FEMA Issues new Accessible Emergency Sheltering Guidelines

From AAPD (11.5.10):

Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Federal Emergency Management
FEMA Issues Emergency Shelter Guidelines

By Jenifer Simpson,

AAPD has long been aware that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was preparing some accessible shelter guidance and we continue to work to encourage integration of disability issues and concerns in FEMA practices. FEMA has now published their new emergency sheltering guidelines to help state planners and non-profit organizations ensure people with access and functional needs receive lawful and equitable assistance after disasters.  This long awaited document should go a long way in helping facilitate better emergency response at the local level for people with disabilities.

The guidance, entitled Functional Needs Support Services Guidance, or FNSS, offers recommendations to state governments to help them provide emergency sheltering services to meet the needs of their communities. The guidance is intended to help communities act in compliance with existing federal laws designed to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability. The FNSS guidance encourages emergency managers to plan for meeting the access and functional needs of the whole community, and which includes people with disabilities.

The FNSS document is now available under Preparedness Resources on the FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination website.

>>Preparedness Resources

Or follow the link directly to the document PDF file or as a TXT file.

>>FNSS Document PDF

>>FNSS Document TXT

Comments

[Elisabeth Ellenbogen]

When disaster strikes People with auditory or visual disabilities need to KNOW what is happening! Accessible Media Announcements are VERY IMPORTANT!

Since public transit comes to a standstill during a disaster there should be a rational system to evacuate people who do not drive. Often families don't live close by, neighbors may be willing to help OR NOT!

So we also need a rational plan how to evacuate people who cannot transport themselves across highways on their own.

[Rhodora Rojas]

I greatly commend FEMA for considering the needs of people with disabilities in times of disaster. We all should equally be aware of any happenings in our surroundings. FEMA is a great resource to get these information. I personally think that early detection and information is one way to prevent future injuries for all people, especially for people with disabilities, who needs to be primarily informed because they have some limitations that needs to be considered.

Thank you very much FEMA.

Rhodora Rojas