As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial for everyone to be prepared, but individuals who are blind or visually impaired face unique challenges. This in-depth guide will help you navigate a hurricane and respond with confidence.
1. Building Your Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit is your lifeline during a disaster. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to include:
Food and Water: Stock up on non-perishable foods that are easy to prepare, such as canned goods with pull-tab lids. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. If you have a service animal, be sure to include their food and water too.
Medications: Keep a week’s supply of all prescription medications. Include over-the-counter essentials like pain relievers.
Communication Tools: Use a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio with a tone alert feature, which can provide important weather updates. There are also apps and services that can send emergency notifications in accessible formats.
First-Aid Supplies: Beyond basic supplies, include any specific items you might need, such as extra glasses or contact lenses and solution.
Important Documents: Store copies of identification, insurance policies, and medical information in waterproof containers or digital formats accessible via smartphone.
Assistive Devices: Pack spare canes, extra batteries for electronic devices, and any other assistive technology you rely on.
2. Developing a Communication Plan
Your communication plan is your lifeline to the outside world during a hurricane:
Create a contact list: Compile phone numbers and addresses of local emergency services, family, friends, and neighbors. Store this information in braille, large print, or an accessible digital format.
Establish a support network: According to The Blind Guide, you should identify at least three people who can check on you and provide assistance. Ensure they know how to operate any specialized equipment you use, know which medications you need to take, and how to get inside of your home.
Set up emergency alerts: Many weather apps and local emergency services offer accessible alert systems. Test these in advance to ensure they work with your assistive technology.
3. Mastering Evacuation Procedures
Knowing how and when to evacuate is critical:
Learn multiple routes: Memorize at least two evacuation routes from your home. Practice these routes regularly with a sighted guide.
Pack an evacuation go-bag: Include essential items like medications, important documents, cash, and a change of clothes. Use distinctly shaped containers or braille labels for easy identification. Braille Works suggests keeping your go-bag in your vehicle so you can evacuate swiftly and safely.
Arrange transportation: If you don’t drive, establish multiple backup transportation options. This could include family, friends, paratransit services, or ride-sharing apps with accessibility features. Braille Works cautions to be extra vigilant on ensuring your car’s tank is full of gas.
4. Securing Your Home
Prepare ahead to ensure that your home stays safe during the storm.
Clear pathways: Ensure you have clear paths to move throughout your house. Secure or remove items around your home that could become projectiles during strong winds.
Organize supplies: Group emergency supplies in easily identifiable containers. Use rubber bands, tactile labels, or different container shapes to distinguish contents.
Secure important items: Use waterproof containers or high shelves to protect important documents and irreplaceable items.
5. Navigating Power Outages
Power outages can be particularly challenging for those relying on electronic assistive devices:
Backup power solutions: Consider investing in a portable generator or backup battery system. NEVER use a generator indoors.
Charge devices in advance: Keep all phones, tablets, and other assistive devices fully charged as the storm approaches.
6. Caring for Service Animals
There are many ways you can ensure the safety of your service animal:
Emergency animal kit: Prepare a separate emergency kit for your animal with food, water, medications, and supplies.
Identification: Ensure your animal has up-to-date ID tags and consider microchipping if not already done.
7. Post-Storm Navigation and Recovery
Even in the aftermath of the storm, it’s important to practice caution to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones:
Wait for the all-clear: Don’t venture outside until local authorities declare it’s safe to do so. Listen to the radio or wait for alerts.
Beware of water: The best advice is “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Any flood water should be avoided; it could be deep, conceal hazards, or be contaminated.
Seek assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from emergency responders or neighbors when navigating unfamiliar or hazardous areas.
Document damage: If possible, have a sighted person take photos or videos of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.
Remember, preparation is key to staying safe during a hurricane. By thoroughly planning and staying informed, you can significantly enhance your safety and independence during a storm.
For more information and resources on how to best prepare for a hurricane, visit the links below:
The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Texas Health and Human Services – Disaster Assistance
Hurricane Preparedness for Persons With Disabilities and Access and Functional Needs | FEMA.gov
8 Tips for Hurricane Preparedness if You’re Blind or Visually Impaired (brailleworks.com)
