Disability Advocates Escape Deadly Flames in Wheelchair, Highlighting Needs of the Disabled in Natural Disasters
A Harrowing Escape
Galen Buckwalter, a 34-year-old resident of Sierra Madre, and his wife Deborah, caretaker, were forced to flee their home as the Eaton Fire raged through the San Gabriel Mountains. As a result of the fire, their home was destroyed, and their lives were forever changed.
The Challenge of Evacuation
Galen, who is paralyzed from the waist down, relies on a motorized wheelchair for mobility. The couple’s typical transportation, a wheelchair-accessible van, was in the shop, and a rideshare service couldn’t make it into the evacuation zone. With no alternative, Galen had to navigate through the flames using his wheelchair.
A Desperate Journey
"I felt almost a strange sense of flow, almost a calm," Galen recalled. "I had a mission, had a goal, and it was just a matter of executing it." He drove a mile through the dark, debris-covered streets to safety, braving the intense winds and flames.
A Community in Crisis
In addition to Galen and Deborah, 93 residents of The Pasadena Park Skilled Nursing Center were evacuated to safety, many of whom are also wheelchair users. This harrowing experience has highlighted the need for better support systems for people with disabilities during natural disasters.
FEMA’s Response
FEMA has set up teams to help those who have lost their homes and are displaced due to the wildfires, including those with disabilities. "We provide as much access as we can," Laura Forbes, a communications access specialist with FEMA, said. "We have wheelchairs if a wheelchair is needed to get you in and out of the center to get you registered."
A Call to Action
The Buckwalters are now advocating for greater recognition of the needs of people with disabilities during natural disasters. "We can’t have accessible vans going up and down every single street, but we can have plans, and we seem completely unprepared," Galen emphasized.
Conclusion
As the community continues to rebuild and recover, it is essential to prioritize the needs of people with disabilities. By acknowledging the challenges they face and providing adequate support, we can ensure a more inclusive and equitable response to natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can individuals with disabilities prepare for natural disasters?
- Make a plan with your support network, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.
- Keep essential items, such as medications and emergency supplies, readily available.
- How can I get assistance from FEMA?
- Call 202-705-9500 to speak with a communications access specialist, who can provide assistance with language translation and other needs.
- Visit a FEMA recovery center for information on available resources and support.
