United Spinal Disaster Relief

Be Ready When Disaster Strikes

Ready to Roll: Emergency Preparedness Guide

Ready to Roll: Emergency Preparedness is a comprehensive guide to creating a personalized emergency plan specific to wheelchair users. Download this free resource to aid in developing a plan to be prepared when disaster strikes.

This guide offers clear and concise steps for assessing individual needs, exploring local resources, building a support network, and gathering essential information. It emphasizes the importance of considering the unique needs of wheelchair users, including accessible transportation, evacuation routes, and shelter options.

Key Features:

Evacuating to a Shelter: Learn how shelters work and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Pets and Service Animals: Pets and service animals should always be a part of the plan.
Power Outages: Learn about local power outages and how you can prepare in advance.
Wheelchair Prep: Take inventory of your wheelchair(s) and supplies. Pack a “wheelchair go bag”.
Your Local Resources: Use resources and organizations available in your area.
Ready to Roll Kit Checklist: This checklist provides suggestions for building your emergency preparedness kit. Customize your kit on your specific needs.
Emergency Plan Form: Keep track of vital information in case of an emergency and ensure everyone in your plan has a copy.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY

Ready to Roll Disaster Relief Program

United Spinal Association’s Ready to Roll disaster relief program distributes financial support to individuals with SCI affected by natural disasters. This funding was made possible by a generous grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. If you've been impacted by a natural disaster, you can apply for disaster relief. Here are a few of the lives we have touched.

Greg Nichols - ‘I Don’t Know Where I Would Be Today’

Greg Nichols evacuated his home to seek safety and shelter from Hurricane Ida. After the category 4 storm subsided, he returned home to find severe damage to his property, including a roof that needed to be fully replaced, water damage and no working air conditioning.

Terrell Patterson - ‘They Gave Me The Hope I Needed’

Terrell Patterson’s home was severely damaged by Hurricane Ida making it uninhabitable and needing major repairs. Terrell and his family struggled to find accessible housing as they tried to piece their lives back together and return to their home.

April & Maddie Young - ‘They Were There For Us’

April and Maddie Young had their home completely destroyed by Hurricane Ida. Maddie was in need of accessible home modifications but the damage caused by Ida dashed any hope of that possibility.

Jason Homer - ‘We Had Our Lives Back'

Jason Homer evacuated his home of 19 years to ride out Hurricane Ida in Houston. When he returned, he saw firsthand the devastating aftermath of the damage. Everything from his home’s siding and roof to his accessible van were damaged by Ida’s powerful winds.