Case analysis: New York City emergency planning falls short for disabled

Abstract

Introduction: Historically, emergency management planners have neglected to include critical stakeholders in the actual planning process, which has left thousands of vulnerable individuals who are sensory or mobility impaired open to injury and illness, during and after emergencies. Ultimately, this left gaps in both the planning and recovery phases of an emergency response for the most vulnerable. Having a clear and comprehensive understanding of the entire city, including the political landscape encompassing the citizens, the complex infrastructure, and available resources, will help inform the who, what, where, when and how to effectively develop an all-inclusive emergency plan. Over time, and as a result of many different types of disasters occurring (e.g., hurricanes, terrorist attacks, explosions), emergency managers remain challenged to continually improve upon their planning process, engaging agencies and organizations at all levels (i.e., local, state, national) to better prepare for future emergencies. One such challenge, a successful class action lawsuit brought by the Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID), mandated that New York City address significant gaps in emergency planning specific to transportation, evacuation, sheltering, and unique communication needs that affect over 900,000 New Yorkers with functional disabilities.1 Methods: Extensive online search for documents, resources, court settlements, press releases all having to do with lack of emergency planning and services for disabled populations across the United States. Discussion: The DOHMH has now implemented a Post Emergency Canvassing Operation (PECO) and could be a model for other cities and states, on how to rapidly canvass, determine needs and provide referral following an emergency for the unique needs of the vulnerable population to mitigate the risk of injury or disease. This adds yet another layer of resources and support to a population that has historically been left behind.