I worry a lot about emergencies and disasters. Some of it is just from my deep love and care of my disabled comrades, some is my own sense of vulnerability and fear, and some because my house burned down shortly before my 18th birthday and it changed my life.
I’ve spent countless hours reading materials that are supposed to help disabled folks prepare for and respond to bad things that happen. And I have found the majority of government information, when it exists at all, to be greatly lacking. I want to share the gems I have found, the resources created by disabled folks, and some of the things I have done in case it is helpful to others.
Hospitalization
A lot of people in the MECFS community worry about hospitalization, and for good reason. Our needs are often not known or understood by medical professionals who don’t normally treat us. My goal is to never go to the hospital. I do have to go to the hospital, to have the best support I possibly can to minimize the amount of time there, and minimize the number of things that could go wrong. I’ve put in a lot of work to provide documentation to my support team to support this goal if I ever do need to go to the hospital.
Bugout Bags
A list of items I keep in my everyday bag that I take any time I leave the house, and what’s in my larger emergency evacuation bag.
Shelter in Place
A list of items I keep on hand in case I need to shelter in place alone, as well as some tips. Stocking up and preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming and expensive. Some of it is about thinking through what may be needed and how one will do the best they can. And sometimes there is some stocking up needed, and that can be done over time.