Nickole Cheron’s Story

A rare winter storm blanketed Portland, Oregon beneath more than a foot of snow in
2008. The city was congested. Nickole Cheron had been trapped at home for eight days. That
would be considered inconvenient by many individuals. Those eight days were possibly life-
threatening for Nickole, whose muscles are too weak to support her body.

Nickole was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic illness that gradually weakens
the muscles of the body, and is completely reliant on a wheelchair and full-time caregivers for
most ordinary chores. It was not an option to be alone for eight days. So Nickole registered for
"Ready Now! ", a training program for emergency preparedness established by the Oregon
Office of Disability and Health.

The most significant lesson I took away from 'Ready Now!' 'was to have a backup plan in
case of an emergency," she explained. "When I heard about the impending snowstorm, I emailed
all of my caregivers to see who lived nearby and would be accessible." I made sure I had a
generator, wheelchair batteries, and at least a week's worth of food, water, and prescription
medication."

The instruction, according to Nickole, was inspiring and confirmed her capacity to live
effectively with a disability. She felt more aware about the potential hazards that people with
disabilities can face during a disaster. Clinics, for example, may close, roadways and walkways
may be impassable, or caregivers may be unable to travel.

Nickole learnt a few things from Oregon's "Ready Now! " training consists of:

Create a backup plan. Inform caregivers, friends, family, neighbors, or anyone else who
may be able to assist in an emergency.

Stock up on food, water, and any prescription prescriptions, medical supplies, or

equipment that may be required. Make enough for at least a week.

Keep a list of emergency contact information on hand.

 Maintain a fully charged car battery at home. If there is a power outage, it can power
electric wheelchairs and other motorized medical equipment.

Discover alternative modes of transportation and routes.

Understand the obligations and limitations of a "first responder" during a disaster (for
example, personnel of your local fire department or law enforcement office).

"This training demonstrates that persons with impairments can do more to triage their
situation in a crisis than anyone else," she said. "'Ready Now! 'encourages people with
disabilities to take charge of their own health care."