Importance of Accessibility in Disaster Plans: Message from Japan's Tsunami

Disaster plans that include the disabled and the aging are critically important when we experience earthquakes, tsunamis and other tragic disasters like we had in Japan.

 

Postcard from Japan: Disability and Disaster - Beacon Broadside is an excellent description of the challenges and obstacles some people in wheel chairs faced during Japan’s devastating earthquake, and following tsunami. This story emphasizes the importance of accessibility as part of any disaster readiness and awareness plans to assist in the safe and efficient evacuation for people with disabilities, the elderly and others with temporary challenges. Along with wheel chair accessibility disaster preparedness plans need to include provisions for all disabilities, including the elderly. Such emergency preparedness plans will enhance the chances of surviving disasters. And, even though Japan, as well as other countries around the world have these emergency plans in place that they utilize when a disaster strikes, I understand that these plans cannot save everyone.   

  

•As I have been listening to the stories of extreme devastation in some areas of Japan, tragic loss of life and the courageous spirit of the people still experiencing challenges and enduring physical dangers, my heart and thoughts go out to everyone affected.

 

What did you learn from this story? Do you have any ideas to help the disabled, elderly and others with challenges in disasters?

 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.

 

Bill Tipton

Contributing Author,

Global Dialogue Center

http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

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