Disaster Team?

[mhopset]

Well needless to say the events of the last 2 weeks has had me a nervous wreak!

I had mentioned to my department manager at work so of the things us physically handicapped employess are dealing with, and it is really weighing onmy mind heavely about evacuation plans for handicapped employees. So, she says she will find out some info for me.
A few minutes later she was back at my desk with the Disaster Cord. for our company. I started asking him different questions, and some he had no idea. He just looked at me and said "uhh I'm not for sure" Ok, that answer does not float with me! Well, come Monday afternoo I have a meeting with some Department heads. Man am I nervous! (Just a hillbilly
working for a large Corp, and sometimes I don't say things politically correct). I have some questions written out to ask and some suggestions. I am going to have someone help me write a proposal with some different things on it.

Any one have any suggestions? Maybe some questions I can ask? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SueM in MN]

Go get them! I'm sure you will do just fine.
I thought of a few things that should be addressed. As long as they are receptive right now, all types of disabilities should be addressed even if there are no employees right now with that particular disability.

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: How will they be notified that there is a problem, especially if they work in a remote area or somewhere without other people (who could hear announcements) nearby?

People who are Blind: Althought they probably are able to get around the workplace fine on a regular day, they may need assistance from a sighted person during a disaster to avoid hazards that they would not become aware of until it was dangerous. I'm thinking of things, like I read some people who got out of the WTC found obstructions in their path or parts of stairways, floors missing. A blind person would spend precious time looking for a way around the obstruction that a seeing person would be able to avoid. Also, they might need to go in unfamiliar areas to get out which would slow their progress a lot.

People with physical disabilities: I guess this depends on where they are in the building, the type of building and the disability. Someone on ground floor might not need any special accomidations. A person working in a below ground area would be a lot harder to get out than someone working on the second floor or above. It's much easier and faster to get a person down the stairs than up. What kind of tools do they have to assist with evacuation (evac chairs, blankets for dragging)? Plan that elevators might not be working.

There might need to be individual evacuation plans planned with each person with a disability so they can make sure whatever needs they could have will be met, how they will be met and who will assist them.

That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure other people will have ideas.

 

[s&k'smom]

Aren't you terrific. My PDD DS has been through several fire drills at school and boy am I glad they have something set up but I never thought about the work place. I can't wait to hear about your meeting, please let us know. Don't be nervous you'll do great.

 

[mickey'sbud]

YOU GO!!!!!
You'll do great!!!! Do you know why? You are an "expert" about what you know. You know from your experience what you and other physically handicapped people would require in an emergency. Now you may not know how the company would take care of this, but you could help them figure it out. Remind them in a very polite way, that "what" you know and concerns you is a concern that they want and MUST take seriously. They should be just as concerned as you are! If you don't get a response that you are comfortable with, as hard as it may be, go up the chain. Always stay nice and keep going until you feel comfortable.
Sorry that I don't have any suggestions. I'm sure you can come up with many ideas or at least pose the appropriate questions to be answered by the company. I just want to support you with encouragement, that YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Good Luck!!!

 

[mhopset]

Just thought I would let everyone know how the meeting went. I was nervous, but I made it
through. I had a draft and some questions when I went in. Thanks to a co-worker who helped me write it up all morning long (big hugs to Keyla). One question I asked was about the handicapped door opener. I was told they were in compliance with ADA regulations. Was also told that the buttons cost about $12000.00 per door. I asked if that was the going rate on a human life. They just looked at me when I said that. I know the facilities manager real well and she said "I knew you were going to say that"

I think my Dept Manager was pretty impressed and she is going to take the purposal and my questions to the Asst. GM and the GM. She thanked me several times and said my ideas were terrific. She is a pretty good lady, so I am sure she will not let things slide.

My immediate manager was also in the meeting and she said I did a super job too. She kept reminding me throughout the day to be positive and open minded. Which I did, but when you feel so strongly about something it is hard to be positive when they don't know the situation people with dissabilities go through everyday.

All in all I think that it was a success. I am not letting things drop. I have already asked for a follow-up meeting scheduled in a couple of weeks. I think they are all just unaware of the situation, and now they will do someting about it.

Ill keep you up to date on everyting and thanks for the suggestions!!!!!

 

[sncbird]

Good for you mhopset!!! When I use to work, I worked on the 26th floor of a building in downtown Chicago. There is NO WAY with my medical condition that I would be able to walk down 26 floors to get to safety. You bring up very vaild points. I love the statement of how much value do you put on a Human Life!!! Great job!!!!

Please keep up updated!!!
Christine

 

[JudithM]

You did a great job! Thank you! Please continue to keep us posted.

 

[mickey'sbud]

Good job!

 

[s&k'smom]

Excellent job! Definately keep us posted.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks for the report. It sounds like you did a great job.