Staying Informed & Staying Put (When You Can’t Leave Yet)
Emergency planning doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional.
When something unexpected happens, most of us don’t rise to the occasion, we fall back on what we already know and have ready. This first part of your plan is about two things: getting information and being able to stay where you are safely.
How will you get emergency alerts?
In the U.S., alerts can come through phones, TV, radio, and local systems. A good starting place is the American Red Cross, which offers national guidance and alert options. Your State, County and City might also offer Local Emergency Alert notification by Text, Email or App on your Smartphone.
Now the important question: Will you actually receive those alerts in a way that works for you?
Some things to consider:
- Set your phone to allow Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
- Use accessible apps with voiceover/screen reader support
- Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio (many have tactile buttons or audio navigation)
- If you’re DeafBlind or have combined disabilities, consider vibration-based alerts or smart devices paired with haptics
- If you rely on assistive tech, test it. Don’t assume it will work under stress or low battery.
Can you stay where you are for at least 14 days?
Sometimes the safest move is not leaving. That means having what you need to stay put without resupply.
A basic emergency kit often includes:
- Water – one gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food you like
- Flashlight or headlamp or both – even if you don’t need them to see, they are great for others to spot you at night
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries (current recommendation from the Emergency Disaster Community instead of a crank handle or solar powered radio.)
- First aid supplies
- Medications and health-related items for all family members
- Hygiene products like toothpaste, dry shampoo, body cleansing wipes, menstrual hygiene products
- Children – toys, formula, diapers, etc.
- Pets – toys, food, chill out medication, piddle pads
- Garbage Bags, zip top bags
- At least two 5 gallon buckets – for human waste or food storage or washing up
- Biodegradable soap for dishes and some that is body safe
- Important documents
Accessibility & Adaptation Ideas:
- Use tactile labels, large print, or braille to identify supplies
- Organize items consistently so you can find them by memory and touch
- Store medications in clearly labeled containers (consider talking labels or apps)
- Choose tools with high contrast, simple shapes, or audio feedback
- Keep a liquid level indicator in your kit for safe pouring
- If you use mobility aids, keep a backup cane tip, batteries, or repair items
- Think less “perfect kit” and more “Can I find and use this in the dark, stressed, or half-asleep?”
If your household includes people with different abilities:
- Make sure everyone knows where things are
- Avoid “only one person knows how this works”
- Practice using the kit in a no-vision or low-vision way, even if you’re fully sighted
One Baby Step at a time…
You don’t need to have everything perfect to begin.
Start with alerts. Add a few supplies. Build from there.
In Part 2, we will talk about what happens if staying put isn’t an option? how to leave, where to go, and what to take with you.
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