Special Needs Groups in Disasters

FNSS Guidance: 

FNSS Guidance Michael Resto – Foundations of EM Special Needs groups in Disasters

What is FNSS?: 

What is FNSS? Functional Needs Support Services Issued in November, 2010 “Integration of FNSS in General Population Shelters” Special Needs groups in Disasters

Examples of functional needs: 

Examples of functional needs Sensory: Visually impaired, hearing problems, etc. Mobility: Limited or no mobility. Need walkers, canes, may be wheelchair bound, or scooters Cognitive: Conditions that limit an individual’s ability to understand or follow directions. E.g. those with mental disorders, and those that speak a foreign language. Other: Dietary needs Special Needs groups in Disasters

Ex. of support services: 

Ex. of support services Durable medical equipment (DME): Canes, Wheelchairs, Refrigerators for meds, accessible cots, etc. Consumable Medical Supplies (CMS): Hearing aid batteries, adult diapers, bed pans, oxygen tubes, Glucose meters, etc. Personal Assistance Services (PAS): Basic Care (eating, walking, bathing, etc.), Effective communication (e.g. translator), accessing programs and services. Special Needs groups in Disasters

Purpose of FNSS: 

Purpose of FNSS “Integration of FNSS in general population shelters” An individual with a functional need shows up at a general population shelter, (1) they cannot be turned away (told to go to a special needs shelter), and (2) they have to be able to meet their needs. Special Needs groups in Disasters

Shelter Chart: 

Shelter Chart Special Needs groups in Disasters

Shelter Resources: 

Shelter Resources Special Needs groups in Disasters Time Resources Event Local State Federal

Quick Summary: 

Quick Summary Under new FNSS guidance, shelters will have to be able to meet the needs of anyone with a functional need at a general shelter In a perfect world, all support services (DME, CMS, PAS) would be available at all shelters. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE. Not enough resources (especially early on) So what do we do? Special Needs groups in Disasters

Local response to FNSS: 

Local response to FNSS Main goal of local government: Creating County-specific FNSS resource & demographics guides. Who in your county has what functional needs? Who in your county can help them? Hurricane Access A table-top exercise for Florida Regions 1 & 2, addressing issues related to FNSS. Local organizations (Ability 1 st , Big Bend Hospice, American Red Cross, Language Line, etc.) were in attendance to see what resources they can offer Special Needs groups in Disasters

State response to FNSS: 

State response to FNSS Florida’s Unified Logistics Cache System Cache – pre-staged, mission-specific, resource packages The state currently has 14 FNSS caches Four of which are pre-staged in Duval, Orange, Collier, and Wakulla counties. Each cache contains close to $30,000 worth of supplies Including: Generator, Medical Refrigerator, Wheelchairs, Comfort Kits, Cots, and many more! Special Needs groups in Disasters

Conclusion: 

Conclusion FNSS guidance comes from the right place, but is easier said than done. FNSS guidance is only going to be achieved if it is addressed on a case by case situation. Not by having all resources at all shelters. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Planning is key. Its crucial to identify resources before an event occurs, and to build partnerships with those who can help. Thank you! Special Needs groups in Disasters