Safety is all about being aware and prepared for what you would do if something unexpected happened, a safety consultant told a group of disabled people and community leaders in Auckland on Saturday.

Disabled people, elderly people – even children – are needlessly vulnerable and could suffer unnecessarily in a disaster because they are not ready to act in an emergency. Civil Defence may not be ready to support them, says Diversityworks Trust, which will host a workshop to help people plan to survive in the event of a disaster.

Coping in a disaster like the recent Christchurch earthquake is hard for anyone. But imagine if you experience disability and are unable to get out of bed on your own?  Or being elderly and unable to quickly leave the house?  Or a single parent with three children under 5?  What would you do then?