Skip to main content

Emergency Prepardness Resources

The North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities supports ReadyNC.gov in encouraging people to be prepared for all types of emergencies. Information is provided in other languages on the ReadyNC.gov website. You can also use the "Select Language" in the upper right area of this web page to choose the language you need.

Preparing for an emergency is important and could be life-saving! Discover ways to make your plan, build your kit, and to access resources when an emergency happens.

Be Prepared: Make a Plan and an Emergency Kit

It is essential to make a plan and build a kit before an emergency happens!

Talk tReadyNC.govo your family, your friends, and your natural supports. If you need to evacuate, who will help you go somewhere safe? Will your family take you somewhere safe? Or will you need a friend or a neighbor to give you a ride? Do you need to use a wheelchair-accessible vehicle? Do you need to bring a battery to charge your wheelchair? Do you need a refrigerator or a cooler for your medicine? 

Asking these questions now and finding the answers now will help you in case a hurricane, tropical storm, or other natural disaster hits the area where you live. Don’t find yourself unprepared in the middle of a flood or a long-lasting power outage!

Here's more information from ReadyNC.gov: 

Additional resources:

Emergency Hotlines

Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) provides crisis support services to anyone impacted by a natural disaster. It is available 24/7 in English or Spanish (Español presiona “2”). You can call or text. For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers, please call or text using your preferred Relay provider.

Medical Emergency: Call 911 if you are in an emergency situation.

General Help/Missing Persons: Call 211 or go to https://nc211.org/.

Power Outages: You can track power outages here https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/power-outages 

LME/MCOs: LME/MCOs are the key connection for most mental health and developmental disability services. You can find your LME/MCO here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory 

Personal Crisis and Mental Health Assistance

Video from NCDHHS: While North Carolina has the experience and resources to manage disasters, it’s normal to be overwhelmed before, during, or after an event. Learn more about how and where you can find help.  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=eBqqwY&v=453345417758412&rdid=ryx5huJnj9Dq1bna

Personal Crisis Assistance: If you are in a personal crisis and need someone to talk with, call the Crisis Line at 988. If you are not in an immediate crisis, but need someone to talk with, you can call the North Carolina Warm Line at 1-855-733-7762.

Mental Health and Substance Use Services Support: The NC Department Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services uses the Connections App to provide support for mental health and substance use recovery services. It is free and confidential. Enroll to get the Connections App.

Mental Health Fact Sheets: NCDHHS offers several fact sheets with information on how to navigate stressful events and where to find mental health support. The fact sheets focus on responding to several types of natural disasters. 

Emergency Shelters

Find a shelter:  https://www.readync.gov/stay-informed/open-shelters 

Accessibility Checklist in Shelters: https://www.ncdps.gov/documents/files/shelter-worker-accessibility-checklist/download 

Communication Tools

Communication aids can be used with emergency response professionals, in hospitals, or when staying in an emergency shelter.

Picture Communication Aid: Use this one-page document to help someone communicate with you or for you to communicate with someone.

Show Me Communication Tool Booklet: Use this communication tool when staying at an emergency shelter.

Accessibility Checklists: The North Carolina Department of Public Safety provides information on emergency management for people with functional needs: https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/access-and-functional-needs-emergency-management 

Financial Assistance

Take the following steps if you need financial help or have experienced damage due to a natural disaster event:

  • Take pictures to document your storm damage. Take lots of pictures to prove your need for help.
  • Apply for help with FEMA. https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual or 1-800-621-3362
  • Report damage to your homeowner’s insurance company.
  • Request relief from the American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/get-help.html and 1 (800) 733-2767
  • There may be other legitimate charities and other organizations providing support in your area.
  • Do not pay any contractor ahead of time, and make sure to watch out for scams.

Disaster Response Alerts from NCCDD