Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
sleeping space, shelters should have space (as much as 50% extra space) to accom-
modate these support services:
◾
Cooking and dietary needs
◾
Service animals
◾
Communications
◾
Bathing and toileting needs
◾
Quiet area
◾
Mental health services
◾
Medical and dental services
◾
Medication storage
◾
Transportation services
According to the National Organization on Disabilities,
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54 million people in
the United States have a disability and 61% of them have not made plans to quickly
and safely evacuate their homes. Between 15% and 25% of the population have dis-
abilities in most counties in the United States. Given these data, space requirement
examples are provided in Tables 19.1 and 19.2.*
As shown in the calculations, a sizable amount of space is necessary to support
sheltering needs. In addition to space, shelter layout must be considered to accom-
modate the services discussed above. Figure 19.3 provides a dimensional depiction
of accommodations necessary to support people with functional needs.
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The figure
indicates a wider, higher bed to support functional needs as well as space for a
wheelchair or other equipment. The figure also indicates space for a personal care
attendant and service animal accommodations.
Figure 19.4 provides a conceptual layout for a 250-bed congregate care facil-
ity. The wider aisles shown in the diagram accommodate 56 beds for people with
functional needs or approximately 22% of the sheltered population. The figure also
indicates placement of stations or rooms to accommodate the services required at a
congregate care shelter.
Identifying Sources for Equipment and Services
People who have functional or special needs may arrive at shelters without medical
equipment or medications necessary to maintain health and wellbeing. Although
some jurisdictions may purchase and store quantities of equipment and medica-
tions, if financial, logistics, or other constraints prohibit such purchases, it is impor-
tant to work with the disability community and disability service providers in your
community to identify emergency sources for such assets. To solidify availability, it
is advisable to develop provider agreements with private sector service, equipment,
*
Calculations are based on 40 square feet per person for General Population, 100 square feet per
person for those with disabilities, and a 50% size factor to accommodate support services.
