eInsights - January 2010

Haiti's Devastating Earthquake

Since the devastating earthquake on January 12, much of the country has been acutely aware of the desperate situation of our Haitian neighbors to the south. Global health organizations are estimating that nearly 3 million people are in need of food, water, shelter, and medical assistance. In addition to medical emergency cases, many Haitian refugees and orphans are expected to be brought to the United States.

SBA, recognizing the unique challenges presented to those living with Spina Bifida compounded by this devastating situation, is carefully monitoring this situation. On international issues such as this, SBA works hand in hand with its partner, the International Federation on Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF).

IF is supporting the efforts of CURE International, a long-time partner. CURE has several teams in place on the ground in Haiti and is currently operating two functional surgical centers in hospitals in Port-au-Prince. Two more U.S. based support teams, from Dallas and Miami, are expected to arrive in Haiti this week and will provide nearly 25 more support personnel and over 300 pounds of medical supplies.

As we’ve seen with this tragedy, disasters can strike quickly and without warning. It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Preparation for a disaster is the best way to ensure the safety of your family and your home.

As our thoughts are with the Haitian people and the adversity they are facing, SBA encourages our constituents to take a few moments to consider these four steps to developing your own disaster preparedness plan:

• Step 1: Get Informed – To get informed, you’ll need to contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter to gather information about specific hazards that threaten your community, existing disaster plans and warning systems, and any assistance programs in the event of an emergency.
  
  
• Step 2: Make a Plan – Your plan should include contact information for family members, out-of-town contacts, and emergency services. You will also need to determine escape routes out of your home, as well as where the safest places are in your home, for each type of disaster.
  
  
• Step 3: Assemble a Kit – Every household should assemble – or purchase – a disaster supplies kit, including food, water, and other necessary supplies. You should consider including in here a list of all medication an individual takes.
  
  
• Step 4: Maintain the Plan and Kit – Every six months you and your family should review your plan, hold fire and emergency evacuation drills, discard any expired food or water in your kit, and test fire extinguishers and smoke alarms.

The American Red Cross has developed Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities, which can be downloaded here.

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