Emergencies can catch anyone off guard. But when you use a wheelchair, a little preparation can make a huge difference in how you handle a crisis. Think about it: what if your power chair loses power during a Canadian snowstorm, or a fire alarm rings in your building and the elevators shut down? Planning ahead isn’t about paranoia – it’s about empowerment. It’s having the confidence that if something goes sideways, you already know what to do (more or less). Let’s talk through some practical steps to be ready before it happens.
Make a Personal Plan (and Write It Down)
Start with a plan. It doesn’t need to be fancy or perfect, just a written game plan for different scenarios. Begin by building a support network of people you trust. Don’t rely on just one person or one caregiver – have a few folks in the loop. In fact, experts suggest having at least three people in your emergency network for each place you spend a lot of time (home, work, school, etc.). These could be roommates, neighbors, relatives, friends, or coworkers – anyone who could check on you or help in a pinch. Talk with them about what assistance you might need and how they can help. It might feel awkward to ask, but it’s better to hash it out now than during an actual emergency.
Set up a communication plan with your support network. How will you reach each other if phone lines or internet go down? Make sure they know the best way to get in touch with you (call, text, knock on door) and you know how to reach them. It’s a good idea to share key information like your home entry method (do they have a spare key or code?) and any medical needs. Some people even create a simple emergency info sheet – with details like emergency contacts, doctor info, medications, and any communication or mobility challenges – and keep it handy or give copies to their network. This way, if you’re unable to explain things in an emergency, your helpers already have the info they need.
Stay in the loop with local alerts. Many cities and counties have emergency notification systems you can sign up for, which send warnings about things like severe weather, floods, or public safety emergencies. Sign up for those alerts on your city or province’s website. In Canada, you’ll also automatically get Alert Ready notifications on your phone for critical emergencies, but local opt-in alerts can provide extra details. It’s also smart to follow your local utility companies on social media or alert apps – for example, power outage updates or road closure alerts. Every minute counts in an emergency, and being informed gives you a head start.
If available in your area, consider registering with emergency services or programs that keep track of people with disabilities. Some communities have voluntary registries where you can let the local emergency management office know that you might need assistance during a disaster. For instance, certain municipalities use systems like Smart911 that allow you to create a safety profile – so if you ever call 911, the dispatcher sees your critical info immediately. Not every place has this, but it’s worth checking. Just remember, signing up for special assistance doesn’t guarantee help in every situation. It’s extra support, not a substitute for your own plan. So use these tools, but still plan to be as self-reliant as possible if things go wrong.
Personalize your evacuation plan. Every wheelchair user’s situation is different, so take time to map out how you would evacuate or get to safety in various scenarios. If you live in an apartment or work in a multi-story building, find out the accessible exits and what the evacuation plan is for someone who can’t use stairs. Talk to your building manager or employer about it. For example, if the elevators shut off during a fire alarm (which they typically do), is there an area of refuge on your floor where you can wait safely for rescue? Is there an evacuation chair stored in the building that responders can use to carry you down the stairs? If not, it may be worth suggesting they get one. It’s not picky or “demanding” to ask about these things – it’s a basic safety issue. Also, practice what you would do. Maybe a friend or colleague can do a quick drill with you to simulate an evacuation, so you both know how to handle it. It’s never fun to imagine these situations, but a little practice can reveal problems in advance (maybe that back door ramp is often blocked, or the “accessible” emergency exit isn’t so accessible). Better to find out and fix it now.
If you rely on a caregiver or aide daily, include them in your planning. Discuss how you’d manage if an emergency happened while they’re with you and when they’re not with you. For instance, if you need assistance to transfer or to operate your wheelchair, have a plan for who else could help if your caregiver can’t reach you right away. On the other hand, if an emergency happens while your caregiver is there (say your caregiver gets injured or sick suddenly), do you have a way to call for help on their behalf? These are the kinds of “what-ifs” nobody likes to think about, but thinking about them now means you won’t be scrambling as much later. Write down instructions for any critical procedures (like how to operate your ventilator or how to disengage your power chair’s motor) so that someone unfamiliar could follow them in an emergency.
Lastly, consider your personal circumstances and location. Are you in a flood zone, a wildfire-prone area, or just dealing with harsh Canadian winters? Tailor your plan to the likely emergencies around you. There’s no one-size-fits-all template for this – your needs and risks dictate the plan. The key takeaway is awareness: be aware of what could happen and have a response in mind before it ever does. Even a rough plan is better than none.
Pack a Wheelchair-Friendly Emergency Kit
Having an emergency kit (or “go bag”) prepared is like having a personal safety net. If you had to leave your home quickly, or if you were stuck at home without power or help for a few days, this kit will keep you going. You’ve probably seen the generic emergency kit checklists: water, non-perishable food, flashlight, radio, batteries, first aid kit, etc – all the usual suspects for any 72-hour emergency kit. Definitely gather those basics first. But beyond the standard items, you’ll want to customize your kit with wheelchair-specific supplies and backups for your essential needs.
Let’s go through some must-have items for wheelchair users in an emergency kit:
- Medical essentials: Pack at least a week’s supply of any medications you take, plus copies of your prescriptions. Include other health items you need daily (catheters, insulin and syringes, ostomy supplies – whatever is critical for you). If you have important medical documents or a list of your conditions, put a copy in the kit, or save them on a USB drive in a sealed bag.
- Wheelchair power backup: If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, have a backup power plan. This could be a spare battery (charged up), or a lightweight portable charger/power bank that can top up your chair if you’re stranded. At minimum, always keep your charger with you when away from home. A small portable battery and inverter that can run a wheelchair charger for a bit is gold in a power outage. If a spare battery is too expensive, consider a manual wheelchair as a backup. Some folks keep a basic manual chair folded in a closet or car trunk, just in case. It sounds like overkill, until that day your power chair quits and you have no mobility then you’ll wish you had that backup. If a full spare wheelchair isn’t feasible, even a walker or cane might help for short distances. Figure out an alternative mobility option you could use if your primary wheelchair became unusable.
- Wheelchair repair kit: Things break or tires go flat at the worst times. Pack a tire patch kit and a can of seal-in-air foam for quick tire fixes if you have pneumatic tires. Include a basic toolkit for your chair – an Allen wrench set, screwdrivers, any specialty tool your chair uses (for example, if your wheels have a quick-release axle pin, have the tool for that). Don’t forget an extra wheelchair charger or charging cables if you can, and maybe a extension cord (sometimes the nearest outlet might be hard to reach in a shelter).
- Gloves for pushing: Keep a pair of heavy-duty gloves in your kit. Why? If you need to wheel yourself over debris, broken glass, or even hot pavement, gloves protect your hands. They’re also useful if you end up pushing longer than usual or in bad weather – nobody wants blisters in an emergency. Leather work gloves or wheelchair gloves with thick padding are great.
- Emergency signaling tools: Pack a loud whistle or personal alarm. If you’re trapped somewhere (say behind a door or on an upper floor) and need to signal rescuers, a whistle can literally be a lifesaver. Also consider a small mirror or reflective blanket – you can use these to flash sunlight and attract attention. And of course, have a charged backup battery for your phone or a power bank so you can keep your phone alive to call for help.
- Pen and paper: It sounds simple, but throw a notepad and pens in your bag. If your phone dies or you need to pass a message to someone (“I’m upstairs on the left!”), writing it down is handy. Or if you have speech difficulties, having pre-written phrases or an alphabet board could help you communicate with first responders.
- Personal care supplies: Pack enough of whatever you need for daily life. Think extra urinary catheters, wet wipes, disposable gloves, sanitary products, adult briefs, etc., if you use them. Emergencies are not the time to run out of these things.
- Clothing and warmth: Include a space blanket or warm blanket (those foil emergency blankets are super packable), a poncho, and maybe an extra set of clothes and socks in a waterproof bag. Staying warm and dry is crucial if you have to evacuate in bad weather or wait outdoors.
- Food and water extras: In addition to general supplies, consider your dietary needs. If you have a feeding tube or need a special diet, pack those specific supplies. And don’t forget a reusable water bottle or two. Lightweight camping bottles or pouches are good – you can refill them when you find water. Also pack some cash (small bills and coins); if power is out, ATMs and card readers might not work.
- Pet or service animal needs: If you have a service dog or pet, have their food, any medications, and maybe a small toy or blanket for them in your kit. In an emergency, our animals need comfort and supplies too.
Keep all these items in a bag or container that’s easy for you to carry or attach to your wheelchair. A backpack that clips onto the back of your chair or fits under the seat is a popular choice. The idea is if you need to leave quickly, you can just grab it (or it’s already on your chair) and go. And if you have multiple places you spend time (home, work, car), consider having a smaller kit in each location. It sounds like a lot, but even a basic mini-kit in your car or office could be a lifesaver if something happens and you can’t get to your main supplies.
Prepare for Power Outages and Wheelchair Breakdowns
Not every emergency is a dramatic natural disaster. What if your power goes out for an extended time? Or your wheelchair malfunctions when you’re out and about? Planning for these everyday emergencies is just as important.
Power outages: Losing electricity can be more than an inconvenience if you rely on a power wheelchair or other powered medical equipment. Imagine a multi-day blackout – how will you charge your chair or keep your ventilator running? If you have critical medical devices, investing in a home generator or a high-capacity battery backup is worth considering. Even a smaller portable power station can charge a wheelchair or phone in a pinch. If you can’t have a generator (say you live in an apartment), then you should at least have a plan to get somewhere that has power after a day or so. This might mean evacuating to a friend’s house outside the outage zone or a community center that has a generator. Some cities open charging centers during big outages – keep an ear out for those announcements on the radio.
For shorter outages, conserving your power chair’s battery is key. If the lights flicker and you suspect the power might go, maybe avoid unneccesary rolling around. Keep your phone and other devices charged when a storm is coming, so you’re not caught with a dead phone and a dead chair at the same time. Know how to put your power wheelchair into manual push mode – most have a lever or clutch to disengage the motors so the chair can free-wheel. This is crucial if your battery dies and someone needs to push you. Train your family or friends on how to do this as well, because in an emergency you might not be able to do it yourself (or explain under stress).
If it’s a long outage, you may need to relocate for your own safety, especially in extreme weather (no heat in winter, no AC in a heatwave). In such cases, having that support network pays off – you can call your contacts and say “Hey, I’m out of power and I need to move somewhere with electricity.” Also, notify your power company if you haven’t already: in many areas, you can register as a medical priority if you use life-sustaining equipment. It doesn’t mean the grid fairy will magically restore your power first, but at least they’ll know someone vulnerable is at your address. Some utilities even offer a battery loan program for those who qualify. It’s worth looking into with your local hydro company.
Wheelchair breakdowns: A mechanical failure can feel like a full-blown emergency when it happens in the middle of your day. Picture this: you’re at the park and suddenly your power chair just…stops. No power, maybe an error code blinking – either way, you’re not going anywhere. It’s scary, but there are ways to prepare. First, always carry your cell phone and keep it accessible (not tucked at the bottom of a bag you can’t reach). If your chair quits, try to move out of any immediate danger (like get off the road or sidewalk, if you’re in one). Then call for help – that could be a family member, or 911 if you feel unsafe or stranded in a hazardous spot. There are also a few specialized services that can assist with mobility device breakdowns. For example, Mobility Roadside Assistance is a program in Canada and the US that will send an accessible vehicle and tow service if your adapted vehicle or wheelchair leaves you stuck. It’s a subscription service, so it’s something you’d arrange before an emergency. If that’s not an option, see if any local wheelchair vendors or repair shops have emergency call-out numbers.
For everyday readiness, keep your wheelchair in good shape. Do regular maintenance – check tire pressure, battery levels, joystick controls – so that you reduce the chance of a breakdown in the first place. But since even a well-maintained chair can have issues, have that backup mobility plan we talked about (portable charger or manual chair). If you use a manual wheelchair, consider what you’d do if a tire popped or you broke a wheel. You might keep a spare inner tube and know how to change it, or have a patch kit. If you use specialized seating or positioning, maybe have some basic parts or cushions extra in case something snaps. It can be a lot to think about, but tackling one scenario at a time (“What would I need if X happened?”) is a good way to cover your bases.
And here’s a pro-tip: heavy gloves we mentioned in the kit aren’t just for debris. If your power chair dies and you or someone has to push it a long distance, those gloves will save your hands and theirs from a lot of pain. Motorized chairs can be heavy and tough to push, especially on carpet or uphill. Sometimes you have to get creative – in a pinch, flag down a passerby or two and explain the situation. Most people are willing to help push you to safety or at least to a place where you can wait comfortably for help. Don’t hesitate to ask; your safety comes first.
Practice, Drills, and Confidence
Having a plan and supplies is fantastic, but in a true emergency your instincts and practiced skills matter just as much. It’s one thing to say “my neighbor will help me down the stairs,” and another to have actually tried it. So, as un-fun as it sounds, try to practice your emergency plan. Even a mini drill can expose hiccups in your strategy.
For example, do a test run: can you get from your bed to your wheelchair and out the door quickly with your go-bag if there’s a fire alarm? Maybe you find out that the bag is too heavy to carry on your lap, so you decide to store it by the front door instead. Or practice evacuating to your safe spot at home during a tornado or earthquake drill – is there anything blocking your path or heavy items that could fall over? Clear those hazards now if you can. If you live in a house, you might practice how to get out in case of fire – perhaps even invest in an evacuation sled or have the fire department come give you ideas for escape routes.
If you work or go to school, make sure they include you in any fire drills or emergency exercises. Speak up if they don’t. It’s important your coworkers or classmates know how to assist you (and that you know what they should or shouldn’t do – for instance, maybe you prefer they not attempt to carry you unless absolutely necessary). Use these drills to teach and learn. After a drill, you can say, “Hey, it took us 10 minutes to figure out how to get me down one flight of stairs. Let’s think of a better way or tool to speed that up.” It might spur your employer to buy an evacuation chair or assign buddies to you. This isn’t about being demanding; it’s about ensuring everyone’s safety.
Train in basic skills. If you can, take a first aid and CPR course. Many organizations, like the Red Cross, offer classes that are adapted for people with disabilities, so you can learn techniques that work for you. Hopefully you’ll never have to perform CPR or treat a serious wound, but knowing how is empowering. Plus, emergencies might not only involve you – you could be in a situation where someone else needs help (maybe your caregiver or a family member has a medical issue). Being able to jump in with first aid until paramedics arrive is a fantastic skill to have. At the very least, know how to call 911 (or text 911, if you’re Deaf/hard-of-hearing and your area supports Text-with-911). Teach your support network any specific things about you – for instance, the safe way to lift you, how to fold your wheelchair, or how to operate any medical device you use. In stressful moments, people don’t think straight, so having practiced these tasks can make them almost second-nature.
Run through mental scenarios occasionally. Ask yourself, “If I’m alone and I fall out of my wheelchair, what would I do?” It’s not a pleasant thought, but it happens. Maybe your plan is to use your medical alert device or your phone (which you keep in a pocket rather than on a far table) to call for help. Or maybe you’ve learned a technique in physical therapy to get back into your chair from the floor (if you can do it safely). If you haven’t, consider working on that skill or at least have a way to summon help. What if there’s a fire? You might decide, “Okay, I’ll crawl to the door if I have to and leave the chair behind, because my life matters more than the chair.” Thinking these things through in advance means you won’t waste precious time debating your options under duress.
The bottom line is practice builds confidence. The more you familiarize yourself with “emergency mode” actions, the less terrifying it will be if something actually happens. You’ll be able to say, “Alright, deep breath, I’ve got a plan for this.”
Embrace Technology for Safety and Independence
Modern technology is making it easier for wheelchair users to handle emergencies – or even avoid them entirely. One exciting area is smart wheelchair tech. For example, Navigotech, a Canadian company, has developed a smart sensor system that can turn a regular power wheelchair into a kind of “smart” companion. It mounts on your chair and uses sensors to enhance your spatial awareness. In everyday life, this means it can alert you to obstacles in your path with lights, sounds, or vibrations, and even provide on-screen guidance to help you maneuver out of tight spots. Essentially, it’s like giving your wheelchair a set of eyes and a brain. Why is this relevant to emergencies? Well, one part of emergency preparedness is preventing accidents before they happen. A system like Navigotech’s can significantly reduce your risk of collisions and falls by warning you in real time, which helps you avoid those panicky moments of getting stuck or hurt. It’s especially helpful for users with low vision or limited neck mobility, since the multi-modal alerts ensure you notice obstacles without having to see them. By navigating more confidently and safely day-to-day, you’re less likely to end up in an emergency situation caused by an accident.
Technology can also assist in emergency response. There are apps that send automatic alerts to contacts if you hit a panic button, for instance. Some smartwatches can detect falls and call emergency services if you don’t respond (though they’re not perfectly tailored for wheelchair users yet, any added safety net is worth considering). Make sure you have an “In Case of Emergency (ICE)” contact stored in your phone. Many smartphones let you set medical ID info accessible from the lock screen – fill that out with details like “wheelchair user – cannot walk, has asthma” or whatever applies, along with emergency contacts. First responders do look for that information.
If you drive an adapted vehicle or travel often, GPS-based services can track your location and share it with loved ones. For example, there are GPS tags you can keep with you that let a family member find you if you break down. Some power wheelchairs even come with built-in Bluetooth or cellular modules that can alert a dealer if there’s a fault code. While that might not be directly for emergencies, it can prevent small issues from turning into big emergencies by getting you timely maintenance.
Don’t forget low-tech solutions too. Even something as simple as a sturdy medical alert bracelet that says your health conditions can speak for you if you’re unconscious or unable to communicate. If you have severe allergies or take specific meds like blood thinners, having that info visible can guide emergency medical folks on the spot.
Finally, stay educated on new assistive tech. The world of accessibility is evolving, and new products (like Navigotech’s system) are coming out that can enhance safety. What’s great is that these technologies often provide peace of mind to you and your loved ones – knowing your wheelchair has some smart safety features or that you have an app to call for help can reduce anxiety about “what if” scenarios. As Navigotech’s approach shows, empowering wheelchair users with better spatial awareness and guidance not only improves day-to-day mobility but also offers peace of mind by helping avoid obstacles and accidents. In other words, tech can be a prevention tool, not just a response tool.
Stay Prepared, Not Scared
Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming, but take it step by step. You don’t have to do it all at once. Maybe this week you charge up that spare battery and put it aside, next week you talk to your neighbor about being your emergency buddy. Every little action you take is one more layer of safety. And remember, while we hope you’ll never face these worst-case scenarios, a solid plan can turn chaos into a manageable situation.
One more thing – after you’ve done all this preparation, live your life with confidence. The goal of prepping isn’t to live in fear; it’s to remove fear. When you know you have a plan, an emergency kit, and a network of people who have your back, it frees you up. You can wheel out into the world knowing you’re ready for whatever comes, whether it’s a blizzard knocking out power or an unexpected bump in the road.
Everyone’s needs will be a bit different, so use the advice that fits your situation and adapt as needed. Keep your plan and supplies updated (set a reminder to check your kit every six months or so – swap out expired meds, refresh the water, etc.). As life changes, your plan might change too – and that’s okay. The important thing is to stay proactive. By thinking ahead and organizing now, you’re making sure that when an emergency happens, you won’t be caught off guard. Instead, you’ll be as ready as humanly possible – and that can make all the difference. Stay safe out there, you’ve got this!
