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Hurricane season is quickly approaching. Preparing for hurricanes looks a little different for some citizens with disabilities. Caregivers play a critical role in hurricane preparedness for those with disabilities.

Planning may mean stocking up on hearing-aid batteries or keeping an emergency supply kit in a walker or wheelchair. For a child or person with autism, it may mean packing a computer game or headphones to help ease stress. It could mean showing others how to operate a wheelchair.

Here are 10 Tips On How Individuals With Disability Can Prepare For Hurricane Season, according to the FEMA website.

Talk with friends, families or a support network about how to stay in touch during a storm.
Keep phone numbers for doctors, aides, and family members on standby in a sealed waterproof bag. Ziploc type bags may work well.
Pack eyeglasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, and dentures in an emergency kit.
Ask neighbors or someone in your support circle to keep you informed.
Plan ahead for accessible transportation in case evacuation becomes necessary.
Identify the closest shelter for needed evacuations.
Identify which medical facilities are close to your house or shelter.
Wear medical alert tags or bracelets with information about healthcare needs.
Plan and practice for evacuation and remember to take your medical devices in a waterproof bag.
Have at least 10 days worth of supply, prescription medicine, copies of the prescriptions; list of all medications and dosage; list of allergies; list of dietary restrictions.
Makes plans for a pet, including a note for emergency responders: I have a service animal named _______, who must evacuate with me.

Tips For People Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing

Get a weather radio with text display and a flashing alert.
Stock up on extra hearing aid batteries and protect them with a plastic bag.
Carry a pen and paper to help communicate with someone who does not know sign language.
Have access to TTY and/or VRS.

Tips For People Who Are Blind Or Have Low Vision

Make sure all assistive devices that depend on electricity or batteries are working and keep your batteries in a waterproof bag.
Keep an emergency supply kit in a backpack attached to your walker, wheelchair, or scooter.
Show others how to operate your motorized wheelchair, and have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup.
Keep an extra cane or walker.

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