Earthquake Safety for People with Disabilities: Complete Accessibility Guide 2026

According to the CDC, approximately 61 million adults in the United States live with disabilities—26% of the adult population. During disasters, people with disabilities face death rates 2-4 times higher than the general population, not because disabilities themselves create danger, but because emergency planning fails to account for diverse needs and abilities.

Standard earthquake safety guidance assumes mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive abilities that not everyone possesses. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" doesn't work if you can't drop, can't see where to take cover, can't hear warnings, or need additional time to process emergency instructions.

This comprehensive guide addresses that gap, providing adapted earthquake safety protocols, accessible preparedness strategies, and disability-specific guidance for people with mobility impairments, visual impairments, hearing loss, cognitive disabilities, chronic illnesses, and multiple disabilities. Whether you have a disability yourself, care for someone who does, or work in accessibility services, this guide provides the information needed to create effective, individualized earthquake safety plans.

Understanding the Unique Challenges

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand why earthquakes present specific challenges for people with disabilities and why standard emergency guidance often falls short.

Why Standard Earthquake Safety Doesn't Work for Everyone

The widely taught "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" protocol assumes certain capabilities:

• Ability to quickly move to the ground—impossible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility
• Ability to fit under furniture—not feasible with wheelchairs, walkers, or service animals
• Ability to see hazards and safe spots—blind and visually impaired individuals navigate differently
• Ability to hear warnings and alarms—deaf and hard of hearing people miss audio alerts
• Ability to quickly process and respond to instructions—cognitive disabilities may require different processing time
• Physical strength to hold on during shaking—not universal across all abilities

These assumptions don't reflect reality for millions of people. Effective earthquake safety must be adapted, not one-size-fits-all.

Specific Vulnerability Factors

Mobility Equipment Dependence:

People who rely on wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or crutches face unique risks during earthquakes. Equipment can slide away during shaking, become damaged, or be inaccessible when needed most. Without mobility devices, evacuation becomes impossible or extremely dangerous.

Communication Barriers:

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may miss critical audio warnings including earthquake early warning system alerts, emergency announcements, and calls for help. Visual alarm systems often fail when power goes out.

Medication and Medical Equipment Needs:

People with chronic conditions require consistent access to medications, oxygen, dialysis equipment, insulin pumps, and other medical devices. Earthquakes disrupt power, break refrigeration, block access to pharmacies, and damage medical equipment—potentially life-threatening situations.

Service Animal Dependence:

Guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and psychiatric service animals are not just companions—they're essential support systems. During earthquakes, protecting both the person and their service animal presents unique challenges.

Sensory Processing Differences:

People with autism, sensory processing disorders, or PTSD may experience earthquakes more intensely, with the sensory overload of shaking, noise, and chaos triggering severe anxiety, meltdowns, or flashbacks that impair response capabilities.

Cognitive Processing Variations:

Individuals with intellectual disabilities, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, or cognitive impairments may need additional time to understand what's happening, process instructions, or make decisions during the rapid chaos of an earthquake.

Adapted Drop-Cover-Hold Protocols by Disability Type

The standard earthquake response must be adapted for different abilities. Here are specific protocols for various disability types.

Wheelchair Users and Mobility Impairments

If you use a wheelchair or power scooter:

During Shaking:

• Lock your wheels immediately—this is your first action before anything else
• Protect your head and neck—use a pillow, bag, coat, or your arms
• If near a doorway—position your chair in the doorframe for structural support, but ONLY if already there (don't navigate to it)
• Bend forward if able—tuck your head down to protect from falling objects
• Stay in your chair—do not attempt to transfer to the floor during shaking
• Move away from windows—if you have a few seconds before major shaking, roll away from glass
• Watch for falling objects—overhead hazards are your primary danger

After Shaking:

• Assess yourself and your equipment for damage
• Check wheelchair wheels, brakes, and controls
• For power chair users: verify battery connections weren't disrupted
• Navigate carefully—floors may be uneven, wet, or covered in debris
• If chair is damaged, determine if you can safely transfer to a manual chair or need assistance

If you use a walker, cane, or crutches:

During Shaking:

• Get to the nearest wall, sturdy furniture, or corner—use it for support
• Sit down if possible—reduces fall risk during violent shaking
• If you must remain standing—brace yourself in a corner using the walls for stability
• Protect your head—with your free arm, a bag, or by turning away from hazards
• Do not attempt to walk during shaking—even with mobility aids, walking during an earthquake greatly increases fall risk

If you have limited mobility but don't use assistive devices:

During Shaking:

• If you can get low—lower yourself to the floor in a controlled way using furniture for support
• If getting to the floor isn't safe—sit in a sturdy chair away from windows and protect your head
• If you're in bed—stay there, pull a pillow over your head, and roll away from windows
• Do what you can within your abilities—the goal is protection from falling objects, not perfect execution of standard protocols

Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals

Pre-Earthquake Orientation:

Tactile familiarity with your environment is crucial:

• Memorize safe spots in every room—practice reaching them by touch, counting steps
• Know the location of all exits—primary and alternative routes
• Identify hazards through touch—windows, heavy furniture, hanging objects
• Create mental maps of your spaces—home, workplace, frequently visited locations
• Mark safe spots with tactile indicators—textured tape or braille labels

During Shaking:

• Drop to hands and knees if able—this prevents falling and allows navigation by touch
• Use sound to orient—listen for structural creaking, breaking glass to identify hazards
• Navigate to your pre-identified safe spot—using your practiced route and step count
• If disoriented, stay where you are—cover your head and wait for shaking to stop
• Protect your white cane or guide dog—you'll need them after the earthquake

After Shaking:

• Assess immediate surroundings by touch—before moving, feel around for new hazards
• Listen for specific dangers—gas leaks (hissing), water leaks, electrical sparking
• Use your white cane to detect debris—sweep systematically before each step
• If your guide dog alerts to danger—trust their training and stop
• Announce your location if trapped—use a whistle or voice to signal rescuers
• Navigate to familiar landmarks—use your mental map to reach safer areas

Communication Needs:

• Carry a card stating "I am blind/visually impaired" for emergency responders
• Keep a talking or tactile watch to maintain time awareness
• Have emergency contacts in both braille and digital formats
• Program voice-controlled phone features for hands-free emergency calls

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

Warning System Challenges:

Standard earthquake warning systems rely heavily on audio alerts—sirens, announcement systems, phone alerts with sound. Deaf and hard of hearing individuals need alternative alerting methods.

Pre-Earthquake Setup:

• Install visual smoke/emergency alarms—strobe lights that activate during emergencies
• Enable phone vibration alerts—for earthquake early warning apps like ShakeAlert
• Use bed shaker alarms—vibrating pad under pillow for nighttime alerts
• Wear smartwatch/fitness tracker to bed—vibration alerts for emergency notifications
• Establish visual communication protocols—with family members and neighbors

During Shaking:

• Follow standard Drop-Cover-Hold—the protocol works the same
• Stay alert to visual cues—swaying lights, moving objects indicate ongoing shaking
• Count seconds—helps determine when shaking has stopped without audio cues
• Watch others if in public—visual cues from others' behavior indicate danger level

After Shaking:

• Visual assessment critical—look for structural cracks, leaning walls, hanging debris
• Check for gas leaks visually—bubbles in water, physical damage to lines
• Use written communication—carry notepad and pen for communicating with responders
• Signal with light—flashlight signals if trapped (3 short flashes = SOS)
• Access visual emergency information—TV with captions, text alerts, social media

Communication Tools:

• Keep charged communication devices: phone, tablet, laptop
• Emergency card stating "I am deaf/hard of hearing" with communication preferences
• Notepad and pen in emergency kit
• Apps for text-to-911 service where available
• Video calling capability for sign language interpretation

Cognitive Disabilities and Developmental Differences

Planning Considerations:

People with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or brain injuries may need simplified, rehearsed earthquake responses.

Simplified Protocol:

Create a simple, memorable earthquake response that can be practiced until automatic:

1. "Earthquake means get low"—simplified from "drop"
2. "Find your safe spot"—pre-identified location marked with familiar object/color
3. "Cover your head"—with hands, pillow, or jacket
4. "Stay until helper comes"—wait for trusted caregiver/family member

Visual Supports:

• Picture cards showing earthquake safety steps
• Visual schedule for earthquake drills
• Photos of safe spots in each room
• Color-coded zones (green = safe spot, red = danger areas)
• Social stories about earthquakes and safety responses

Sensory Accommodations:

For individuals with sensory processing differences:

• Noise-canceling headphones—in emergency kit to reduce sensory overload after earthquake
• Comfort items—familiar objects that provide sensory regulation
• Pressure vest or weighted blanket—for calming after traumatic event
• Safe space identification—quiet area with minimal sensory input for recovery

For Caregivers:

• Practice earthquake drills regularly—repetition builds automatic response
• Use same verbal cues every time—consistency aids learning
• Start with very short practice sessions—gradually increase duration
• Provide immediate positive reinforcement—after successful practice
• Never use earthquakes as punishment or threat—maintains neutral association
• Keep calm during the event—your emotional state guides their response

Chronic Illness and Medical Equipment Dependencies

If you require oxygen, dialysis, insulin, or other critical medical support:

Power-Dependent Medical Equipment:

• Backup power essential—battery backup for all critical equipment
• Know run time—exactly how long your backup power lasts
• Evacuation triggers—predetermined criteria for when to leave vs. stay
• Emergency contacts—medical equipment suppliers, power company medical baseline programs
• Manual alternatives—hand-crank devices, manual wheelchairs as backup

Medication Management:

• Earthquake-proof storage—secure medication bottles to prevent spills
• Multiple locations—keep medications in 2-3 places in case one area becomes inaccessible
• Refrigerated medications—cooler with ice packs in emergency kit for insulin, biologics
• 7-day minimum supply—accessible without needing to enter damaged areas
• Medication list card—with dosages, frequencies, prescriber information

During Shaking:

• Protect medical equipment from falling—if safe to do so
• Stay connected to life-sustaining equipment—do not disconnect during shaking
• Protect IV lines, feeding tubes, catheters—from getting pulled or tangled

After Shaking:

• Check all equipment functionality immediately
• Switch to backup power if main power lost
• Assess medication damage—broken bottles, temperature exposure
• Contact medical providers for equipment damage or medication loss
• Activate medical emergency plan if equipment fails

Comprehensive Pre-Earthquake Preparation

Preparation makes the difference between catastrophic outcomes and manageable ones. Here's how to prepare specifically for disability-related needs.

Building an Accessible Emergency Kit

Standard emergency kits must be adapted for disability-specific needs. Build your kit with accessibility in mind.

Universal Kit Additions:

• Disability identification cards—explaining your needs to first responders
• Medical information—conditions, medications, allergies, doctor contacts
• Communication tools—adapted to your needs (notepad, picture cards, text-to-speech device)
• Comfort items—familiar objects that provide security and regulation
• Backup assistive devices—glasses, hearing aid batteries, mobility aid parts

Mobility Equipment-Specific:

• Manual wheelchair (lightweight, foldable) as backup for power chair users
• Spare wheelchair batteries, fully charged
• Battery charger with car adapter
• Wheelchair repair kit—Allen wrenches, tire pump, spare tubes, duct tape
• Extra cushions—in case primary gets wet or damaged
• Portable ramp sections—for debris navigation
• Transfer board—if you can use one

Visual Impairment-Specific:

• Extra white canes—stored in multiple locations
• Tactile markers—high-contrast or raised labels for supplies
• Braille labeling—for medications and supplies
• Audio recorder—for taking notes, leaving location messages
• Guide dog supplies—food, water, bowls, leash, vaccination records, muzzle
• Talking thermometer, blood pressure monitor, glucose meter

Hearing Loss-Specific:

• Extra hearing aid batteries—3-month supply minimum
• Hearing aid/cochlear implant backup—stored safely
• Cleaning/maintenance supplies—for devices
• Waterproof container—to protect devices from water damage
• Battery-powered TV or radio with closed captions
• Notepad, pens, dry-erase board—for communication
• Flashlight for signaling—communication in darkness

Medical Equipment-Specific:

• 30-day medication supply minimum—more if possible
• Cooler with ice packs—for temperature-sensitive medications
• Battery backup for all power-dependent equipment—tested monthly
• Hand-crank or manual alternatives—where available
• Oxygen tanks—if you use oxygen, backup tanks
• Medical supply extras—syringes, test strips, dressings, catheters
• Equipment instruction manuals—with troubleshooting guides

Home Safety Modifications

Adapt standard earthquake safety measures for accessibility:

For Wheelchair Users:

• Wide pathways clear of obstacles—36 inches minimum, 42 inches ideal
• Secure tall furniture at wheelchair height—falling furniture hits seated users differently
• Lower safe spots—tables and desks at accessible height
• Emergency supplies at accessible height—no bending or reaching required
• Multiple exits planned—primary and alternative routes, both wheelchair-accessible
• Threshold ramps—for navigating shifted doorways or minor debris

For Visual Impairments:

• Consistent furniture placement—never rearrange without updating mental map
• Tactile pathway markers—to safe spots and exits
• Secure loose items—reduces post-earthquake navigation hazards
• Minimize clutter—clear pathways always
• Braille labels on emergency supplies—identify contents by touch

For Hearing Loss:

• Visual alert systems—strobe lights for smoke, CO, emergency alerts
• Vibration alerts—bed shaker, smartwatch notifications
• Clear sightlines—to windows, doors for visual awareness of external threats

Creating a Support Network

No one should face earthquakes alone. Build a support network specifically for earthquake response:

Network Components:

• At least 3 local contacts—who know your location, needs, and have keys
• At least 1 out-of-area contact—easier to reach during local emergencies
• Building manager/neighbors—immediate assistance sources
• Medical providers—doctors, equipment suppliers, pharmacies
• Disability services organizations—local independent living centers

Network Information Sharing:

Everyone in your network should know:

• Your specific disability and needs
• Location of emergency supplies
• Communication preferences and methods
• Medical equipment and medication requirements
• Evacuation assistance needs
• Service animal information
• Emergency backup plans

Check-In Protocol:

• Establish communication method for after earthquake
• Agree on check-in frequency
• Define response triggers for different scenarios
• Practice the protocol quarterly

Evacuation Planning for Different Abilities

Evacuation presents unique challenges for people with disabilities. Planning must account for these specific needs.

Multi-Story Building Evacuation

For Wheelchair Users in Multi-Story Buildings:

Elevators will be non-functional after earthquakes. Stairs become the only option, requiring specific planning:

• Evacuation chair—specialized chair designed for stair descent, stored on your floor
• Designated helpers—2-3 people trained in evacuation chair use
• Alternate: Area of Refuge—fire-rated stairwell landing where you can wait safely for rescue
• Communication plan—how to alert building management/firefighters of your location
• Never attempt stair descent alone—extremely dangerous

For Limited Mobility:

• Practice stair descent techniques with handrail assistance
• Identify rest spots on each floor
• Allow significantly more time than able-bodied evacuation
• Consider waiting in area of refuge if descent not safely possible

For Visual Impairments:

• Pre-memorize exact stair locations and exit routes
• Count steps between floors
• Use handrails continuously
• Request assistance from others evacuating
• Guide dog training should include stairwell navigation

Vehicle Evacuation

Accessible Vehicle Readiness:

• Keep gas tank above half—gas stations may be offline for days
• Van/vehicle modifications maintained—lifts, ramps, hand controls functional
• Wheelchair/mobility device secured properly—won't become projectile during travel
• Emergency supplies in vehicle—duplicate kit for vehicle evacuation
• Alternate transportation arranged—if your vehicle is damaged

Medical Transport Considerations:

• Know which hospitals have accessible facilities
• Have medical transport service contacts (wheelchair vans, medical transport)
• Carry medical information in vehicle
• Equipment that must travel with you identified and ready

Shelter Accessibility

Not all emergency shelters are accessible. Planning ahead is essential:

Pre-Earthquake Shelter Research:

• Identify ADA-compliant shelters in your area
• Contact them to confirm specific accessibility features you need
• Ask about accessible parking, entrances, bathrooms, sleeping areas
• Confirm they allow service animals
• Verify they can accommodate medical equipment
• Inquire about backup power for medical devices

Shelter Alternatives:

• Family/friends in earthquake-safe locations
• Accessible hotels outside damage zone
• Medical facilities if equipment-dependent
• Disability-specific evacuation centers (some areas have these)

Communication Strategies During and After Earthquakes

Effective communication can be life-saving during earthquakes, but standard communication methods may not work for everyone.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

Communication Tools:

• TTY/TDD devices—for landline communication if available
• Video relay services—for sign language interpretation
• Text to 911—where available in your jurisdiction
• Social media—Facebook, Twitter for status updates and help requests
• Email—reliable when phone systems overloaded
• Communication cards—pre-printed explaining you're deaf and how to communicate

With Emergency Responders:

• Immediately gesture to your ears indicating hearing loss
• Hand them your communication card
• Point to preferred communication method
• Request sign language interpreter if available
• Use written communication—notepad, phone text

For Blind and Visually Impaired Individuals

Requesting Assistance:

• Clearly state "I am blind/visually impaired and need assistance"
• Explain specific help needed—navigation, reading information, identifying hazards
• Accept offered arm for sighted guide technique
• Give clear verbal instructions about how to help you
• Ask responders to describe surroundings and hazards

Accessing Information:

• Request all written information be read aloud
• Use text-to-speech apps for signs and documents
• Call emergency hotlines for verbal updates
• Request accessible format information (braille, large print, audio)

For Cognitive and Communication Disabilities

Communication Supports:

• Communication board or book—with pictures and key phrases
• AAC device—augmentative and alternative communication device, kept charged
• Medical alert bracelet—indicating communication needs
• Emergency information card—explaining condition and communication methods
• Simplified language—request simple, concrete instructions

Advocate or Supporter Role:

• Identify yourself as support person
• Explain person's communication abilities and preferences
• Facilitate communication between individual and responders
• Ensure information is understood before decisions made

Special Considerations for Specific Situations

Service Animals

Service animals are not pets—they're working partners essential to independence. During earthquakes, protecting both you and your service animal is crucial.

During Shaking:

• Your service animal will likely react to earthquake before you feel it
• Stay connected to your animal—maintain leash/harness contact
• Shelter together under table or in corner
• Protect animal's head as well as your own
• Use calm, reassuring voice commands

After Shaking:

• Check animal for injuries before moving
• Keep animal leashed—prevents running away from aftershocks
• Provide water—animals stressed by earthquakes need hydration
• Watch for behavior changes indicating injury or stress
• Maintain normal commands and routine as much as possible

Emergency Kit for Service Animals:

• 7-14 days food and water
• Medications and medical records
• Vaccination records (required for shelters)
• Extra leash and collar
• Muzzle (some emergency situations may require)
• First aid supplies for animals
• Recent photo and ID tags
• Comfort items (favorite toy, blanket)

Children with Disabilities

Children with disabilities need age-appropriate AND disability-appropriate earthquake education.

Teaching Earthquake Safety:

• Use child's communication level—visual, verbal, tactile as appropriate
• Practice adapted Drop-Cover-Hold frequently—until automatic
• Create social stories about earthquakes specific to child's experience
• Practice with child's specific equipment—wheelchair, walker, communication device
• Teach "safe spot" concept with child's favorite color/object marking it
• Role-play with stuffed animals or dolls demonstrating safety

School Coordination:

• Meet with school to review child's IEP earthquake procedures
• Ensure school staff trained on child's specific needs
• Confirm accessible evacuation routes exist
• Verify emergency supplies include child's medical needs
• Practice school earthquake drills with adaptations
• Update school on any equipment or medication changes

Elderly with Age-Related Disabilities

Age-related disabilities—reduced mobility, vision, hearing—require specific adaptations:

• Medication management critical—many elderly take multiple daily medications
• Medical equipment common—oxygen, walkers, hearing aids, glasses
• Slower response time—allow more time for protective actions
• Fall risk higher—prioritize staying seated if standing unsafe
• Social isolation concern—many live alone, need check-in systems
• Dementia considerations—confusion about what's happening, difficulty following new instructions

For Caregivers of Elderly:

• Have emergency contact list readily available
• Know all medications and dosages
• Maintain duplicate medical equipment when possible
• Practice simple earthquake response repeatedly
• Create visual cues and reminders
• Arrange for daily check-ins post-earthquake

Legal Rights and Protections

People with disabilities have specific legal protections during emergencies. Knowing your rights ensures you receive appropriate assistance.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Emergencies

The ADA doesn't disappear during emergencies. Key protections:

• Equal access to emergency services—911, evacuation, shelter, information
• Reasonable modifications—to standard procedures to accommodate disabilities
• Effective communication—sign language interpreters, accessible formats
• Service animal accommodation—in all emergency facilities
• Accessible facilities—shelters must be physically accessible
• No discrimination—based on disability in allocation of resources

Registries and Alert Programs

Many communities offer voluntary registries for people with disabilities:

Benefits:

• First responders know your location and needs in advance
• Priority welfare checks after disasters
• Targeted assistance during evacuations
• Connection to disability-specific resources

Privacy Considerations:

• Registration is voluntary
• Information kept confidential
• Used only for emergency response
• You can update or remove yourself anytime

How to Register:

• Contact local emergency management office
• Call 211 for community services information
• Check with local independent living center
• Some utilities offer medical baseline programs

Psychological Preparedness and Recovery

Earthquakes create trauma for everyone, but people with disabilities may face additional psychological challenges.

Pre-Earthquake Psychological Preparation

• Build confidence through preparation—feeling prepared reduces anxiety
• Practice coping strategies—breathing exercises, grounding techniques
• Identify support people—who understand your disability and can provide emotional support
• Maintain perspective—preparation significantly improves outcomes

During and After Earthquake Trauma

Common Reactions:

• Increased anxiety about independence and safety
• Helplessness or loss of control
• Fear of aftershocks
• Grief over damaged assistive equipment
• Isolation if support systems disrupted
• PTSD symptoms—flashbacks, hypervigilance, avoidance

Healthy Recovery:

• Reconnect with support network as soon as possible
• Maintain routines to extent feasible
• Accept help while maintaining self-advocacy
• Talk about experience with understanding listeners
• Seek professional counseling if symptoms persist
• Join support groups—both general disaster recovery and disability-specific

Putting It All Together: Your Personalized Earthquake Plan

Every person with a disability needs an individualized earthquake plan. Use this framework to create yours:

Step 1: Assess Your Specific Needs

Answer these questions honestly:

• What are my specific disability-related needs?
• What equipment or medications do I depend on?
• What aspects of standard earthquake response don't work for me?
• What are my communication needs during emergencies?
• What assistance would I need to evacuate safely?
• What are my biggest earthquake-related concerns?

Step 2: Adapt Standard Protocols

Create your adapted earthquake response:

• How will you protect yourself during shaking given your abilities?
• Where are your safe spots in each room?
• What protective actions can you take independently?
• When do you need assistance vs. can self-rescue?

Step 3: Build Your Support System

• Identify at least 3 local support people
• Share your earthquake plan with them
• Establish communication protocols
• Practice together at least twice yearly

Step 4: Gather Accessible Emergency Supplies

• Build kit specific to your needs (use checklists earlier in this guide)
• Ensure kit is accessible TO YOU
• Store duplicates in multiple locations
• Check and update quarterly

Step 5: Modify Your Environment

• Secure furniture with your specific height/reach in mind
• Create clear, navigable pathways
• Install disability-specific warning systems
• Mark safe spots in accessible way

Step 6: Plan Evacuation Routes

• Identify accessible evacuation routes from every room
• Plan for assistance needs
• Identify accessible shelters
• Practice evacuation with equipment

Step 7: Practice Your Plan

• Practice adapted Drop-Cover-Hold monthly
• Practice full evacuation quarterly
• Update plan based on what you learn
• Involve support network in practice

Conclusion: Preparation Empowers Independence

The difference between Maria and David in the 1994 Northridge earthquake wasn't their wheelchair use—it was their level of preparation. David had adapted standard earthquake safety to his specific needs, practiced his response, built a support network, and gathered accessible emergency supplies. Maria had none of these, leaving her vulnerable and dependent on rescue that took 7 hours to arrive.

Living with a disability doesn't make you inherently vulnerable during earthquakes. Lack of accessible planning, preparation, and support creates vulnerability. With the right adaptations, people with disabilities can be just as prepared—often more prepared—than the general population.

This guide has provided adapted protocols, accessible planning strategies, and disability-specific resources. Now the work begins: creating YOUR personalized earthquake plan. Don't let the scope overwhelm you. Start with one step today:

• If you use a wheelchair: lock your wheels right now and practice protecting your head
• If you're blind: identify your safe spot in this room and practice reaching it by touch
• If you're deaf: enable vibration alerts on your phone for emergency notifications
• If you have cognitive disabilities: mark your safe spot with something familiar
• If you're equipment-dependent: check your backup power battery charge

Then build from there. Each preparation step increases your safety and independence. Each practice session builds confidence and automatic response. Each conversation with your support network strengthens your safety net.

Earthquakes don't discriminate, and neither should earthquake preparedness. You have the right to accessible emergency planning, equal access to safety information, and the tools needed to protect yourself. Use this guide to claim that right and build the earthquake resilience you deserve.

Remember: Your disability is not the problem. Inadequate planning is. This guide has given you the information. Now take action to protect yourself.