With Hurricane Joaquin possibly hitting the East Coast in a matter of days, it's important to prepare your home and family for anything that can happen.

Ready.gov has a dedicated page with helpful tips on how individuals living with disabilities can successfully prepare for an upcoming storms this time of year. The list of crucial instructions includes:

1. Collect information. Create a paper copy of the contact information including phone, email, and social media info for your family, friends, caregivers, neighbors and other important people/offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, workplace contacts or service providers.

2. Share your emergency plans with the trusted people in your support network – tell them:

• Where your emergency supplies are kept

• What you need and how to contact you if the power goes out

• If you will call, email or text agreed upon friends or relatives if you’re unable to contact each other directly

• What medical devices or assistive technology devices that you need to have with you if there is an evacuation order from local officials

• Your plans to remain independent if you require oxygen or mechanical ventilation

3. Practice your plan with your support network, just like you would a fire drill:

• Discuss your needs and/or the needs of a family member; learn about their assistance or services. Advocate including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs into emergency planning in your community.

• Talk with your employer about your emergency plan, and find out how your employer includes the needs of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

• Contact your city, county, or state office of emergency management, local fire and police department, disability organizations, such as the local Independent Living Center, or community groups.

Don't forget to also prepare a 3 day stock of food, water, and medical supplies, and make sure all necessary electronics are charged in the event of a power outage.

Download our fact sheet for more resources on Emergency Preparedness.

America's PrepareAthon! is a grassroots campaign from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for action to increase community preparedness and resilience. Join others around the country to practice your preparedness!