It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. You never know what may happen during an emergency but having a plan in place can help you feel confident no matter what.
Do you live in an area that’s prone to severe weather patterns? Whether you fear floods, fires, earthquakes, or anything in between, weather preparedness can give you peace of mind whatever comes your way.
Emergency Weather Preparedness for People with Hearing Loss
Everyone should have a weather preparedness plan in place. But this is especially true for people with hearing loss. If you or a loved one has hearing loss, there are a few more steps you should take so that you’ll remain as safe as possible during an emergency weather situation.
Register for Emergency Alerts
You may receive automatic emergency alerts from your city or state. These text messages let you know about any emergencies happening nearby. These messages are great for people with hearing loss, ensuring you don’t miss any important information.
While some emergency alert systems are pre-installed on your smartphone, there are other alert systems you may need to download to your phone, as well as register for local alerts. Take some time to find the alert systems in your area and register for emergency alerts. This will give you up-to-date information about any severe weather in your area. You can start your search at ready.gov.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Preparing ahead of time can save you in an emergency situation. Pack an emergency kit that you can grab in case of an emergency. Here are some basics that your kit should include:
- Copies of your important documents, including your ID card or passport, contact details of family and friends, insurance cards, or any other documents you don’t want to lose. Keep these items in a waterproof bag or container.
- At least one flashlight and extra flashlight batteries. If you have hearing loss, being able to see clearly will help you navigate an emergency and communicate with the people around you.
- Basic first aid supplies like bandages, cleaning wipes, painkillers, and antiseptic cream.
- Extra hearing aid batteries so you don’t run out of power. These should also be in a waterproof container, so they don’t get damaged during an emergency. It’s a good idea to keep at least 2 to 3 weeks’ worth of batteries in your kit. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, pack a portable charger, or make a note to grab your charger and put it into your kit as you leave the house.
- Some food and water. If you’re on foot, you may not be able to take much food and water, but if you’re driving, take extra food and water as you leave the house.
Get a Backup Communication System
If you wear hearing aids, make sure you have your hearing aids and extra batteries on hand. However, it’s also a good idea to have a backup communication system in case your hearing aids get damaged. For example, a personal amplification device can help you hear in a pinch. They’re a good backup option because they’re not too expensive, they amplify all sounds, and they’re sturdier than hearing aids. You can purchase a personal amplification device over the counter and put it in your emergency kit so you’ll be prepared for anything.
Make a Note of Your Medical Needs
You never know what might happen, so it’s a good idea to write down your health and medical needs and have this with you during emergencies. In case you need emergency care, you can provide this list of medications you’re taking, any allergies or chronic health conditions, and other health concerns. If you’re having a hard time communicating your health needs to the people assisting you, this note can give them all the information they need to give you the best support.
Designate Emergency Contacts
Take a moment to create an emergency network that you can contact during an emergency. This could be family members, friends, or even coworkers. You should have two or three emergency contacts. During an emergency, you can keep in touch with these individuals and keep each other safe. Your emergency contacts should have a key to your home and know where they can find emergency supplies.
Make a Plan
If you have hearing loss and you want to make a weather preparedness plan, we can help. We can help you develop a plan to keep your hearing aids safe during emergencies so that you’ll be able to hear no matter what the weather brings.
