Hurricane Preparedness

STAY ALERT | HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS FOR AUTISM FAMILIES!

During any emergency, be it weather-related or man-made, we want those in the autism community to be prepared. Parents and care providers should project a demeanor of calm during a disaster or emergency, even if we’re not feeling it! Children and adults on the spectrum may sense your emotional state and mimic it. Be prepared to project a sense of calm.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

If you have a severe speech, language, or hearing disability:

1. If you need to dial 911, indicate TTY/TDD call.

2. Store a writing pad/pencils to communicate.

3. Keep a flashlight handy to signal your whereabouts to other people and for illumination to aid in communication.

4. Remind friends that you cannot completely hear warnings or emergency instructions. Ask them to be your source of emergency information as it comes over their radio.

PETS

If you have a pet/service dog, be aware that they may become confused or disoriented in an emergency. Store extra food, water, and supplies for your pet as well.

SOCIAL STORY

To prepare for a hurricane, create a visual social story using images from the internet to prepare your child for what to expect.