Community Safety

Personal Safety Tips for Individuals with Down syndrome Who May Be Independently Navigating Inside/Outside Their Home

When away from home:

Be aware of your surroundings – look all around you and do not get distracted on your phone or in other ways
Stay on well-lit paths. Do not go into dark alleys or wooded areas
Avoid places that put you at risk whether alone, with friends or in a group
If someone makes you feel uneasy tell a trusted person and remove yourself from the situation safely
Carry a form of ID and medical insurance information
Know your emergency contact’s contact information or carry it with you
Do not wonder off alone when the expectation if for you to remain with someone or a group

When home:

Keep doors locked
If you open a window, be sure to close and lock it before bedtime or going out
Instead of hiding a key outside, give one to a trusted neighbor
Make sure all doors are well lit on the outside
Do not answer the door to a stranger
Turn off any appliances after use, i.e. oven, stove, hairdryer, heater, etc.
Make sure your house number is clearly seen from the street for first responders
Keep a list of important numbers handy

Community Safety Programs

Check to see if your county offers Smart 911 or Text 911. If they do not, start conversations about why these kinds of resources benefit not only your family, but the community at large. Make connections and advocate.

SMART 911 - With Smart911, you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders critical information you want them to know in any kind of emergency.

When you call 9-1-1, your Smart911 Safety Profile displays on the 9-1-1 screen and the 9-1-1 call takers can view your addresses, medical information, home information, description of pets and vehicles, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you like.

Smart911 is a national service meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide.

https://safety.smart911.com/how-it-works#smart-solution

TEXT 911 - Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from your mobile phone or device. However, because voice calls to 911 provide more information to 911 call centers, you should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency whenever possible. Some individuals with Down syndrome may get flustered or not articulate as well as they’d like to in crisis situations. Texting may be a better form of communicating for some. https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/what-you-need-know-about-text-911

Resources for First Responders to Effectively Help

If you have applied for SMART 911, first responders will have that information. When arriving at a scene, other resources may help them to determine the best actions to take.

Window Clings – on cars or homes
Help Belts – stating that your loved one may not respond to verbal commands, etc.
ID Cards – to identify family members in case they are not verbal or are scared to speak
GPS for locating individuals
Medical ID info
Temporary Tattoos – can be used to ID a loved-one while on vacation or in a large park/crowd setting

Resources for Individuals with Down syndrome to Visually Communicate

Being able to communicate with first responders or others in all situations is essential. When stress levels are heightened, verbal communication may suffer. There are resources available to help both individuals and professionals. Many of these resources are free for download: https://widgit-health.com/easy-read-sheets/index.htm

Paramedic and EMC Communication Boards
Accident and Emergency Communication Board
Police Symbol Boards
Critical Care Encounter Board
Medical Encounter Board
And more