Natural disasters and other crises can arise at any time, varying in type and intensity. While we hope such events never occur, preparation is essential to ensure safety and minimize potential hardships. Use this guide as a starting point and customize it to suit your specific circumstances as appropriate.
You and your guide will need to take extra precautions; carefully monitor news reports and other media channels to remain informed about which surrounding cities, towns, or neighborhoods may be impacted by a natural disaster. Your daily commute, routine, and even air quality may be significantly altered. Learn the geography of your area and notable landmarks that you can reference in place of a map and other inaccessible visual aids the media may use to illustrate danger zones. Research emergency procedures in place for people with disabilities in your community; sometimes additional support is available. What is the makeup of the notification system, evacuation plan, and shelter accessibility?
If local officials ask you to evacuate, it is crucial that you and your guide dog follow instructions. Identify a feasible evacuation strategy with a trusted family member or friend ahead of time, as paratransit and public transportation services may be suspended. Secure a list of emergency contacts both nearby and outside of your affected home area should anything happen to you or your guide requiring urgent care. Should you be separated for any reason, ensure your dog is always wearing an ID tag on their collar with your contact information, along with their rabies tag. Microchip information should be kept up to date with your current contact details as well. Emergency contact information, as well as other critical instructions for your health or care of your guide, can be recorded in your iPhone’s Health app for easy access. Notify your local first-responders that you have a guide dog and may require extra assistance. You can also place stickers on the main entrances to your home to alert first-responders that there is a service animal inside. Free Rescue Alert stickers can be ordered from the ASPCA.
If you are asked to shelter in place, bear in mind that a “shelter” refers to a small, interior room with no or few windows to seek refuge. Rarely does it refer to an entire home or building. Choose the best location accordingly for you and your guide. Keep an emergency kit and your dog’s favorite toys on hand. Maintain interactive play and semblance of routine to keep your dog engaged and calm through uncertainty. If time allows, move your dog’s bed into your safe room to provide them with an additional familiar and comforting item. If outdoor conditions do not allow you to take your guide out to relieve themselves, keep a stock of puppy pee pads and cleaning supplies for easy, emergency access. Remember to monitor and proactively control your own emotions, as dogs can be sensitive to heightened levels of stress, especially in close quarters. Should you lose power, keep a battery-powered radio with you to stay informed on any updates/recommendations.
Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emergency response services and shelters operated by state and local government are required to accommodate you and your guide dog. You are not restricted to pet-friendly shelters or hotels. Additionally, you cannot be separated from your dog or forced to isolate away from others. Be prepared to explain your legal right to be accompanied by your guide dog should you be questioned by a first responder during evacuation. Only two questions can be asked:
It is recommended to prepare a kit with at least seven days’ worth of supplies, whether you need to evacuate or shelter in place. You may choose to adjust the contents based on the specific situation. Just as you prepare a kit for yourself, factor in the needs of your guide dog. The kit can be stored at home, but you may also consider keeping an additional kit at work. You should never rely on shelters or other individuals to provide food and other supplies for your guide. Here are some essential items to include:
Regularly check the expiration dates of perishable items, such as food, water, and medications, in your emergency kit. If your dog’s food has been packed away in your kit for over a month, feed your dog from the kit’s supplies and restock it with fresh food.
A proactive approach can make all the difference when facing an urgent threat. Having a thorough plan in place and a well-stocked kit with supplies enables you to prepare the best you can for unexpected challenges that impact you and your guide dog. You can find additional resources from the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Graduate Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), ADA National Network, Center for Disease Control (CDC), Ready.gov, American Kennel Club (AKC), or NYC.gov. If you need further assistance or have questions about emergency readiness, the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Client Experience Team can be reached at clientexperience@guidingeyes.org or 888-987-2188. Stay safe, prepared, and know that support is always available.
To download the “Guide to Emergency Preparedness for Natural Disasters” as a printable document, click here. This guide includes forms to complete in advance with your pertinent information, as well as details for your guide dog. Store in a sealable plastic bag in your kit.
