It's Okay to Ask for Help
Create a help network of people that you can count on to help you prepare for an emergency, as well as to assist you within minutes if an emergency occurs. You should have a help network for home and places you visit regularly. Include at least three people in your help network for each location.
1. Ask family members, friends and neighbors to be a part of your help network and help you prepare for an emergency. Remember to include people who live or work nearby who will be able to help you within minutes of an emergency.
2. Share information with your help network.
- Complete a self-assessment to determine what you can do for yourself and what assistance you may need before, during and after an emergency. Share this information with members of your help network. Click here for a personal assessment tool from the handbook Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities by the American Red Cross. Visit www.redcross.org for the complete handbook.
- Tell your help network how to operate and move any medical equipment.
- Give your help network copies of your emergency plan, emergency contact list and a summary of your medical information.
3. Write down the names and telephone numbers of your help network members; include their home, work and cellular telephone numbers.
