Since last Wednesday there has been a tornado in my community (Hazelwood, MO), a terrorist bombing in Boston (at the marathon), and a fire and explosion in a fertilizer plant in West, TX.
Some disasters you can prepare for and try to take cover, but others are unexpected and meant to kill and destroy as much as possible. We should be aware of our surroundings; who is there, what are the escape routes, how do you get yourself out, and many other questions. Disabled individuals can't depend on accessible escape routes and may need to depend on those around them.
Start with where you live, are their people who have trouble getting around living next door to you? Do they use wheelchairs or walkers? Even if you can't help them yourselves by knowing where they live you can point them out to the first responders who are trained to aid them in emergency situations. Then when you are out in public, for example at the Boston Marathon, who are the people around you? Friendly or sketchy, law enforcement or civilian, happy go lucky or suspicious, able or disabled? Depending on who they are they can either help you, you need to help them, or you or someone else need to stop them. Don't worry about appearing rude if you stare at someone. It may save your life and the lives of those around you.
Disabled people need to be aware of the best escape routes for them and always have a list of your medicines on you somewhere. If you are taken to a hospital or Red Cross area you may not have access to your pharmacy or doctor's records and having a list can be life saving for you or a loved one.
Healthy people don't think about things like this so we must be pro-active to help ourselves and others as much as possible. Unfortunately bad things can change people and make them more aware of what is going on in their world.
Be safe and keep on rolling.
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