Children with special needs often have extreme difficulties during unexpected events. Being moved to a shelter could result in a serious set problems for some families as children with a disorder, such as Autism, may not handle transitions, the overstimulating environmental noises of a shelter or new people. In fact, many parents of children with Autism may state that a change in the home environment or need to relocate elsewhere could result in a “worst case scenario”. The best way to help make this situation easier is through pre-planning, remaining calm (parents) and using others to support, such as family members or friends.
To help with DISASTER PREPAREDNESS the CDC issued a new feature to help people prepare for a HURRICANE, such as the one expected this weekend. Videos are available in American Sign Language (ASL) Here is the link: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HurricanePreparedness/
Maryland, a state expected to take the brunt of Hurricane Sandy, has prepared a lengthy list of disaster preparedness information, including this guide to help those in their region and others who may live in another state: http://mema.maryland.gov/prepared/Pages/home.aspx
Preparedness information is available here from US GOVERNMENT PREPAREDNESS OFFICE in ENGLISH ( http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes ) and in SPANISH: (http://www.ready.gov/translations/spanish/ )
General disaster links for special populations can be found here: http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/safe-and-sound/emergency-preparedness.html
and for Autism Spectrum disorders specifically here>> http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/safe-and-sound/preparedness-tips.html
FLORIDA DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR THE DEAF (based on Hurricane Issac)
The video below is provided by the READY HOUSTON in ASL for disaster preparedness