When emergencies happen, families caring for children or adults with disabilities often face unique challenges, from medical needs to communication barriers to the stress of sudden change. In a recent community presentation at a gathering of 1in6 Support’s Midland, Michigan Group, Midland County Emergency Management Coordinator Jennifer Ber offered practical, compassionate guidance to help families prepare for the unexpected.
Her message was simple but powerful: preparedness is a form of care, and having a plan reduces stress, increases confidence, and helps protect the people we love most.
Understanding How Emergencies Work in Your Community
Jennifer explained that emergency response always begins locally. Police, fire, EMS, and county agencies work together as one coordinated team. When a crisis grows beyond local capacity, the state steps in — and if needed, the federal government follows.
For families, this means:
- Local alerts and instructions matter most.
- Preparedness at home is essential, because emergency services cannot reach every household immediately.
- Families with medical or accessibility needs benefit from planning ahead, since specialty resources are limited during large-scale events.
The Most Common Hazards Families Face
In Midland County and in many communities across the country, the biggest risks include:
- Severe weather (tornadoes, damaging winds, ice storms, extreme heat or cold)
- Flooding and dam failures
- Power outages
- Chemical releases from industrial sites or transportation accidents
- Wildfires during drought conditions
Many of these events happen quickly, leaving little time to react. That’s why having a plan is so important.
How Emergency Alerts Work (and How to Make Sure You Receive Them)
Jennifer emphasized several ways families can stay informed:
1. Nixle / Everbridge Alerts
Sign up for text and email alerts from local dispatch. These provide real-time updates about evacuations, road closures, and safety instructions.
You can sign up for Nixle/Everbridge alerts online through the Midland County 911 website. The sign‑up page walks you through entering your phone number or email, choosing how you want to receive alerts, and selecting your location. Once you submit the form, you’ll start receiving real‑time emergency notifications automatically.
2. Outdoor Warning Sirens
Sirens are activated for:
- Tornado warnings
- Damaging straight-line winds (80+ mph)
- Hazardous material releases
Sirens are meant to get your attention, not provide details. Once you hear one, seek shelter and check official channels for instructions.
3. Local TV and County Websites
Local TV and county emergency pages broadcast updates during major events.
4. The “Tell More” Hotline
A recorded message provides current emergency information anytime you call.
The Tell More Hotline (1‑888‑TELL‑MORE / 1‑888‑835‑5667) is a Midland County service, created by Midland County 911 to give residents quick, reliable recorded updates during emergencies. If you live outside Midland County, check your local emergency management office, as many communities offer similar information lines or alert systems under different names.
Preparing for Emergencies When Someone in Your Home Has Additional Needs
Most families have at least one vulnerability, medications, mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, medical equipment, or communication differences. Jennifer encouraged caregivers to think through these needs ahead of time.
Build a Personalized Emergency Plan
Consider:
- Medications and medical supplies
- Keep a list of prescriptions, dosages, and refill contacts
- Store backups when possible
- Mobility and accessibility needs
- Identify accessible shelters
- Plan transportation routes
- Communication needs
- Prepare scripts or visual supports
- Share emergency plans with schools, caregivers, and neighbors
- Comfort items
- Sensory tools, familiar objects, or routines that help reduce stress
Create a Go‑Bag for Each Family Member
Include:
- Copies of important documents
- Medications
- Chargers and batteries
- Snacks and water
- Comfort items
- A written emergency plan
What About Schools?
Schools now receive direct alerts from dispatch and the Emergency Operations Center. They participate in county-wide planning and have procedures for:
- Shelter‑in‑place
- Transportation changes
- Severe weather
- Hazardous material incidents
Jennifer emphasized that schools are part of the emergency response network and families can feel reassured that communication and coordination have improved significantly.
Why Preparedness Matters
Emergencies are stressful for everyone, but especially for families navigating disability-related needs. Having a plan:
- Reduces fear and uncertainty
- Helps children and adults feel safer
- Supports caregivers in making quick, confident decisions
- Ensures essential needs are met even when systems are overwhelmed
Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst, but rather about protecting your peace and giving your family the tools to stay safe.
Watch the Full Podcast Episode
This article is based on a 2 Moms No Fluff podcast episode which is part of our ongoing podcast series offering an uncensored, often irreverent look at raising children with disabilities and proudly sponsored by 1in6 Support. You can watch the full conversation on this topic here.
