Carroll registers disabled residents for emergency preparedness

Carroll County (Map, News) - Residents with disabled family members in Carroll County can register them to a database that police and firefighters can view during a blizzard, heat wave or other catastrophe.

“For some without family around here, it can be kind of a comfort to them to know they can get help,” said Patty Whitson, community services supervisor.

Carroll’s Office of Public Safety Support Services has registered about 35 residents, said Christina Calp, an emergency management specialist.

“We can contact them through e-mail, a phone call or in person to let them know something’s going on,” she said.

The registration form asks residents whether they are bedridden; use wheelchairs, walkers or canes; require electricity for oxygen tanks; or suffer from dementia, obesity, or hearing and visual impairment.

The registration form — which can be found on the county’s Web site at ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/emermang/default.asp — also requests information about emergency contacts, physicians and pets.

Medical information will be kept confidential, according to a letter sent to residents from Scott Campbell, public safety support services administrator.

kvolkmann@baltimoreexaminer.com