Fredericton’s High Priority Disaster Response Registry was created six years ago to identify individuals in need of special assistance during times of disaster, such as those with physical or cognitive disabilities, those who do not understand English, or those who rely on electricity for necessary equipment. However, the program has seen limited participation, with only eight people signed up as of Monday. The city’s Fire Department Chief, Dwayne Killingbeck, attributed this lack of awareness to the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted priorities away from the registry. This has raised concerns among organizations advocating for persons with disabilities, such as the New Brunswick Coalition of Persons with Disabilities.
Shelley Petit, the chair of the Coalition, expressed surprise that she had never heard of the registry despite its existence for six years. She highlighted the importance of such a program, especially during times of disaster such as floods or fires. Petit emphasized the potential life-saving benefits of the registry for individuals with disabilities, such as deaf individuals who may not be able to hear a fire alarm without their hearing aids. The lack of awareness about the program among the community has raised concerns about the ability to reach vulnerable individuals in times of crisis.
The lack of awareness about the High Priority Disaster Response Registry has been brought to the city’s attention by the age-friendly community advisory committee. Chief Killingbeck emphasized the importance of knowing who is vulnerable in the community in order to provide assistance and perform welfare checks during disasters. Madeleine Gaudet, the president of the Stepping Stone Senior Centre, pointed out the importance of supporting isolated individuals, particularly during a disaster when they may not have anyone to check on them. This highlights the potential life-saving impact of the registry for those who may need assistance during emergencies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the need to support isolated individuals and vulnerable populations, as emphasized by Gaudet and other members of the committee. The pandemic has made it clear that during a disaster, it is crucial to have a system in place to reach out to those who may need help, especially if they are isolated and do not have anyone to check on them. The limited participation in the disaster registry underscores the importance of raising awareness among the community, particularly among individuals with disabilities who may be at higher risk during emergencies.
Given that people with disabilities make up over one-third of New Brunswick’s population, the lack of awareness about the registry is concerning. Petit stressed the importance of sharing information about the program with members of the Coalition and encouraging them to register. She highlighted the potential risks faced by individuals with disabilities during disasters, such as not being able to hear a fire alarm or communicate their needs without assistance. The need to increase participation in the registry to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals in times of disaster is crucial, and efforts to raise awareness about the program are essential for achieving this goal.
