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Few things are more terrifying than a weather disaster rushing your way. In these moments we recognize how powerful the forces of nature are, and watch helplessly as storms rip through our cities, leaving devastation behind. Weather emergencies often strike when we’re least expecting them, which is why being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference between weathering the storm with ease, or having a very stressful experience. Weather preparedness is especially important for those with hearing loss, so here are a few tips to make sure you’re prepared for the next disaster.
Getting Notifications
If you have hearing loss, you might be left out of the loop when it comes to hearing about approaching weather disasters. Most information about incoming emergencies are broadcast over radio, or through a live-stream news report. This system assumes that everyone has clear hearing, and will get the message. If you have hearing loss, you need to make sure you’re getting notifications about things happening in your area. Your life might depend on it.
You many understand enough to know that a storm is on the way, but you need a more reliable source of information so that you have all the instructions you need to be safe during an emergency. Howard A. Rosenblum, chief executive officer of the National Association of the Deaf, is advocating that local governments and media do their part in making information more accessible via visual and written displays. “To be fully accessible, any auditory information regarding emergencies and inclement weather should always be provided simultaneously with captioning and sign language,” says Rosenblum.
Wireless Alert System
Don’t miss another alert, but make sure you and your loved ones are signed up for the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Alerts System. The Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system will send you text messages with disaster alerts, and you’ll know if there’s a storm coming, and what you need to do to be prepared. The system will alert you through vibration or flashing light so that you’ll be sure to get the message, wherever you are. The WEA has been in place since 2012, and notifies Americans about natural disasters, weather emergencies, and even missing children’s reports. You’ll only get reports targeted to your area, so if you get a report from the WEA, it’s important.
“Phones are very important, especially during power and/or home internet outages,” explains Norman Williams, a senior research engineer with Gallaudet University. “They tend to continue working during the storms unless nearby cellular towers get damaged. Without TV, phone service, power and home internet, it will be tough for deaf people to get information.” Get prepared for an emergency by signing up for alerts. They’ll keep you safe, and give you the same access to information as those with clear hearing.
Weather Preparedness Kit
After signing up for alerts, take a few minutes to pack a weather preparedness kit. Along with spare clothes, a flashlight, and copies of your important documents, those who have hearing loss need to include a few more things to be prepared in the case of a weather emergency. Don’t leave your hearing aids behind during an emergency, and make sure they’re firmly in your ears. Pack extra batteries or your hearing aid charger, so that you won’t need to worry about running out of power for a few weeks. Have a sealed container or bag in your kit, so that when you take your hearing aids out, you have a safe, dry place to store them. For those who struggle to hear, having a pad of paper and a pencil on hand can help with communication. If you can’t understand what someone has said, you can always ask them to write it down so that you won’t be missing any crucial information. For a list of what else to pack in your preparedness kit, you can access a full guide from The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.
New Leaf Hearing Clinic
Don’t wait for an emergency to take you by surprise, but take the time to get prepared for a weather emergency. If you’ve been struggling to hear, can’t communicate as well as you used to, and can’t follow what’s been said on the radio or TV, visit us today at New Leaf Hearing Clinic to explore your hearing options, and get back to clear hearing.