Earthquake Tips for People With Psychiatric Disabilities

PrepareNow.org

This fact sheet is designed to provide a checklist for activities for People with Psychiatric Disabilities to improve your emergency preparedness in an earthquake. It is designed to be used in conjunction with Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco's general EARTHQUAKE TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TIPS FOR COLLECTING EMERGENCY DOCUMENTS and TIPS FOR CREATlNG A EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION CARD. Without all four tip sheets, you do not have all the information you need to be prepared. Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.

DATE COMPLETED / ACTIVITIES

__________Practice how to Communicate your needs.

__________Anticipate the types of Reactions you may have after a quake and plan strategies for coping with these reactions.

__________Keep with you Instructions for Treatment if you are hospitalized.

Communication

Think through what a rescuer might need to know about you and be prepared to say it briefly, or keep a written copy with you- for example:

I have a psychiatric disability. In an emergency I may become confused. Help me find quiet corner and I should be fine in approximately 10 minutes.
I have a panic disorder. If I panic, give me one green pill (name of medication) located in my (purse, wallet, pocket, etc.)
I take Lithium and my blood level needs to be checked every ___________.

Reactions

There are a number of emotional reactions that may occur or become more severe after an earthquake. These reactions include: confusion, thought processing and memory difficulties, agitation, paranoia, crying, fear, panic, steep disturbance, pacing, shouting, depression, withdrawal, irritability, anxiety, shaking, and sleep disturbance.
Think through the types of reactions you may anticipate having and plan strategies for coping with these reactions.
Consider seeking input from your friends, family, therapist or service provider(s).
Be prepared to have members of your personal support network offer emotional support so you can acknowledge and express feelings about the quake.

Treatment Instructions

You may need medical assistance. You even may be hospitalized. Keep with you instructions for your care and treatment, or a copy of a durable power of attorney for health so that someone you have chosen may intervene for you.

Developed and Distributed By
Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco
70 10th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
In cooperation with June Kades,
through a grant from The American Red Cross
Northern California Disaster Preparedness Network