The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defines “at-risk individuals” as those who may need extra help before, during, or after an emergency due to needs in areas like communication, medical care, independence, supervision, or transportation. This includes children, seniors, pregnant women, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, individuals with limited English, and others with chronic medical conditions or transportation challenges.
At-Risk Individuals include:
At the Rappahannock Area Health District, we are committed to ensuring that all community members, including those who may be at-risk, are considered in emergency planning. By planning inclusively, we can increase community resilience, make the best use of existing resources, and prevent discrimination. Everyone, regardless of ability, must be empowered with accessible information and tools to take personal responsibility in emergencies.
Children
| Topic: | Source: |
| Caring for Children in a Disaster | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
| Emergency Preparedness for Children | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) |
Older Adults
| Topic: | Source: |
| Preparing Makes Sense for Older Americans | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) |
Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions
| Topic: | Source: |
| Emergency Information for People with Medicare and Medicaid and Their Providers | Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Limited English Proficiency or Non-English Speaking
| Topic: | Source: |
| Ready Campaign – Other Languages | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) |
Individuals with Functional Needs
| Topic: | Source: |
| Personal Preparedness for Individuals with Disabilities: Sheltering in Place and Evacuation | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) |
| Instructional Videos in American Sign Language (ASL) | Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) |