Hurricane season is here, and Floridians are being urged to come up with a plan of action in case a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes Florida. To help Floridians with disabilities develop a disaster plan, The Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service - Volunteer Florida and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC) created “Disaster Ready – Emergency Preparedness Guide for Floridians with Disabilities.”

While this guide can help anyone, it includes specific information to assist individuals with disabilities prepare for a disaster. This guide is intended for individuals with disabilities who live on their own or with family or friends, not those who live in other types of residential placements.

“Disaster Ready” has two parts. The Florida guide section provides information about emergency management, disaster supply kits, evacuation, communication, personal support networks and more. The second part of the guide is a blank “Personal Disaster Plan.” This plan leads the reader through the process of preparing for and responding to a disaster. Individuals can use the information provided in the Florida Guide section to create their own personal disaster plans.

In "Disaster Ready", readers learn that individuals must take responsibility for their own personal and family preparedness and assess their own needs. Because there is no 'one-size-fits-all' disaster plan, individuals and families should assess their own needs, learn about and choose among options available in their communities, and prepare in advance for a possible disaster.

Because most decisions about how to prepare for and respond to disasters are made on the local level, each family must understand their community's emergency management plan and the provisions made in their area for individuals with disabilities.

Planning for a disaster uses strategies that are common to all types of public emergencies and disasters. This is called the 'all-hazard' approach, which means you only have to plan once, and you will be able to apply your plan to all types of hazards.

While this guide provides a basic introduction to disaster planning, it is not meant to replace the advice of professionals such as emergency management authorities and medical providers.

For copies of the guide contact the FDDC at 1-800-580-7801, TDD Toll Free at 888-488-8633, or go to the FDDC website at www.fddc.org and order copies on line.