The preparedness of workers in residential social services can have an impact on the users of the services in the context of various kinds of emergencies. The users are mostly people with disabilities who need (with regard to individual categories of disability) different levels of support from other people. In emergency situations, service staff often becomes the only competent person who can effectively intervene and prevent the fatal consequences of such a situation. In this context, however, it is necessary to ask whether these workers are prepared for such situations and what, according to the workers, is readiness at all. Aim: To present the results of a pilot study in order to find out how employees of selected residential social services perceive the concept of preparedness in the context of emergency situations. Methods: A qualitative approach with an exploratory-descriptive character was used in the pilot study. An interrogation technique was used to collect data. Content analysis was used for their analysis. Results: In the context of readiness, 3 categories were identified by content analysis of the obtained data – personal, professional and organizational readiness. These were specified in more detail using summary protocols. Conclusion: Even employees of residential services may feel fear and anxiety arising from, for example, their own (un)preparedness when dealing with emergencies. Closely related to this is the concept of self-efficacy, which will be the subject of further research within the main research of the author’s dissertation.

Institute of Special Education Studies Faculty of Education Palacky University in Olomouc Žižkovo náměstí 5 771 40 Olomouc Czech Republic

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