Able SC Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery Services
Able SC organizes the SC Disability Partners in Disaster Planning Coalition to ensure people with disabilities are included in all stages of emergency management throughout South Carolina. The coalition works to ensure that emergency planning and response services are accessible to everyone.
Additionally, we provide individual assistance to help people with disabilities prepare for emergencies and secure necessary resources before, during, and after a disaster.
Emergency services offered by Able SC include:
Preparedness Services
- Provide Emergency Preparedness Trainings to the disability community
- Provide annual Emergency Preparedness Training for staff
- Stakeholder Trainings and Collaboration
- Partnership with SC Centers for Independent Living, Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, and other organizations serving people with disabilities.
Response Services
- Provide durable medical equipment (canes, walkers, AT chargers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, accessible cots, etc.) of items that were lost or damaged during the emergency.
- Advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities in emergency shelters and other locations. This includes advocating for equal access to all shelter activities and amenities, including communication, food, sleeping, bedding, etc.
- Visit shelters to assess for needs of survivors with disabilities, arrange services, and provide I&R.
- Navigate FEMA, American Red Cross, and other Emergency Services, including providing assistance with FEMA or Red Cross applications.
- Information and Referral
Recovery Services
- Assists with transitioning back home from shelters.
Able SC also advocates for effective communication via the media during disasters. Please review our Emergency Communication Checklist for the media, state and local government, and visit the Southeast ADA Emergency & Severe Weather Resources page for more information.
For more information on Able SC’s emergency services, please email [email protected].
SC Disability Partners in Disaster Planning Coalition
Purpose: SC Disability Partners in Disaster Planning Coalition leads the effort to coordinate accessible emergency services in South Carolina.
CIL Partners: AccessAbility & Walton Options
Partner Organizations: South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the Red Cross, South Carolina Department of Public Health, South Carolina Department of Social Services, SC 211, South Carolina Office of Resilience, Dominion Energy, & more.
Funding: As part of our State Plan for Independent Living, “South Carolinians with disabilities are prepared for emergencies (natural disasters and pandemics).”
Those interested in learning more about the coalition are invited to contact Able SC Director of Public Health and Disability Integration, Mandy Halloran, [email protected].
Emergency Response Resource Fact Sheets
Emergency Response:
- Emergency Communication Checklist for the media, state and local government
- Tips for Emergency Shelters for Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Personal Emergency Guides:
- Building a Personal Emergency Kit
- Building an Emergency Kit for your Pet or Service Animal
- Stay Secure After a Disaster: Protect Your Finances and Avoid Scams
- Stay Safe Emergency Booklet
- Emergency Alert Card
Step-by-step guides:
- Emergency Tips for People with Disabilities: Tips for different kinds of emergencies
- Calling 911: How to make a 911 phone call
- What to do if you lose phone service during an emergency
- When Help Arrives: What to expect from first responders
- Know Your Rights: Emergencies and you
RN Ambassador
Able SC has been named a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador™ program is a national effort led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The program recognizes groups that are helping people across the country get ready for extreme weather, water, and climate events.
As WRN Ambassadors, we work with NOAA and other groups to share information, raise awareness, and help communities take action before disasters happen. Together, we are building a strong network that includes government agencies, emergency managers, nonprofits, businesses, and more—all working to protect people from extreme weather.