Emergency Go-Kit Distribution Available for Tennesseans with Disabilities
September is National Preparedness Month and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) will provide 300 Emergency Go-Kits to Tennesseans who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision. While the keys to effective disaster preparedness apply to all of us, people with access and functional needs or disabilities should approach preparedness planning with additional considerations.
“For hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans, preparing for, responding to, or recovering from a disaster or emergency situation can present a real challenge,” said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. “TEMA is committed to ensuring that Tennesseans have the tools and resources necessary to stay safe and informed.”
“I am extremely proud that West Tennessee will have three (3) locations distributing these life saving kits to constituents,” said State Representative Johnny Shaw of Bolivar.
The go-kits will be available at two TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation locations in or near District 80 beginning Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Each kit will include a (strobe light, pillow shaker, batteries, etc.), and family First Aid Kit. The strobe light and pillow shaker, when attached to a programmed weather radio, will vibrate and flash a bright light when an emergency alert is produced.
Those locations are the following:
Jackson Vocational Rehabilitation Office (Region 8)
Lowell Thomas State Office Building, 225 Drive Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, 2nd Floor/Room200/Box 15, Jackson, Tennessee 38301, (833) 772-TDHS (8347)
Jackson Center for Independent Living
23 Federal Drive, Jackson, Tennessee 38305, (731) 668-2211 (voice) / (731) 256-7026 (VP)
BridgesWEST
2655 Union Avenue Extension, Memphis, Tennessee 38112. (901) 701-6800 (voice) / (901) 612-3416 (VP)
National Preparedness Month, spearheaded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is recognized every September. The month serves as a reminder that a disaster can strike at any time. TEMA encourages all individuals and communities to take proactive steps in readiness planning. More information on how to prepare can be found at www.tn.gov/tema/prepare with resources such as a family communication plan template and a basic emergency supplies checklist.
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