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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Rural Advocates for Independent Living held emergency management training at their Kirksville location Friday.

One of the objectives: helping local emergency management officials know how to help persons with special needs during natural or manmade disasters.

Those in charge say it's all about teamwork between emergency responders and the county health department.

“The more interaction and preparedness you have preplanning and knowing what role everyone is going to play in that the more successful, the more you're going to be able to quickly respond and meet the needs of the disabled community in the event of a natural disaster,” says Co-chairman Pat Chambers.

Officials say it's tough to get to some people in rural areas in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.

“Based off the 2000 census, there are 34,489 individuals with disabilities.  Our primary concern is reaching out and being able to support some of those individuals who are unable to self evacuate,” says R.A.I.L. Executive Director Theresa Myers.

Myers says that's just in the ten counties in our area.

R.A.I.L. provides support to people with disabilities and allows them to live as independently as they can.