Natural calamities can strike anyone at any time. With the U.S. facing more than two dozen major climate disasters last year, 2025–2026 may prove even more unforgiving. These crises strain everyone, but if you live with a disability, the hurdles can be even more magnified.
The truth is clear: People with disabilities (PWDs) are several times more likely to be harmed in climate emergencies. But with more intentional planning and stronger community ties, you can make preparedness truly inclusive and ultimately workable.
This guide shares a climate emergency preparedness plan for 2025 -2026, particularly for people with disabilities. As a PWD yourself or someone advocating for the disabled, learn how to prepare for an emergency situation and stay safe during a climate crisis.
The Challenges in Traditional Emergency Planning
Most emergency plans take a general approach, catering to the general public. These can leave you vulnerable if you have a disability. Take the challenges in traditional emergency planning, for instance:
- Evacuation routes that aren’t wheelchair accessible
- Shelters without sign language support
- Alerts that rely only on audio warnings
- Transport that can’t handle mobility devices or service animals
- Medical aid stations unequipped for specialized needs
These situations can create both physical risk and emotional strain to people with disabilities.
As a PWD, you might feel overlooked knowing that the very systems meant to safeguard you fall short. But while communities must do better, you have the power to plan and push for the accessible solutions you deserve. To get started, discover the key principles of an inclusive emergency plan.
Core Principles of Emergency Planning for PWDs
Inclusive emergency planning is more than just patching gaps after the fact. It’s about designing systems that work for people of all abilities from the get-go.
To begin, here are key principles of emergency preparedness for PWDs:
- Guaranteed accessibility: Every touchpoint should be designed for universal use. This should go from evacuation routes to communication lines.
- Individualized planning: Your plan should reflect your specific needs, whether it’s a mobility issue or a communication support that is needed.
- Community connections: Lean on family and neighbors, not to mention local networks. Working with others can help you rise above any climate emergency more effectively than when navigating such a situation alone.
- Rights-based approach: You deserve to uphold your dignity and receive equitable treatment. You have rights for other people to acknowledge and honor, even in the most chaotic moments!
- Proactive inclusion: Emergency plans should be built not just for you but with you. As you know better, your voice matters at the table!
Steps To Take for Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness
Creating a personal and family emergency plan starts with understanding PWD needs and checking available resources. From these, you can come up with an effective preparedness plan. The ultimate goal is to keep you and your loved ones ready for what lies ahead.
1. Assess Individual Needs
The first step is to take an honest look at your daily life and the support you rely on. This requires self-awareness to advocate for support needs in different environments.
Identifying these needs early on helps you create a viable plan. This feels practical and protective, which is truly yours. Below are potential PWD needs you might have:
- Mobility requirements: Think through how you’ll move safely, whether that means wheelchair access or transfer assistance.
- Sensory accommodations: Take note of what could help you manage vision and/or hearing during predicaments.
- Medical needs: List critical items, such as medications and treatments, you cannot go without.
Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and Founder of Fig Loans, recommends starting with a need evaluation. They do the same when accommodating people with disabilities who need financial services.
Zhou says, “Preparedness begins with a clear understanding of your unique needs. Why? You can’t plan what you haven’t defined. Whether in finance or in emergencies, clarity is the foundation of security.”
2. Have an Accessible Emergency Kit
The next step is to prepare an emergency kit after mapping out your needs. This kit must be readily available and customized for you. The goal here is to promote independence and gain easy access during uncertain times.
Your emergency kits might include the following:
- Seven-day supply of medications in labeled containers.
- Chargers and backup batteries for assistive or medical devices.
- Low-tech backups (manual wheelchair, communication board).
- Comfort items, pertinent documents, and even necessary supplies.
With these in place, you can respond with calmness and composure in the face of a climate emergency.
3. Establish a Reliable Support Network
You don’t have to navigate emergencies alone. Having a dependable support system makes all the difference. The more people who understand your needs, the more resilient your plan becomes.
- Identify family members, immediate neighbors, and hired caregivers.
- Work with disability organizations and community groups for assistance.
- Share your needs with local emergency services.
- Join or form mutual aid networks beforehand.
Anna Zhang, Head of Marketing at U7BUY, suggests establishing a support network as a PWD. Their company works closely with disabled clients who need access to mobile games and works to provide appropriate accommodate.
Zhang explains, “Building a reliable support network goes beyond logistics. When you know others are prepared to step in, you face emergencies with confidence and a sense of shared strength. It ultimately gives you peace of mind knowing you have shoulders to lean on.”
4. Set a Clear Communication Plan
In any crisis, reliable communication can be your lifeline. Preparing multiple ways to send and receive information ensures you stay connected even if one system fails. The goal is to keep yourself informed and your support network in sync.
- Register for accessible alert systems to receive updates in formats that work best for you, such as text, audio or visual.
- Maintain a detailed contact list of family members, emergency services and support personnel so you can quickly reach the right people.
- Set simple check-in protocols with your network so everyone knows when and how to confirm safety.
With these in place, you get rid of guesswork during difficult situations. Ultimately, you and your loved ones will have peace of mind in the midst of a climate emergency!
5. Plan for Evacuation and Shelter
Emergencies often require leaving home quickly. Having an evacuation and shelter plan tailored to your accessibility needs can help big time. A little foresight now can spare you potential delays and unnecessary risks later.
- Research and map accessible evacuation routes.
- Confirm shelter accessibility and service/support animal policies.
- Arrange transport options with backups in place.
- Plan alternatives, such as staying with friends or family.
Learn from Adrian Iorga, Founder and President at 617 Boston Movers. They’ve worked with disabled clients who moved to residential places in Boston.
Iorga shares, “An evacuation plan should never be improvised. Knowing your routes and shelters in advance is what keeps you safe and independent. In any emergency, foresight is freedom.”
6. Leverage Tools and Technologies
Technology can be your lifeline during climate emergencies. Today, you now have more options than ever to stay informed and connected, such as:
- Accessible alert apps deliver critical updates in multiple formats at once. Tools like the Red Cross Emergency App send audio alerts, visual notifications and even vibration cues, while weather apps now include descriptive text for radar images and maps. Text-to-voice features can instantly turn written updates into spoken alerts.
- GPS tracking devices and smartphone tools help you maintain connection and safety if evacuation becomes necessary. Specialized devices can support individuals with cognitive disabilities, while backup communication options keep you connected even in the event of a power outage.
- Smart home technology is also evolving for emergency use. Voice-activated systems provide hands-free access to alerts, while smart lighting offers visual warnings. Plus, some systems can even auto-notify emergency services or family when certain conditions are triggered.
7. Advocate for Community Preparedness
As a PWD, your perspective matters more than you might realize. Local leaders and organizations need your firsthand insight to build plans that truly work for everyone.
As an advocate for inclusion and accessibility, sharing your experiences helps expose blind spots in traditional emergency planning and spark meaningful change. Here’s what you can do:
- Join advisory boards, disability councils and/or even attend city forums where preparedness decisions are made. Your lived experiences carry a weight that statistics alone can’t convey and they often shift how communities design their strategies.
- Team up with established disability organizations to amplify your advocacy. These groups provide training and resources to ensure your voice carries further and your message sticks.
Take it from Leigh McKenzie, Community Advocate at Traffic Think Tank. He believes in building an offline community that supports each other the way they do online with SEO experts and aspirants.
As far as inclusive community preparedness, McKenzie recommends, “Advocacy doesn’t always require a microphone and a meeting. Simply talking with neighbors about inclusive safety or hosting a small workshop can set off ripple effects. Ultimately, all these strengthen preparedness for your whole community.”
Useful Resources for Further Action
There are already powerful resources designed to support people with disabilities. You don’t have to figure out disability-inclusive preparedness on your own. These tools can help you strengthen your plan and stay informed when it matters most.
- National Disability Rights Network: Advocacy and state resources
- Ready.gov Disability Preparedness: Federal guidance and planning tools
- American Red Cross Disability Integration: Local and accessible resources
- FEMA Office of Disability Integration: Toolkits and training materials
- National Weather Service Accessible Warnings: Multi-format alerts
- Local Independent Living Centers: Community-based support
- Emergency Alert Systems: Register for regional notifications
- Preparedness Apps: Accessible apps for weather and emergencies
Final Nore: Upholding PWD Empowerment and Preparedness
PWD emergency preparedness goes beyond survival. Amidst a climate crisis, it entails upholding dignity and promoting quality of life. As the barriers in traditional planning remain, practical solutions can help dismantle them. Therefore, consider the practical steps above for personal and family preparedness.
As a PWD, you have your voice and can take the lead. Inclusive readiness thrives on both personal responsibility and collective advocacy. With modern technology and community connections, your emergency preparedness endeavor ultimately becomes both empowering and sustainable!
Abilities Expo also provides online resources as well as emergency preparedness workshops at many live events. Sign up for free today to be part of their next event!
