Announcement – December 2020
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created a new training called Organizations Preparing for Emergency Needs (OPEN) that includes both a web-based, self-guided training, and a downloadable instructor kit that will guide participants on how to identify risks, locate resources, and take preparedness actions.
When community-based organizations (such as AAAs and CILs), are unable to sustain operations during an emergency incident, individuals who rely on them are exponentially impacted. Because of their importance in keeping the community going, OPEN is designed to empower these organizations to better prepare for emergency situations.
The OPEN training provides an overview of the 10 preparedness actions and creates a path forward for organizations to develop their own disaster response plan. Training modules include: mitigating risks, establishing a communications plan, determining essential activities, and more.
Access the web-based, self-guided OPEN training…
General Information
Everyone hopes that natural (or man-made) disasters will never happen but we all know they will: natural disasters like nor’easters, ice storms, flooding and hurricanes – are all part of life today. The importance of being prepared for such disasters is critical, particularly if you are a person with a disability.
There is an estimated 45,000 people globally who are killed in a natural disaster each year. Between 2017 – 2021, there were an average of 17.8 weather or climate events in the US alone, costing an estimated $1 billion. People with disabilities are two to four times more likely to be injured or killed in a natural disaster.
It’s important to be prepared.
What are your needs in the event of a disaster?
Do you know where your local shelter is located?
What would you need in the event you heed to evacuate?
Do you need devices that require electricity – for example, oxygen tanks, motorized wheelchairs or electronic devices like iPads or smart phones?
Identify your resources.
Do you need help with transportation to a shelter?
Do you need chargers for your devices?
Do you need help with yor daily activities?
Will you need portable devices – for example, a walker, a wheelchair or other medical devices?
There may be accessibility issues at your local shelter.
If you require a wheelchair, does your local shelter have ramps so you can get into the structure?
Is the bathroom accessible?
Is there a shower chair?
Everyone should have a “Go Bag” with their essentials. For example, medication, a list of telephone numbers of family and friends, a communication board for those with communication needs or supplies for your service animal
For more information about who to contact to learn where your local shelter is located or to get on a special needs registry, contact Maine Emergency Management Agency. You can also sign up to receive MEMA’s daily safety and preparedness tips. Visit Maine Emergency Management Agency at:
Build a Go Bag of emergency supplies that will last you and your family for at least two weeks. Take steps to plan and prepare for emergencies.
There is no place like home. It’s a place to relax, share laughs with family and enjoy home cooked meals. But did you know that the majority of fire deaths occur in the home? Help everyone in the home stay safe from fire. View the National Fire Protection Association website at:
Research has shown that the vulnerable population, such as people with disabilities, are more likely to die or be left behind during a disaster. How do we lessen the impact of a disaster on the vulnerable population? View the following website:
Emergency Management Under Title II of the ADA: Evacuation, Shelters and More. Visit:
Emergencies can happen in a moment’s notice. People with disabilities have specific needs. Be “Red Cross Ready”
There is an Emergency Manager in every town. If you need help in the event of an evacuation, contact your town Emergency Manager now and talk about what your needs would be. Don’t wait for an emergency. Know where your local shelters are and know the law as it pertains to service animals and pets. Contact your town office for your local Emergency Manager. For a list of Emergency Managers by county visit:
Maine CITE has some valuable resources. Visit them at:
Other helpful resources are:
Disability Rights Maine at:
Alpha One at:
rev: 01/10/2023