This paper presents a family emergency plan (FEP) designed to address the needs of a household with members of varying ages and abilities, including a child with severe disabilities. It outlines protocols for emergency contacts and communication across different locations, specialized care planning for a medically complex child, and a two-week emergency supply strategy. A reflective discussion examines the plan's strengths and weaknesses, considers the challenges posed by large-scale disasters, and connects family preparedness to broader professional responsibilities in global health advocacy, including engagement with Homeland Security, NIMS, and ICS frameworks.
A family emergency plan (FEP) is a structured set of protocols designed to ensure that all household members are accounted for, communicated with, and cared for during a disaster or emergency event. The following plan addresses the specific needs of a family that includes young children, an 18-month-old in early childhood care, and a 12-year-old with severe disabilities.
Children attending school will carry an emergency contact card with them and will file one with school officials. This card lists the contact person and contact information for situations when they are away from home but in town, as well as when they are out of town.
The pre-K early childhood education contacts will maintain a record of emergency contact information for the 18-month-old.
The emergency care plan for the 12-year-old with severe disabilities will detail plans for healthcare and medical treatments, including a schedule of the medication regimen and supplies of medication adequate for a minimum of two weeks. The emergency care plan will be located in a prominent place in the home, and a portable version will be retained by each parent and by adult family members who live in close proximity.
Provision will be made for a wheelchair or other mode of transportation in the event the child must be relocated. Any medical supplies — such as tanks of oxygen or inhalers — will be retained for emergency use and for portability. Families with medically complex members can consult CDC emergency preparedness guidance for additional frameworks applicable to individuals with special healthcare needs.
The family emergency plan will include a list of all emergency supplies available for immediate use and will identify the location or locations at which those supplies are stored. A stock of supplies sufficient for two weeks will be periodically inventoried and refreshed as needed. The FEP and the Emergency Supply List will establish redundancy in the event that adult family members are in different locations and are unable to immediately access the information or the supplies.
"Self-evaluation and global health advocacy connections"
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