The Berwyn Fire Company strongly encourages you to participate with the Chester County Special Needs Registry. This is being coordinated by the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, along with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force.

Remember the first line of defense against the effects of a disaster is personal preparedness. During an emergency the government and other agencies may not be able to meet all your needs. It is important for all citizens to make individual emergency plans and prepare for their care and safety in an emergency.

WHAT IS THE SPECIAL NEEDS SURVEY TOOL?

The SNS Tool is an effort by county government to better identify those in our community who are most at risk during a disaster. In the emergency management field, these individuals are designated as part of the "special needs population". The tool is a web based data collectiondevice for these individuals.

WHAT MAKES AN INDIVIDUAL PART OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION?

Chester County Emergency Services defines the special needs population as, "Someone who cannot receive, understand or act upon emergency protective orders." This could include those who are deaf, blind, bedridden, mentally impaired, without radio or television.

WHAT ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD INDIVIDUALS ENTERED IN THIS DATABASE EXPECT?

The answer to this question depends on the nature of the emergency at hand. The intention of this tool is to get our special needs population "on the radar" so that community officials can make decisions about how to best assist them.

HOW DO I USE THE SNS TOOL?

Follow the instructions below to enter information about yourself, your loved ones, your friends, or your neighbors into the online data collection tool. The process is very simple, and we believe you will be able to enter the requested information without additional assistance. Once you create an account you may enter as many persons as you like.

Go To: http://www.specialneedspa.org and Click On: "New users click here to register."

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION I ENTER BE USED?

The information is stored securely, and will NEVER be used for ANY purpose other than improving emergency responders' ability to assist you in emergencies. It will not be sold or given to private concerns for any reason.

WHAT IF I WANT MY INFORMATION INCLUDED, BUT I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER?

Direct computer entry is the most efficient way to get your information into the system. If you have friends or family who can help you, you should ask them first. Most public libraries provide computers with internet access at no cost. If you are unable to access a computer, you may call the Chester County Department of Emergency Services at 610-344-5000, and request that a paper copy of the survey be mailed to you. Be prepared to provide your complete mailing address. You will be responsible for returning the survey back to us by mail. Our staff will then enter your information.

I HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER WHO LIVES IN A NURSING HOME/GROUP HOME/ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY/ETC. SHOULD I ENTER THEIR INFORMATION?

No. This tool is designed to collect information about persons living in private residences. Other initiatives are underway to ensure that individuals residing in these structured living arrangements are identified.

I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS. I AM NOT SURE IF I SHOULD PARTICIPATE.

Register on the site and look over the information being requested. If you are not interested in participating at that point you can delete your entry. If you want to speak with someone about your concerns, you can call Chester County Emergency Services at 610-344-5000 with your questions or comments.