Winter Storm Checklist for Disabled People

Gather Supplies

Prioritize access and independence. Gather:

Medications (7–14 days if possible) and pharmacy contact info
Medical supplies (catheters, briefs, gloves, wound care, oxygen, etc.)
Chargers for disability equipment and basic tools

Food and Water

Prioritize options that work best for you, and gather food and water options that you can use without support.

Easy-open foods, shelf-stable meals you can prepare without power
Water you can lift/use safely (smaller bottles if needed)

Power and Light

Gather:

Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
Power banks and charging cables
Portable battery for disability devices (if used)

Warmth and Multiple Layering

Use the items below to stay warm if the power goes out. Make sure to wear several layers of clothing to stay as warm as possible.

Blankets, thermal layers, hand warmers
Hat and gloves

Communication Supports

A physical list of important numbers
A physical list of meds and/or access needs
Extra hearing aid batteries, glasses, supplies for contacts, etc.

Service Animal and Pet Supplies

Make sure to have supplies for both sheltering in your home and for if you and your animals need to evacuate.

Prioritize:

Food and water, and a portable bowl if needed
Meds
Waste bags, puppy pads, litter

Plan Ahead

Try to make a plan and gather supplies as early as possible to reduce risk if power fails.

Charge everything daily (chair/scooter, phone, communication device(s), hearing aids, back-up chargers)
Confirm your heat plan (safe room you’ll stay in if there is a power outage)
Avoid unsafe heating methods (especially in small spaces)
Plan for personal assistance interruptions
- If an attendant can’t reach you, who is your backup?
Write down critical routines (transfers, meds, meals, toileting)

Transportation and Accessible Evacuation Plan

If roads/ramps are icy, how will you exit safely?
Identify an accessible ride option and a nearby accessible hotel/shelter
Refill all prescriptions early
Keep devices away from cold drafts and wet areas
Store chargers where you can reach them quickly
Make sure you have a plan to evacuate service animals and pets

Make Your Home Safer (before ice and snow hit)

Clear paths inside (cords, rugs, clutter = fall/roll hazards)
Create a “one-room setup.”
Food, water, snacks, meds, charger, blankets, bathroom supplies all within reach
Prepare for accessible entry/exit
Salt/ice melt, shovel, traction aids
Ask building management/neighbors about snow removal support
Prevent pipe/flood issues
Know where towels, bins, and shutoffs are (if applicable)

Support Needs and Communication

Create plans and connect with trusted people before the storm hits - don’t wait until there is an emergency.

Tell 2–3 people your plan for the winter storm
“If you don’t hear from me by X time, call/check on me.”
Set up a check-in schedule (text/call twice daily).
If you use agency attendants or medical deliveries, confirm schedules and backup options

Think About

Make sure to think about the questions below. These tend to be the things most plans forget.

How you’ll stay warm without power (safely, for hours or days)
How you’ll eat if you can’t cook (and can’t open containers easily)
How you’ll manage toileting and hygiene if water is limited
What happens if you get snowed in
What you need to avoid institutionalization
Identify a friend/family backup location that is accessible and safe

Prepare a Go Bag

A go-bag is bag or suitcase that you can easily take with you if you need to evacuate. Make sure you can carry or roll this bag independently or have a plan for someone else to grab it. Take your access needs into account when thinking about what supplies you need to prioritize and how much you can carry.

Meds and list of prescriptions
Chargers and power bank
Medical supplies for 2–3 days
Copies/photos of IDs and insurance cards
Warm layers, socks, gloves
Basic snacks and water
Communication supports (AAC/hearing/vision essentials)

Explore our Personal Preparedness Checklist to make your personalized plan for disasters and emergencies.

Category: Uncategorized

The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies