Preliminary survey: Accessibility of the Emergency Alert and Warning for People with Disabilities, Access, and Functional Needs

The Monterey County Office of Emergency Services is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the emergency preparedness plan. Individuals with sensory, physical, cognitive and medical disabilities often have a disproportionately negative experience with the emergency alert and warning system compared to the general population. They are those who possess a restriction or limited ability to perform activities that are considered normal to the abled persons. For example, persons with hearing disabilities are unable to make out the dialogue on radio or television, persons with vision loss have trouble reading written messages, and those with physical limitations might not be able to get to the phone quickly. Many challenges have surfaced as seen in the catastrophic episodes in California. Recurrent shortcomings in the ability to effectively alert the public pose a threat to the safety of vulnerable people. In order to improve the accessibility of the emergency alert and warning system, the EOS needs to better understand and assess community capability in terms of communications, for the whole community resiliency. Recommendations include assessing the accessibility of current alert and warning systems, strategies to promote the Monterey Alert and Warning Program (AlertMontereyCounty) and inclusion of disability access in emergency planning