases (e.g., “I use American Sign Language”)

Stay informed:

• Enable visual alerts on your phone to receive official notifications promptly.
• Consider alternative communication tools, such as pagers or text-based radio services, for local emergency updates.
• Arrange a support person or network who can alert you during an emergency.
• Register for Text with 9-1-1 to communicate with emergency services via text when needed.

Evacuation plan:

• Install and maintain specialized fire alarms with flashing lights or vibrating alerts.
• Inform your support network, neighbors, and building management about your needs in advance.
• Be ready to provide clear instructions to emergency personnel and helpers.
• If speaking is difficult, keep printed cards with essential information handy.

Recommended additional items for your emergency kit:

• Spare glasses
• An extra white cane
• Assistive technology (e.g., portable magnifier, talking or braille clock, digital voice recorder)
• Copies of identification and medical information in accessible formats (e.g., braille, large print)
• Guide dog supplies (e.g., food, water dish, leash, harness)

Stay informed:

• Make sure to have a support person(s) in place who can alert you in case of an emergency 
• Register for accessible emergency alert systems that provide notifications through vibrating alerts directly to your smartphone or specialized device. 
  Learn more about alerts. 
• Assistive technology to access emergency information (e.g., apps that convert text to speech or devices that amplify emergency alerts) 

Evacuation plan:

• Clearly label and store your emergency kit in an accessible location
• When preparing for an emergency, make sure to inform your support network, neighbours, and building management about your needs.
• Be prepared to give clear instructions to emergency services personnel and others assisting you. 
• Ensure that evacuation routes are clearly marked with tactile or high-contrast signage. 

Recommended additional items for emergency kit:

• Additional hearing aid (if available) and extra batteries 
• Notepad and pen or pencil 
• Pre-printed phrases for emergencies (e.g., “I use American Sign Language”) 

Stay informed:

• Have a support person(s) in place who can alert you in case of an emergency. 
• Use visual alerts on your phone to ensure you receive emergency alerts and updates promptly from officials and support networks. 
• Explore pagers and text radio options for receiving emergency updates from local officials. 
• Register for Text with 9-1-1.

 Evacuation plan:

• Install and maintain specialized fire alarms that incorporate flashing lights or vibrating devices to alert individuals with hearing loss in case of fire emergencies. 
• When preparing for an emergency, make sure you identify yourself to your support network, neighbors, and building management.
• Be prepared to give clear instructions to emergency services personnel and others assisting you. 
• If speaking is difficult, consider having information on a printed card. 

• A tire patch kit, seal-in-air product, inner tubes, a backup battery and spare catheters if you use a wheelchair 
• A lightweight, manual wheelchair as a backup to a motorized chair. 
• A power outage backup plan 
• Heavy gloves for making your way over glass and debris.  
• The make, model and battery type of a power chair (if you use one) and contact information for battery suppliers. 

Stay informed: 

• Watch for emergency alerts in your area  
• Monitor local media such as TV, radio, social media and websites 

Evacuation plan: 

• Be aware of several different ways to exit a building 
• If you live in an apartment building, make sure to have a plan in place in case the elevators are not working 
• If you are in a wheelchair, know if it can be easily transported 
• Have alternative evacuation assistance devices, such as a lightweight wheelchair that can be used in case you need to leave your motorized wheelchair behind 
• Be prepared to give instructions regarding how to move you should it be required 

   ** Consideration for caregivers and aides (caregivers and aides should also be briefed on emergency kit location and evacuation plans) 

Recommended additional items for emergency kit:

• Prescription medication 
• Mobility aids such as a cane or walker
• Additional hearing aid (if available) and extra batteries 
• Contact list of family and friends 
• List of medications, healthcare number and family doctor information 

 Stay informed: 

• Emergency Alerts: Sign up for emergency alert systems in your area that can provide you with information about emergencies like severe weather, evacuation notices, or other critical information.
  Learn more about alerts. 
• Local news: Keep a battery-powered radio or a hand-crank radio handy to stay updated on local news and emergency broadcasts, especially if the power goes out and you cannot access TV or internet. 
• Have a support person(s) in place who can alert you in case of an emergency. 

Evacuation plan:

• Familiarize yourself with all escape routes, emergency exits, and safety equipment in your home.
• If you have mobility concerns, take extra precautions and include them in your plan.

Recommended additional emergency kit supplies:  

• Formula, baby food, and/or breastfeeding supplies 
• Bottles, sippy cups, and sterilization supplies 
• Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream 
• Baby carrier or sling 
• Comfort items (stuffed animals, blankets, pacifiers) 
• Activities (books, toys) 
• Include infant pain reliever in your first aid kit 
• Hand sanitizer 
• Copies of your child's health records, immunization records, and any important medical information  
• Consider keeping a playpen and stroller easily accessible in case you need to leave your home for an extended period.

Evacuation Plan:  

• Develop and practice an evacuation plan that considers your child's transportation needs (e.g., strollers, car seats). 
  
• Identify safe spots in your home for different types of emergencies (e.g., tornadoes) and ensure they are child safe. 
  
• Be prepared to manage routine disruptions and provide additional comfort during stressful times.
  
• Involve your children in emergency preparedness by packing the emergency kit together and discussing your emergency plans as a family.

Recommended additional emergency kit supplies: 

• Pet food  
• Food dish and water dish 
• Leash 
• Waste bags 
• Toys and treats 
• Collar with an ID tag containing current contact information

Evacuation plan: 

• Remember that if you need to evacuate your pets also need to evacuate.  
• Ensure your pets vaccinations are up to date.
• Plan for how you will transport your pet if you need to evacuate and where you will stay. Have a secure carrier or crate and practice using it with your pet. 
• For Service dogs, ensure you have proper documentation for your service dog, including vaccination records.