Community Members Living with Access and Functional Needs
Community Members living with one or more Access and Functional Need (AFN) are residents who may need extra support during an emergency. It is important for Kanabec County Community Health to have an understanding of the needs and diversity within our community.
This may include:
- Infants and Children
- People who are pregnant
- Older adults
- Low-income populations
- People experiencing homelessness
- People with disabilities
- People who use medical equipment; particularly electricity dependent equipment
- People with limited or no English proficiency
- Rural or isolated populations
- Immigrant/refugee communities
- People without transportation
- People who live in institutions
- People with chronic health conditions
- People with diverse racial and ethnic identities
- and others who may need help receiving information, evacuating, sheltering, accessing medical care, or recovering after an emergency.
This encompasses a large portion of the population. If not planned for adequately, gaps in response operations can pose a significant challenge and compromise response success.
Access, Functional & Medical Needs Checklist
During severe disasters, such as a major Minnesota winter blizzard, a prolonged summer power outage, or extreme flooding, vulnerable residents often rely on those closest to them. Use this guide to safely check on neighbors who are older adults, living with disabilities, or utilizing electricity-dependent medical equipment.
This section provides critical, specialized steps for families caring for vulnerable individuals, aligning with the Minnesota Council on Disability Guidelines.
If you or a loved one lives with a disability, a chronic illness, or functional medical needs, your emergency plan requires extra care:
Create a Support Network
Identify at least three trusted neighbors, friends, or family members who can check on you immediately if a disaster cuts off power or phone service.
Plan for Power Outages
If you use life-sustaining medical equipment (like oxygen concentrators or dialysis machines), register your needs in advance with your electric utility provider. Maintain a backup battery system or generator.
Organize Medical Documentation
Keep a waterproof folder containing your health history, current prescriptions, insurance cards, and doctor contact information.
Pack a 7-Day Medication Supply
Ensure your emergency kit contains at least a one-week supply of essential daily medications. Regularly rotate these so they do not expire.
Preparedness Checklist for Parents with Infants or Small Children
Infants are uniquely vulnerable during emergencies, especially during power outages, extreme temperatures, or water advisories. Adding these baby-specific supplies to your 72-hour kit ensures your littlest family members stay safe and healthy.
Safe Feeding Supplies
- If breastfeeding. Keep a manual breast pump in your kit (electric pumps will not work during a power outage).
- If formula feeding. Pack ready-to-feed formula if possible, as it does not require clean water to mix. If using powdered formula, include a dedicated supply of bottled water specifically for mixing.
- Bottles & Nipples. Pack extra clean bottles and nipples, or disposable bottle liners.
Sanitation & Hygiene
- Diapering. Pack a minimum of 12 diapers per day for 3 days (at least 36 total), along with unscented baby wipes and diaper rash cream.
- Waste Disposal. Include plastic garbage bags and twist ties for sealing dirty diapers.
- Waterless Cleaning. Pack alcohol-free sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer to clean your hands before handling the baby or feeding equipment.
Health & First Aid
- Medications. Keep infant-strength pain/fever reducers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and a syringe or measuring cup in your kit.
- Pedialyte. Include oral rehydration solution packets to treat sudden dehydration or diarrhea.
- Tools. Pack a digital infant thermometer and a bulb syringe.
Comfort, Warmth & Safety
- Clothing. Pack at least three changes of clothes, including layers for warmth and a hat.
- Safe Sleep. Have a plan for a safe, portable sleeping space, such as a Pack ‘n Play. Never share a bed with an infant during a stressful emergency situation.
- Soothing. Pack extra pacifiers, a favorite small toy, or a swaddle blanket to help lower the infant’s stress levels.
Preparedness Checklist for Pets and Service Animals
A service animal and pet emergency bag should include items to keep your animal safe and comfortable for up to 72 hours. Remember that emergency shelters must legally accommodate certified service animals.
- Food, water, can opener, and water bowl
- Collar with ID tag
- Leash or pet carrier
- Plastic bags
- Vaccination records
- Veterinary contact information
- Sanitation Supplies