Disaster readiness is a serious problem for residents of communities and towns throughout Maryland, especially for individuals with disabilities or other special needs.  In normal emergencies where only one person or family is in trouble 911 emergency response services provide rescue, medical, and transport services. In a widespread disaster, when many locations are affected, responders will be overwhelmed and individuals and families must be prepared to rely on themselves to shelter in place or evacuate. 

The most vulnerable people in disaster situations are individuals who are elderly or have disabilities or other special needs. The Individual and Family Disaster Readiness project will develop a disaster readiness template for these vulnerable people in the Baltimore area.