Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
leashes, collars) is needed to support service animal wellbeing. It is also important
to communicate information regarding service animals in alternative accessible for-
mats to ensure that all who show up at a shelter understand processes for service
animal support.
Communications.
Children and adults who have access or functional needs
should be given all applicable information given to the general population using
methods that they understand. Such methods may include those designed to sup-
port people with vision and hearing impairments as well as those who may have
language barriers. It is important to know the population in a particular jurisdic-
tion in order to allow effective planning relative to communication barriers.
Bathing and Toileting Needs.
Facilities for bathing and toileting must include
accessible bathing and toileting facilities for adults as well as children. If a chosen
shelter facility is lacking in accessible facilities, it should be modified at the earliest
convenience or alternative facilities should be located.
Quiet Area.
Plans should include a strategy to provide a quiet area within each
congregate care shelter. A quiet area will allow people to relieve stress caused by the
noise and crowded conditions associated with shelter operations. It is particularly
important for elderly persons, people with psychiatric disabilities, parents with very
young children, and those with autism to have a safe, quiet place to relax.
Mental Health Services.
Congregate care shelter plans should include shelter
staff with expertise regarding disabilities, functional, and access needs. Licensed
mental health professional should also be available at the shelter or on call at all
times. Local and state laws, rules, and regulations may also specify certain mental
health requirements to support sheltering. All medical and mental health care per-
formed at shelters should be documented.
Medical and Dental Services.
Plans should include medical care that can be
provided in a home setting and should be available at all shelters. It is important to
preidentify medical and dental personnel and to enter contract arrangements with
them to support medical services at congregate care shelters. As with mental health
services, medical and dental services provided at congregate care shelters should
reflect requirements of local and state laws and should be documented.
Medication Storage.
Plans should include procedures for obtaining, storing,
dispensing, documenting, and disposing of medications. Preidentified contract
agreements are recommended to ensure timely access to critical medications. Many
local public health departments have mass prophylaxis plans in place that may
serve as a basis to build medication provisions for sheltering operations. Such plans
generally include provisions for receipt and storage of Strategic National Stockpile
assets and other locally available medical caches.
Transportation Services.
Plans should include procedures to support pre-
identified contractual agreement with transportation providers. It is important
to understand the demographics of the jurisdiction and to consider proportional
needs relative to those with functional and disability needs.
