What are the most effective accessibility measures for people with mental illnesses during natural disasters?

1 Know your tenants

One of the first steps to creating an accessible and inclusive emergency plan is to know your tenants and their needs. You can conduct a survey or a consultation to identify who has a mental illness, what type of condition they have, how it affects them, and what kind of assistance they may require. You can also ask them about their preferences and concerns regarding evacuation, shelter, communication, and recovery. This will help you tailor your plan to suit their specific needs and respect their autonomy.

2 Provide clear and timely information

Another key accessibility measure is to provide clear and timely information to your tenants and staff before, during, and after a natural disaster. You can use various channels and formats to communicate with them, such as phone calls, text messages, emails, flyers, posters, or social media. You should use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and repeat important messages. You should also inform them about the potential risks, the emergency procedures, the available resources, and the recovery steps. This will help them understand what is happening, what they need to do, and where they can get help.

3 Offer emotional and practical support

People with mental illnesses may experience heightened stress, anxiety, fear, or trauma during natural disasters. They may also face difficulties in coping, accessing services, or restoring their normal routines. As a property manager, you can offer emotional and practical support to your tenants and staff to help them deal with the impact of the disaster. You can check on them regularly, listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and provide reassurance. You can also connect them with mental health professionals, counselors, or peer support groups. You can also assist them with basic needs, such as food, water, clothing, or medication.

4 Train your staff

Another effective accessibility measure is to train your staff on how to interact and assist people with mental illnesses during natural disasters. You can provide them with education and awareness on different types of mental illnesses, their signs and symptoms, and their potential effects on behavior and functioning. You can also teach them how to communicate respectfully and sensitively, how to avoid stigma and discrimination, and how to respond to crises or emergencies. You can also equip them with skills and tools to manage their own stress and well-being.

5 Collaborate with partners

Finally, you can collaborate with partners who have expertise and experience in working with people with mental illnesses during natural disasters. You can reach out to local organizations, agencies, or networks that provide mental health services, advocacy, or support. You can also consult with them on how to improve your emergency plan, how to access their resources, or how to refer your tenants or staff to them. You can also coordinate with them on how to monitor and evaluate your accessibility measures and how to address any gaps or challenges.