Dealing with an illness, chronic medical condition, disability or functional need can be stressful in many situations but will be even more difficult during a disaster or household emergency such as a winter snow or ice storm, flooding or fire. The best approach to this type of situation is to prepare now so you and your family or caregivers will have a plan of what to do, where to go and have the supplies or equipment ready that you will need to handle both the emergency and your personal illness or disability.

The 1st 3 things you should do right now to be ready are:

1.  Sign up for Jefferson County’s CodeRED Alert System. This is a telephone message system that can provide important information from local officials during a disaster.
2. Complete the Jefferson County Special Needs Registry Application (PDF) and email it to the Emergency Operations Center.
3. Read the brochure on how to Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for Persons with Disabilities (PDF) and begin the steps described in that brochure to:
   • Be Informed about What Might Happen.
   • Get a Kit of Emergency Supplies.
   • Make a Plan for What to do in an Emergency.

Most important of all is to share your plan and discuss these steps with your family and caregivers. They are your best support and strongest advocates.