What I Learned About Emergency Preparedness While Traveling

My daughter and I were sleeping in a hotel room one night when a loud sound woke us. It was early, and the sun wasn’t up yet. The only light in the dark room was from the bright white flashes of the fire alarm. We needed to get out of the building. 

Unfortunately, we had a problem. My daughter has medical supplies, medicines and equipment she needs at all times. It’s too heavy for me to carry, so I use a large rolling box and suitcase. But we couldn’t use the elevator during a fire alarm, and I knew I couldn’t get the equipment downstairs from the fifth floor by myself. 

The alarm roared and flashed. I had to decide quickly what we could carry in our arms. Just as we entered the hallway, the alarm stopped, and the hotel staff said it was safe to return to our room. 

I’m thankful no one was injured, and I’m thankful for the valuable lesson it taught me about emergency preparedness while traveling. 

All parents must plan for their child’s physical safety in an emergency. But parents of children with special health care needs have more to think about. We need a plan for our children’s essential equipment and supplies. We also need to plan for when we must handle an emergency on our own. 

Now when I stay in a hotel alone with my daughter, I ask for a room on the first floor. This way, I can roll the medical supply box and bag to safety with us. 

Your emergency plans might look different, but no matter how they look, they can make all the difference. 

For more on emergency preparedness, read the “In Case of Fire, Have a Plan” blog and Emergency Preparedness for Families of Children with Disabilities.