BATH – The early-March snowstorm left many without power for extended periods of time and highlights the importance of preparation -- particularly for people with restricted abilities, for whom the emergencies can be terrifying and difficult to manage. The Steuben County Office of Emergency Services "Special Needs Registry" allows residents with special or functional needs -- and the facilities that serve those needs – a way to provide essential information to local emergency response teams, so responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergencies. "What we mean by special needs is anyone who can’t receive, understand or act upon disaster alerts," said county Office of Emergency Services Director Tim Marshall. "For example, that could be someone with a caretaker that lives out of the home, or a home, say, for several people with limited skills. Our responders need to know how to help them as quickly as possible." Information provided by residents and facilities is gathered and organized on a secure online registry and never made available to the public, Marshall said. Individuals are asked to update information every six months, while facilities are asked for updates annually. "Some people’s needs change," Marshall said. "Say you’re temporarily immobilized and in a wheelchair, and it would be harder for your loved ones to move you to safety. But after six months, you’re out of the wheelchair. We need to know that so responders can serve those persons that still need help." The registry is ideal for senior citizens in Steuben, said county Office for the Aging Director Patty Baroody. "This Special Needs Registry aligns perfectly with a larger statewide initiative to empower agencies and individuals to respond to disasters," Baroody said. "Planning is key to an effective response and the Office for the Aging is working with the Office of Emergency Services to make sure that Steuben County older persons get the support they need in a crisis "We work with families and at-risk individuals to educate and identify simple steps to be ready for whatever may happen in our community," she said. "I urge people to make good use of this Special Needs Registry." Marshall said emergency response in Steuben can be as effective and efficient as the information provided. "We need to know what you need," Marshall said. "It’s as simple as that." Steuben's special needs registry is located at https://www.delta-fnr.com/steubenny/Signin.
