Disaster Preparedness for Special Needs Families

How to Connect with Local Emergency Services for Special Needs Support

Disasters don’t wait — and when they arrive, knowing who’s in your corner can make all the difference. For families of children with special needs, connecting with local emergency services before a crisis strikes ensures that your child’s needs won’t be forgotten in the chaos.

Need the full disaster preparedness roadmap? Start with our complete guide for special needs families.

Why It’s Crucial to Build These Connections Ahead of Time

While first responders are trained to help, most emergency response systems are designed around the general population. That means things like sensory overload, mobility barriers, and specialized medical care can fall through the cracks — unless they’re planned for in advance.

By taking simple steps to communicate your family’s unique needs now, you can:

Make sure your child is accounted for in evacuation plans
Ensure shelters are aware of and ready to support specific medical or mobility needs
Reduce confusion or panic if you’re not with your child when help arrives

This kind of planning isn’t just helpful — it’s empowering.

Step 1: Register with a Functional or Access Needs Registry

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your child’s safety during an emergency is registering with a Functional or Access Needs Registry. Many cities, counties, and local government agencies offer voluntary registries specifically designed for individuals with disabilities, medical needs, or other access requirements. These registries help emergency personnel understand and prepare for the unique needs of your household, ensuring they can provide the appropriate support during an emergency.

By registering, you make sure that emergency responders are aware of specific situations that might require additional help, such as:

Households that may need help evacuating: Emergency responders will know that you may need extra time, assistance, or resources to evacuate safely. This can help ensure that you are prioritized during evacuations, minimizing delays and confusion.
People reliant on medical equipment or electricity: If your child relies on medical equipment that requires electricity, such as oxygen concentrators, feeding pumps, or ventilators, emergency personnel will be informed of these needs. This ensures that they are prepared to provide the right resources, including backup power options or arrangements for alternate care.
Children who may need communication or sensory support: Children with communication challenges or sensory sensitivities may need additional assistance during an emergency. By registering, you make sure emergency responders understand these needs, helping them approach your child in a way that reduces anxiety and ensures effective communication.
Specific mobility or transportation needs: If your child or family member has mobility challenges or requires specialized transportation, registration helps emergency personnel plan for the best way to provide assistance. This ensures that specialized vehicles or mobility aids are available during evacuation or transport.

Call your local emergency management office or search “[your county] + special needs registry” to find what’s available in your area.

Step 2: Ask Your Local Shelter System the Right Questions

Not all shelters are equipped to support individuals with medical or accessibility needs, so it’s important to be proactive and ask the right questions ahead of time. When preparing for potential emergencies, reach out to local organizations such as the Red Cross, your city’s emergency management office, or other disaster planning groups. These agencies can help you identify shelters that are equipped to meet the specific needs of medically fragile or disabled individuals. When contacting them, be sure to ask the following questions:

Do you have accessible shelters with ramps, lifts, or medical power?
Ensure that shelters are equipped with the necessary accommodations, such as wheelchair ramps, lifts for mobility devices, and reliable backup power for essential medical equipment. This helps guarantee that your child’s mobility and medical needs will be met in the event of an evacuation.
Are quiet or sensory-sensitive spaces available?
Many individuals with sensory sensitivities may find crowded or noisy shelters overwhelming. Inquire about the availability of quiet or sensory-friendly spaces that are designed to provide a calm and safe environment for individuals who may experience sensory overload.
Will there be staff trained in disability or pediatric care?
It’s important to know that the shelter staff is trained to handle the needs of individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, especially those who may require specialized care. Ask if the shelter will have personnel who are specifically trained in disability care or pediatric care, as this ensures your child receives the necessary support during their stay.
Can caregivers stay with their child?
In times of stress, continuity of care is essential for your child’s well-being. Check if caregivers, such as parents, guardians, or other support individuals, will be allowed to stay with their child at the shelter. This ensures that you can provide emotional and physical support for your child when they need it most.
How is medication refrigeration handled?
Many medications, such as insulin or certain antibiotics, require refrigeration. Ask how the shelter handles medication storage, particularly for those that need to be kept cold. This ensures that your child’s medications will be properly stored, and you won’t need to worry about temperature-sensitive medications being compromised.

By asking these important questions, you can ensure that you have a clear understanding of the resources and support available at shelters, helping to reduce anxiety and ensuring your child’s needs are met during an emergency situation.

Step 3: Inform Local Emergency Responders

Some families choose to contact their local fire department, police department, or EMT unit to:

Inform them that a child with special needs lives in the home
Share the location of medical equipment or exits
Provide a laminated copy of the child’s emergency care summary

You may also request a home visit or ask if they’re familiar with the type of care your child requires.

Ask if you can add a “special needs alert” to your 911 profile or utility provider record.

Step 4: Coordinate with Your Child’s School, Church, or Daycare

Infographic about coordinating with a school when it comes to Local Emergency Services for Special Needs Support

Emergencies don’t always happen when your child is at home, so it’s important to coordinate with their school, daycare, or church ahead of time. Review the school’s emergency plan and confirm who will assist your child during a lockdown or evacuation. If needed, provide extra medications, comfort items, or clear instructions to ensure your child’s specific needs are met. Make sure staff know how to contact you and your designated emergency contacts in case of an emergency. Additionally, if your child is nonverbal, consider providing a communication card to keep in their backpack, so they can more easily express their needs if the situation arises.

Step 5: Build a Neighborhood Support System

In a crisis, your closest responders might be your neighbors, so it’s important to build a supportive network with them. Take the time to get to know your neighbors and share key details about your child’s needs and behaviors, so they can step in if you’re separated or unavailable. Agree on clear signals to use in case help is needed, and if possible, practice emergency drills together to ensure everyone is prepared. Additionally, leave instructions in a visible place in your home, so your neighbors know how to act in case of an emergency, helping to ensure your child’s safety when you’re not around.

Tip: Keep a sign in your window or on your door that identifies your home as having a child with special needs, but avoid listing names or diagnoses publicly.