Commentary courtesy of The Exceptional AdvocateA disaster can strike at any time and leave turmoil in its wake. This can be even more difficult for a Family member with special needs. That’s why it’s best to take action before a disaster occurs. By being prepared, you can create the best plan for you and your Family. Before a disasterDon’t let a disaster sneak up on you. Here are a few steps to help you create a family emergency plan:Understand your community. Consider the types of disasters, both man-made and natural, that can affect your community and adjust your plan to accommodate them. Also, learn to recognize your community’s warning system and what to do when you hear one. Locate community resources for Families with special needs. State and local government websites may have specific information on emergency planning for Families with special needs. Disability.gov has a by state online locator for emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. Work with others. Talk to your family physician to keep extra prescriptions on hand, and work with your medical case manager to make a plan to address your Family member’s needs. If you use a child care center, keep emergency contact information updated and learn more about the facility’s disaster plan. Prepare backup power. If your Family member needs a climate-controlled environment or power to run medical equipment, plan to have a backup system available. Your installation may have information on emergency generators. Also, your physician can write a statement of medical necessity for an emergency generator. Create a “go bag” for evacuations. Include medications and medical supplies, special dietary needs, medical equipment, assistive devices, batteries, a first-aid kit and emergency phone numbers. Include contact information for your insurance company, physician and a Family member. The Special Care Organizational Record, available at http://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/EFMP/PTK_SCORs/SCOR_Children.pdf, can help you keep your health information in one place. Don’t forget a favorite stuffed animal or other comfort item to keep your child at ease. Establish an emergency contact. It’s often easier to call long distance in an emergency, so choose a relative or friend outside your area. Post their name and telephone numbers at home. Be sure to add them to your written emergency plan and each Family member’s cellphone contact list. During a disasterWhether you’re forced to evacuate or stay at home with limited services, you’ll be better prepared with these tips:Remain calm. Remember, you’re prepared for this. Stay calm and focus on keeping your Family safe. Stay connected. Listen to the television or radio for news and instructions, and keep a battery-operated radio on hand in case of power outages. Use other electronics sparingly to preserve battery power. Keep your contact informed. Reach out to your emergency contact to let them know you’re safe and, if necessary, that you have evacuated your home. Be ready to go. Grab that go bag, along with your military identification card, cash and credit cards. Prepare service animals. If your Family member has a service animal, plan to bring food, water, license, tags and other supplies. If you have to evacuate your home, wait for the all clear before returning. Hang on to any receipts for purchases made during the evacuation and talk to your unit’s Family readiness officer when you can — you may be eligible for reimbursement for some of them. You can also find more tips on emergency planning with Military OneSource’s disaster planning resources at http://www.militaryonesource.mil/products?program=disaster-resources. Being ready before a catastrophe happens is the best way to protect your entire Family. Map out your plans for before, during and after a disaster to help keep you safe and return to normalcy as soon as possible.