TEMA Accessible

TEMA Accessible provides preparedness public service announcements for Tennesseans with disabilities and access and functional needs, in an effort to ensure all Tennesseans have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and emergencies.

In the event of a disaster could you make it on your own for several days? It's important to have an emergency plan before a disaster strikes:

  • Make a plan 
  • Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts
  • Discuss your emergency plan with your friends, family, and neighbors

Thank you to the Tennessee Council for the Deaf Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing and Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for partnering with us to provide our emergency and preparedness video resources in ASL.

Know Your Risk

No matter where you live, work, or visit in Tennessee, it’s important to learn about the potential hazards near you and how to receive emergency alerts.  If a disaster were to occur, would you be prepared?

 

Assess Your Needs

The keys to effective disaster preparedness - to make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed - apply to all of us, but people with access and functional needs or disabilities, should approach preparedness planning with additional considerations.

  • Create a support network now, checking with those who can help you, if needed.
  • Identify where you would go if you need to evacuate, either to a family member’s or friend’s home, a shelter, or hotel. If you have a pet, make sure they are allowed to go with you.
  • Plan ahead for any transportation you may need and let your support network know about your emergency supplies. 

 

Make a Plan

Disasters can happen at any time, but one thing is for sure – being prepared can make all the difference.

  • Make a plan – outline contact information for your people and evacuation routes.
  • Download emergency alerts to your phone – Listen to directions and updates from local authorities.
  • Have conversations with your people – discuss steps to prepare with family, friends, and neighbors.

 

Make a Plan For YOU

Everyone’s emergency plan will look different. As you prepare, TEMA encourages all Tennesseans to tailor plans and supplies to specific, daily living needs and responsibilities.

  • Create a support network and keep a contact list in a watertight container in your emergency kit.
  • If you would need help with evacuations, figure it out now. Work with local services, public transportation, or paratransit to identify local or private accessible transportation options.
  • Consider the chaos that could come in an unfamiliar environment for children, adults, or pets. Add items like books, games, stuffed animals, puzzles, or other activities to your emergency go-kit to create a calming environment.
  • Consider your service or support animal or pets and plan for food, water, and supplies. If you need to evacuate, you’ll need to know whether your shelter allows pets or not, since some shelters only allow service or support animals.

 

Build A Kit

After an emergency, you may not be able to receive immediate help. Build a kit with the essentials your family and pets will need if you must shelter in place or evacuate.

In addition to having basic survival supplies, an emergency kit should contain items to meet individual needs in various emergencies. Consider items used daily and those needed to add to your kit, like:

  • Prescription medications
  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
  • Extra hearing-aid batteries
  • Infant formula, diapers, or other supplies
  • Important family documents
  • Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
  • Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it’s dark

 

Get Tech Ready

Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable if you haven’t kept your phone or other devices protected and powered up.

Mobile networks can become overwhelmed during an emergency. Use text message, social media, and email to connect with friends and family.

Have several charging options for your phone and other devices.

  • At home, make sure all your devices are fully charged and have a back-up power source on hand. 
  • A portable charger in your car can also be helpful if you are without power for an extended period.

Change the settings on your phone to low power mode or place it on airplane mode to conserve energy.

 

Stay Informed

When emergencies happen, public safety officials use timely and reliable systems to alert you. While the skies are blue, connect with your local first responders, city or town officials, and have other resources to stay up-to-date on weather impacts.

  • Sign up for alerts from local officials and make sure your weather radio is programmed for your region.
  • Download the ReadyTN app from TEMA, which provides emergency preparedness, response, and recovery information to Tennesseans. The app is a situation awareness tool with information on road conditions, weather updates, and contacts for your emergency agencies.

It is up to everyone to be informed and know the best responses based on your circumstances.