Individuals with medical, functional or access needs are particularly vulnerable to natural hazards. Factors such as physical limitations, mental ailments, and medication requirements are issues of concern for caregivers. These specific needs, amongst other considerations for natural hazards, must be addressed in preparedness plans for these at-risk individuals. This course provides  healthcare professionals, emergency medical services, and citizen/community volunteers involved with the care giving of individuals with medical, functional, or access needs with a basic understanding of natural hazards, risk, vulnerability, and disaster preparedness. The course will enable participants to discuss best practices to prepare for the impacts of local natural hazards, identify methods of assisting care receivers to prepare for natural disasters and identify appropriate preparedness actions to take during a disaster.

This course will familiarize participants with the science of natural hazards, best practices associated with personal disaster preparedness, and disaster preparedness considerations for those with access and functional needs. Participants will be introduced to all three categories of hazards, but course instruction will focus on those natural hazards relevant to participants’ local area. Participants will also be introduced to best practices for personal preparedness prior to a disaster and encouraged to discuss plans and actions that they have already taken. Participants will then explore special considerations for disaster preparedness for dependents and those with access and functional needs. Finally, a class activity will be presented to allow participants to test their ability to prepare and react to a natural hazard.

Course Modules:

• Caregiver Preparedness

• Care Receiver Preparedness

• Comprehensive Activity

• Emergency Managers

• General Public

• Senior Health Care Providers:

  • Family Members

  • Friends

  • Personal Attendants

  • Home Health Agencies

  • In-house services

  • Roommates

  • Medical personnel

No prerequisites are required for this course. 

None