Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can strike without warning—from natural disasters and severe weather like we have here in the Northeast Corridor to unexpected health emergencies. For many of the individuals we support, their caregivers, and support agencies, the challenge lies not just in reacting to these situations, but in being ready before emergencies occur. Similar to what we use when someone needs to visit the emergency room at a hospital, we grab what we call our “grab and go package” which saves valuable time. Emergency preparedness is not a one-size-fits-all. Our training approach recognizes the unique needs of people living withintellectual disabilities (ID) and Autism. 

‍There are three focus points:

Take the First Step: Contacting PCHC for Trainings 

There's no harm in hoping forthe best as long as you're prepared for the worst. By taking the time to plan today, you are helping to build a safer tomorrow for the people we serve, their families, your neighbors, and our community. If your agency, organization, or family group is interested in learning more about how to develop aneffective emergency strategy, PCHC is here to help. We offer a variety of educational opportunities to help you build capacity and competence. 

‍To learn more about our upcoming training schedule or to request a session for your team, please visit the training page on PCHC’s website.

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• Get a Kit: Being ready starts with resources. A customized (personalized) emergency kit—containing a 3–5-day supply of essentials like non-perishable food, water, medication, and adaptive equipment - can make all the difference when access to daily support is disrupted. We     emphasize that kits should be person-specific, addressing unique individual needs to ensure comfort and safety.
• Make a Plan: An emergency plan is a roadmap for safety. This involves knowing evacuation routes, identifying designated meeting spots, and establishing procedures for various settings, including residential homes, day programs, and workplaces. We encourage families and staff to     practice these plans regularly through routine drills, ensuring everyone knows their roles and how to stay calm under pressure.
• Stay Connected: Communication is vital. We teach families and agencies how to build reliable support networks, identify out-of-state emergency contacts for better connection success, and utilize local notification systems like CodeRED and Alert PA to stay informed about changing conditions.