Plan, Prepare, Practice and Participate

About 60 people gathered to plan, prepare, practice and participate for CIL's Emergency Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities Conference held May 20 at the Holiday Inn Lakeland Hotel and Conference Center in Lakeland, Florida.

Nine presenters covered a variety of diverse topics specially designed for the needs of people with disabilities. Information was presented on Polk County special needs shelters, electric utility pre- and post-storm activities, FEMA registration, how to be financial preparation and more.

One frequently overlooked topic was covered by Kirk Fasshauer from Peace River Center. Mr. Fasshauer talked about the stress people feel before and after hurricanes or other disasters. He explained that stress can be both a good thing and a bad thing. Good stress helps people stay alert for danger, but bad stress happens when concern and worry go unchecked for long periods. Bad stress can lead to high blood pressure, illness and other health problems if not controlled.

Rosa Driggs, Polk County Emergency Management

Keynote speaker Chip Wilson said that each individual is ultimately responsible for their own safety in an emergency. He detailed four steps for effective emergency preparedness called the four P's - Plan, Prepare, Practice and Participate.

Learn More

Orange County Special Needs Program - 407-650-4047
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Seminole County Special Needs Program - 407-665-5102
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Osceola County Special Needs Program - 407-742-2275
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Polk County Special Needs Program - 863-534-5600
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Highlands County Special Needs Program - 863-382-7232
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Hardee County Special Needs Program - 863-773-6373
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DeSoto County Special Needs Program - 863-993-4831
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