KEY POINT

Understand special needs as it relates to evacuation and SIP

Some facilities house large populations or people with special needs. The term “special needs” is fairly general. To help understand the needs of this population, “special needs” could be defined as “people who feel they cannot comfortably or safely access and use the standard resources offered in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery.” (People who cannot access resources are included, not just those who feel they cannot.)

This definition would include people who are mentally and/or physically disabled, non- English speaking, culturally isolated, medically or chemically dependent, homeless, frail or elderly, and children.