.

The year of 2008 saw plenty of disasters.
But each disaster was met with a response–aid to people and communities in need.

The American Red Cross announced the top five disaster responses for 2008.
The top five disasters were Hurricane Dolly, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, the Midwest Flooding, and the tornadoes that hit Indiana.

As the list illustrates, there were a record number of tornadoes that ripped through towns and rural areas. There were two strong hurricanes–Gustav and Ike. Flooding also took its toll as it ravaged a large swath of the Midwest. Not mentioned on the list were the Tea Fires of southern California that destroyed close to 500 homes and displaced thousands.

And before and after each disaster, the American Red Cross was in place ready to give aid–everything from sandbagging efforts to food and emotional support.

“No matter where our help was needed, we were there,” said Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross, “But helping those affected by all of these disasters has been costly. We’ve spent all funds contributed for Red Cross Disaster Relief.”

During 2008, the American Red Cross opened over 900 shelters to serve that in need. They also prepared 6.5 million meals and handed out close to 300,000 comfort and clean-up packets. Red Cross workers numbered close to 30,000 that responded to these five disasters alone.

What made this possible was the $100 million fundraising campaign that brought in necessary funds needed to support communities in times of devastation. Contributions to the Red Cross allow for their critical work to continue.

“We thank all those who have supported our disaster relief efforts,” Becker said, “and ask those who have not yet made a donation to please give whatever they can to help us continue to be there with food, shelter, and comfort when disaster strikes.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Fourteen animations can be downloaded from the site in high definition format. The 3-D animations show, from the perspective of a several different Southern California locations, how intensely the ground would shake and shift during a very strong 7.8 earthquake with an epicenter on the southern end of the San Andreas Fault.

The science-based earthquake scenario, developed by USGS scientists and partners, is used for both the Great Southern California ShakeOut drill on November 13 and the statewide Golden Guardian 2008 emergency response exercise from November 13 - 18.

The ShakeOut earthquake scenario animations provide a graphic tool for first responders, engineers, decision makers, Southern California residents and other members of the public to understand, visualize and prepare for the devastating effects, even far from the epicenter, of a large, damaging earthquake. The San Andreas Fault has produced earthquakes of this magnitude in the past and could again in the future.

The USGS is also making available new broadcast-quality background interviews and footage of the San Andreas Fault-crossing Cajon Pass, a narrow corridor through the San Gabriel Mountains known as an important “lifeline corridor” where roads, railroads, water and energy pipelines, and electrical and communications infrastructure provide service to millions of residences, businesses, commuters and communities in Southern California. In the ShakeOut earthquake scenario, this narrow corridor would be greatly affected, as the 3-D animations also show.

For more information, visit the USGS.gov.

On December 1st and 2nd, 2008, Thailand held the 2nd International Conference on Geoinformation Technology for Natural Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (git4NDM). This conference focuses on why natural disasters occur, and how to develop a plan to circumvent potential disasters and deliver aid to communities in need.

The impact of natural disasters in 2008 on areas such as India and China will be analyzed–why were these areas hit so hard, and can we predict where will be the next area of impact?

In 2008, more than a million people are affected by severe floods in India alone. Several hundred thousands are still missing and are homeless. More than 2.6 million people in 16 districts have been affected by the flooding according to India’s Disaster Management Division.

China’s Sichuan province was hit in May of 2008 and destroyed more than 70,000 homes, killing 60,000 people. This one earthquake orphaned more than 5,000 children and left more than 4,000 elderly without their family caregivers.

GIT4 conference will explore the spatial relationship and impact of disasters on humans and the communities they live in–villages, cities, or rural areas. They will work to develop a preparedness plan that will attempt to cut the risks disasters bring and help reduce the number of disaster victims.

The symposium on geoinformatics will offer cutting edge information about the effects of natural disasters such as severe storms, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and tsunamis have on human communities. By exploring the causative factors, GIT4 will institute plans to reduce the risks and get necessary aid to those in need.

Attendees of GIT4NDM include government and non-governmental leaders, and professionals from academia, Industry and research institute leaders will give key speeches.

GIT4NDM Conference Topics Include: Disaster and Preparedness
Climate Change a Global Threat
Remote Sensing for Disaster Monitoring
NDM Planning and Management
Early Warning Systems, and also special sessions on earthquake, floods,
Coastal disasters and forest fire
Rehabilitation and Retrofication

Floods are the number one natural disaster most of us will ever face.
Your chances of being flooded are much greater than experiencing a house fire (4 in 10,000, or even killed in a car accident (3 in 10,000).

Why are floods so much more common–and more dangerous?
Because people underestimate the power of water. Also, flood accompany other natural disasters, such as ice or snow storms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes.

Yes, you can get flood insurance, but is that enough?
Won’t the government “bail” you out of a natural disaster?
(Do you really want to depend on that?)

Many people live in a 100-year floodplain. That means that your chance of being flooded several times within that 100 year time period is much higher. There’s a 1 in 4 chance you’ll experience a flood (if you live in a flood plain) during your 30-year mortgage. Look outside and count four houses. It could be any one of you. During your 30-year mortgage period, you are 27 times more likely to experience a flood than having a fire.

But don’t let this news overwhelm you. There are precautions you can take to avoid being flooded, and to minimize the damage.

Precautions to Take Before a Flood:

Buy flood insurance! Make sure your policy covers “act of God,” as well as home accidents.

Research the area you’re planning to buy in. Some areas are prone to flooding. Do you really want to deal with that hassle? Is there a reason you like that area? If so, take every preventative measure you can to protect your life and property. Don’t rely on your real estate agent to divulge the area’s flaws–do your own research.

Go through your house and take photographs of EVERYTHING you have. If you want to be reimbursed, you have to prove you had it in the first place. Even photograph your landscape, cars, license tags, and pets–anything that a visual record would help locate.

Make copies of your photos and videos (including your house photos). These are oftentimes considered a person’s most beloved possessions. Scan the pictures or negative into your computer, make CDs’s or copies and give them to people (this makes a great gift)–you can also store them on a flash drive.

Purchase a small safe that’s fireproof, flood proof and portable. Keep your important documents (passports, social security cards, house, medical, and car insurance) in this box and know where it is so you can grab it and go if you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Clean out gutters regularly and create runoff paths in your yard if pooling water is a problem. Better to make a gulley than your entire yard to become one.

Purchase a home that doesn’t sit in a valley. Look for signs of erosion in the yard. Check the roof for leaks, and talk to the neighbors about their experiences.

If you have a basement, consider purchasing a sump pump. This is great for minor flooding–and can help you avoid damage and clean up. If you live in a flood prone area, you’ll also need a generator to keep your sump pump working.

Anchor fuel tanks. Propane tanks and septic tanks can rise in floodwaters and contaminate your house and yard as well as damage other homes if they’re swept downstream–and you may be held responsible. .

Your electrical wiring (switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring) should be placed at least 12 inches above your home’s projected flood elevation. If you have an older home, this may not be the case. Contact a certified electrician to fix this problem. It’s cheaper than the damage a flood can do to your electrical system–and safer.

Buy a portable battery or crank radio so that you can stay informed of impending disasters if your power goes out.

Have your emergency kit packed and ready–include bottled water, first aid kid, energy bars, and glow in the dark tape so you can be found.

Your furnace, hot water heater, washer and dryer should also be at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

If you know a flood is coming, move your furniture and valuable to higher ground–second floor, counter tope, high in cabinets, etc.

Prepare your family for evacuation.
Do you have a designated meeting place? Out at the street? The mailbox? Do you have a plan for getting out if your house is on fire? Your family’s safety is of utmost importance. Talk about this, especially with children. Don’t worry about scaring them; just reassure them that having a plan is the BEST way to be safe. Kids are smart, and they appreciate parents who look out for their safety.

Make sure even your youngest children know how to call 9/11. Even a three year old can do this. Teach them their name, address, and phone number. Designate someone you know–family member or friend who does not live with you as your “contact person.” In case of a disaster, if your family gets separated, they should know to check in with this person and say where they are.

As much as you love your pets, don’t risk your life. Pets are remarkable–they can find their way out and survive when a human can’t. Do everything you can to get everyone (including pets) out safely, but put humans first. Trust they’d want you to.

Flood waters can rise quickly, so if you’re ordered to evacuate, do so. Don’t wait too long–it’s best to get your family to safety. Items can be replaced.

This is a continuation of Women and Safety Travel Tips: Part I.
Make copies of your passport, credit cards, and pertinent info. Keep one in your suitcase, and one back at home. It’s wise in many countries to keep your passport on you at all times–in case you get stopped by the authorities.

Leave fancy jewelry at home. Travel light and be inconspicuous.

Wear sunglasses and/or avoid eye contact, particularly in developing countries.
Some cultures consider eye contact an invitation, and in other cultures, it’s disrespectful and considered aggressive. Consider reading Culture Shock, and travel books about where you’re visiting in order to understand their customs and way of thinking. Even Europeans think Americans look gullible because we’re considered to be too open and “happy for no reason.”

Dress and act like a local. Learn to eat and drink local cuisine–you’ll actually have a more authentic experience if you don’t look and act like a Westerner.
Even if you’re not married, consider buying a cheap band. Married women are less likely to be hit on.

What to Do If You’re Touched Inappropriately, Harassed, or Raped:

Say no–and learn it in their language–and act like you mean it.

If you have pepper spray, use it. Run and scream!
If they’re after your purse of packages, throw it at them and take off.
Run into a place of business if there’s one open. Get to people, lights, and safety as soon as you can.

If you’re grabbed, poke at the eyes, elbow the nose, knee them, or act like you’re going to throw up, pee, act crazy, bite (even with AIDS, you can take a drug to counter the effects). Do everything you can to stay put and DON”T get into a car or go into a person’s house you don’t know.

Try everything you can to make sure you are not kidnapped or taken to a second location.

Bank tellers and other people who have chosen careers in which becoming a hostage is a possibility are told that it’s better to be shot in a parking deck and lie bleeding on the concrete than to be taken some place. Pitch a fit–pee, scream, bite, flail, act crazy–anything to avoid getting into a car–fight like crazy to not get in that car–kick off your shoes or leave something behind.

If you’ve been raped know that it’s not your fault. Get to people–a business or a house as soon as you can. Report it. Call the police and let them take you to the hospital. Nothing you did, said, or the way you dressed caused you to deserve this. Don’t bathe or wash up–that could destroy evidence. No matter what they threatened, report it. Other women’s lives are also at risk-and it’s just a threat.

If you’ve been in a natural disaster or plane/train accident, your first priority is to get out of danger–move to higher ground, get out of the burning building, evacuate the plane…then call for help, and let your loved ones know you’re safe.

When traveling abroad, always check travel advisory updates, and if you have any trouble, contact the US Embassy.

Don’t let these facts deter you from traveling. Use precaution and common sense–and know that there are some great travel adventures waiting. By just being aware and taking a few precautions, you can stay out of danger and have a pleasure travel experience.

Are you a woman traveling for business or pleasure?
Don’t stop! Traveling adds a dimension to your life that’s enjoying and fulfilling, but be aware that you need to take a few extra safety precautions.

The number one safety factor is to simply be aware.
When you’re getting in and out of your car, in restrooms and public places, and particularly when you’re at your hotel–pay extra attention and know a few tricks that can help you avoid becoming a crime victim or keep you safe during a natural disaster.

Overall Safety Practices for Women:

Be extra alert when you’re traveling.
Look and act confident.

Know that you are vulnerable when you are dealing with transportation–getting into or out of a cab–parking your car or going through security. You are distracted by the process and it’s the perfect time for a thief to act, so instead, make it a practice to become more aware.

Walk down the street like you’re late and someone’s meeting you.
Don’t act lost even if you are.
Carry mace or pepper spray and a cell phone.
Act like you’re talking to someone if you’re uncomfortable. Even yell at someone up ahead–as if they’re the person you’re going to meet–anything to make a perpetrator believe you are not alone.

Let people know where you are. Leave an itinerary and update with someone any changes. \
You may enjoy your freedom and privacy, but leave a trail.

If someone is harassing you, try ignoring them. If that doesn’t work, yell in a strong voice–”No! Get away!” It’s better to be rude than hurt.

It’s wise to keep a small flashlight in your purse.

If you’re alone, don’t wander off the major thoroughfares after dark. Stay with a crowd. Blend in as if you’re one of them when you’re on the street.

Keep your purse close to your body. Disperse your money–some in your bra or shoe as well as money belt, if you’re traveling internationally.
Pick pockets are big in other countries, so be aware.

Thieves like crowds, so be aware on a busy street corner, and if you are really packed in or get knocked or jostled, assume someone was trying to pickpocket you and make a quick body check.

Join this blog tomorrow for Part II.
“Stay safe but don’t stay home!.”
~Zahara Heckscher,

Hotel Safety is something everyone should consider.
We’re all vulnerable when we travel. We’re distracted, thrown off our routines–and oftentimes, tired, sleepy, and can easily forget that we’re easy prey for those who want to do harm.

The most important point is to be aware.

Don’t think that just because you’re staying at a major chain in a nice looking part of town that you’re automatically safe.
Ask yourself a few questions before you make your reservations.
Have you checked online for hotel reviews?
Do you know much about the area?
Do you know anyone who has stayed there before?
Is it in an unsafe part of town known for high crime rates?
If you’re traveling out of the country, be sure to check the travel advisory site. Many times, we don’t have a choice about where we’re staying if we’re traveling for business.
It’s wise to talk to another co-worker who has stayed at that hotel. Ask them about their experience and if there’s anything you should watch out for. You can also check with the CDC for other travel warnings.

Parking Lot Safety:
If you’re a woman traveling alone, or if you have small children with you, spring for the extra bucks and use valet service. Park in lighted area and don’t let unloading your luggage distract you from noticing your surroundings.

Hotel Check In Safety:
If you’re traveling alone, go ahead and ask for both keys. That way, there isn’t an extra key floating around the front desk.

As mentioned in Part I, never open the door without checking through the peephole, and if you haven’t requested room service, or other hotel services, don’t open the door. Call the front desk to confirm. It’s better to appear rude and be safe.

Check All Entry Points:
When you enter your room, do a quick check–inspect the closets, under the bed, go into the bathroom and pull back the shower curtain before the bellman leaves. If you’re traveling alone and don’t have a bellman with you, call someone and chat while you do this.

Check windows and doors when you enter your room. Make sure the locks work. There should also be a safety bar on sliding glass doors. Don’t think that just because you’re on a higher floor that you’re safe–balconies can allow someone access to your room from another room. Is your room adjacent to another room via a door? Check to make sure the deadbolt lock works. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, ask for another room.

Don’t let your kids run around the hotel unsupervised. There are too many strangers and rooms that your child could disappear into. Use the buddy system for children who are old enough and mature enough to use safety precautions. Let them take your cell phone, and check on them often If you wouldn’t let your eight year old roam around alone in your neighborhood, then don’t consider it at a hotel.

Other Ways to Stay Safe:
Put the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob even when you’re not there–or after your room has been cleaned.

Turn on the TV or radio on while you’re not there as well. Leave a light on and if someone is in the hall, act like someone’s inside the room–talk out loud to them as you open the door, or call someone and tell them you’re going into your room.

Always go in and out of the same hotel door. If you use the room service card to order your breakfast, be aware that your name and room number is listed on the card. This could allow an attacker to call you by name and pretend to be from room service.

Always let people know where you are. If you travel a lot, it’s easy to let your guard down. Send someone an email and tell them where you’re staying. If you find a hotel you like and feel that their safety standards are acceptable, stay there often and recommend them to others. If you’re not happy and don’t feel safe–speak to management. It’s important not only for you, but for other guests as well.

Hotel Bar and Restaurant Safety:
Many guests who stay in hotels frequently are bored and can drink too much. Be aware of your drinks. Don’t leave your table to go to the restroom and leave your food and drinks or purse unguarded. Be aware as you walk to the bathroom–that you’re not followed. If you can lock the door to the bathroom, do so. If you feel you’re being watched, wait to use the bathroom in your room.

If you feel you’re being followed, don’t get in the elevator alone–go and talk to the person at the front desk–ask a question, get some local information. Just kill some time until they lose interest and they catch on that you’re not an easy prey.

If you’re being haggled by drunks, speak to your server or bartender. Ignore them, but don’t look scared. If you’re approached and you don’t feel comfortable, state in a loud, firm voice to leave you alone. Then be very aware before you go to your room or to your car. Wait it out and hopefully, they’ll leave. You can ask the bellman to walk you to your room. Tipping them is a small price to pay for your safety.

There are numerous travel safety products available, including door locks and alarms, but be aware that tasers or mace will be confiscated at the airport.

You don’t have to paranoid, but being aware is the smartest way to stay safe.

In light of the recent terrorist attacks in India, many people are wondering about hotel safety.

Most travelers will never experience the terror felt in Mumbai, but it’s still a good time to go over some basic safety tips and answer common hotel safety questions.

Are higher floors safer?
Yes, if you’re referring to crime. A traveler is more likely to have something stolen out of their room, and requesting a higher floor means that the perpetrators would have to work harder to get in and out of the building, and risk being seen.

What if there’s a fire or earthquake?
Hotels are usually equipped with sprinkler systems in each room, but emergency rescue is easiest if you choose a room below the fifth floor. It’s wise to choose a hotel that has either been renovated and is up to current fire safety codes, or is a newer hotel in which this is standard–if you do this–then you can choose a higher floor knowing you’re covered in regard to fire and crime. Ironically, if you choose a room near an exit (which would be convenient during a fire) you run the risk of being a crime victim since this is an exit for thieves.

Is my hotel door really safe?
Hotel doors should have a solid core wood or be made of metal. They should also be self-closing and self-locking. Hotels should have a deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw bolt. Inspect the door–are there pry marks or are the screws loose? If so, ask for anther room.

Many rooms have a knob-lock on the door with a button to push when you’re inside the room–which blocks all keys, whether it’s housekeeping or a former guest.

What about keyless entries–or card access?
Today, most hotel doors are accessed with an electronic card. These are relatively safe since the last card is zeroed out after the person checks out. Electronic locks are also good because when you’re inside and use the deadbolt, room service and housekeeping can’t get into you room.

But don’t leave your card lying around and be sure to destroy it after you leave–or return it to the desk. Your personal information including your credit card info is stored on that magnetic strip.

Always use the wide-angle peephole before you open the door. If you didn’t call housekeeping or room service don’t answer the door. Call the front desk to confirm.

Join us for Part II of Hotel Safety: Hotel Safety: Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

DERA, the Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association, International (DERA) connects professionals, volunteers, and organizations that are dedicated to disaster preparedness and emergency management. DERA, founded in 1962 is a nonprofit association and is an independent, nongovernmental organization (NGO).

What exactly does DERA do?

DERA focus is both short term and long term goals. It follows major emergency response and relief operations as well as sponsors many preparedness and educational programs. DERA is managed by unpaid volunteers and relies on teamwork and dedication from its members to assist in developing and managing its programs.

Why is DERA important?

DERA offers support and expertise to governmental and professional organizations. Its role is to find what’s lacking, and seek how to meet these needs. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to offset the impact of the disaster and to provide services to educate and prepare others to do the same.

Recent DERA Disaster Operations:

DERA deployed satellite communications teams and equipment to several states prior to landfall of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gustav in order to provide communications and logistics support to mass care operations and community recovery. DERA provided logistics support and technical assistance in three states, while making the DERA Online Emergency Operations Center available to numerous other relief organizations.

DERA’s international partner, NIAR, deployed communications teams to Northeast India in August following heavy monsoon floods which had caused dam and levee failures, destroying the homes of 750,000 and the evacuation of 2.3 million residents. NIAR teams provided the only communications out of vast regions of Bihar and continue to support logistics communications for medical teams and relief agencies.

DERA members at the Joint Field Office provided state and federal agencies with expertise in Special Needs planning and assisted in obtaining services for a large number of individuals for whom there were no other resources.

New England experienced a powerful Nor’easter in November 2007 and Western States, especially Colorado, had a severe blizzard in December. DERA teams provided emergency communications until the infrastructure could be repaired and continued to support communications and logistics needs of response agencies.

HURRICANES DENNIS, KATRINA, OPHELIA, RITA, WILMA IN 2005: DERA members from around the globe provided technical, financial, and logistical support to this response and recovery effort.

DERA’s role in an impending disaster includes:

DERA logistics teams and emergency management specialists assist other relief organizations with logistics, mission coordination and other special needs.

DERA continues to operate a clearinghouse to match offers of assistance with those in need for long-term recovery.

DERA members provided round-the-clock communications support and technical assistance to recovery teams in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and will continue to provide assistance as needed.

DERA members are leading long-term recovery projects and will remain committed to this mission for the long term.

DERA is providing education and materials to families on ways they can restore vital paper documents and photographs that have been damaged.

For about DERA visit their site and consider becoming a member.

Perhaps no other segment of our society is more vulnerable than those who are disAbled.
When a disaster strikes, the delicate balance of care, medication, equipment, and the caregiving network a disAbled person depends upon is suddenly in jeopardy. If a disAbled person must be evacuated–or rescued–the situation can suddenly become critical.

Each region, city, community has their own protocol for managing the care needs of a disAbled person in the time of a disaster. FEMA, the Red Cross, and the CDC also have their own preparedness plans–but the tricky part is getting the word out, coordinating efforts, and reaching the disAbled during their time of need.

For the individual, knowing that so many agencies have a well thought out plan adds to a sense of safety. For the various governmental agencies and communities, it’s important to understand the needs of the disAbled community.

Here are 7 Key Principles That Should Guide Disaster Relief:

1. Accessible Disaster Facilities and Services:
Communications technology is vital for people with disabilities during a disaster to help assess damage, collect information, and deploy supplies. Access to appropriate facilities — housing, beds, toilets, and other necessities — must be monitored and made available to individuals with disabilities before, during, and after a disaster. This access also must be ensured for those who incur a disability as a result of a disaster. Appropriate planning and management of information related to architectural accessibility improves the provision of disaster services for persons with disabilities.

2. Accessible Communications and Assistance:
As communications technology and policy become more integral to disaster relief and mitigation, providing accessibility to the technology for people with disabilities becomes more essential. For example, people with hearing impairments require interpreters, TDD communications, and signaling devices. In addition, written materials must be produced on cassette tape, on CD-ROM, or in large print for people with visual impairments. People with cognitive impairments, such as those with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, or brain injury, require assistance to cope with new surroundings and to minimize confusion factors. It is crucial that people with disabilities help develop accessible communications and reliable assistance technologies.

3. Accessible and Reliable Rescue Communications:
Accessible and reliable communications technology is critical to ensuring fast, effective, and competent field treatment of people with disabilities. Current satellite and cellular technology as well as personal communication networks permit communication in areas with a damaged or destroyed communication infrastructure. Communications technologies can assist field personnel in rescue coordination and tracking and can be combined with databases that house information on optimal treatment for particular disabilities or that track the allocation of post disaster resources.

4. Partnerships with the Disability Community:
Disability organizations must join with relief and rescue organizations and the media to educate and inform their constituents of disaster contingency and self-help plans. A nationwide awareness effort should be devised and implemented to inform people with disabilities about necessary precautions for imminent disaster. In the event of a sudden natural disaster, such a program would minimize injury and facilitate rescue efforts. In addition, more young people with disabilities should be encouraged to study technology, medicine, science, and engineering as a way of gaining power over future technological advances in disaster relief and mitigation.

5. Disaster Preparation, Education, and Training:
Communications technologies are crucial for educating the public about disaster preparedness and warning the people most likely to be affected. Relief and rescue operations must have the appropriate medical equipment, supplies, and training to address the immediate needs of people with disabilities. Affected individuals may require bladder bags, insulin pumps, walkers, or wheelchairs. Relief personnel must be equipped and trained in the use of such equipment. In addition, relief personnel should provide training, particularly for personnel and volunteers in the field, on how to support the independence and dignity of persons with disabilities in the aftermath of a disaster.

6. Partnerships with the Media:
Many natural disasters can be predicted in advance. Disaster preparedness for people with disabilities is critical in minimizing the impact of a disaster. The media — in partnership with disability and governmental organizations — should incorporate advisories into emergency broadcasts in formats accessible to people with disabilities. Such advisories alert the public, provide a mechanism for informing rescue personnel of individual medical conditions and impairments, and identify accessible emergency shelters. The creation and repetition of accessible media messages is critical for empowering people with disabilities to protect themselves from disasters.

7. Universal Design and Implementation Strategies:
Designing universal access into disaster relief plans, far from being a costly proposition, can pay off handsomely. As accessible communications tools become more widely available, their price will decrease. In addition, a universal design approach to meeting the needs of people with disabilities before and after a disaster will benefit many people without disabilities, such as the very young or the aged. A look at existing agreements among relief organizations and local, state, federal, and international governments will offer guidance in developing effective strategies for universal design and implementation plans. The federal government’s role has yet to be defined, but it could encourage or even mandate universal design and set standards. For example, the federal government could provide guidelines for evacuation plans or pre-disaster warning periods.

(This report was prepared by The Annenberg Washington Program written in collaboration with the President’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities by Dr. Peter David Blanck, Annenberg Senior Fellow).

A Disaster Readiness Brochure is available at Disatersrus.org\