Autism and Natural Disaster

 

Planning is an important part of any family affected by autism's daily routine, but is even more important when it comes to being prepared before, during and after any type of natural disaster. The following tips to assist families with creating emergency preparedness and response plans

Hurricanes and other natural disasters can be difficult for people with autism. Disney has put a lot of video and guide for families following a natural disaster

Basic Preparedness Tips:

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Make a family emergency 🚨 communication plan.
• Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word "alerts".

Developing a Disaster Preparedness Plan:

It is a good idea for every family to have an emergency plan in place to know what you would do during a crisis or natural disaster

Evacuating your home - some important things to remember:

• Call the Red Cross prior to evacuating to ask which shelters accommodate people with special needs. Upon arrival to any shelter, let them know your child has autism and fully explain all of your child's specific needs. Ask if there is a secure room or office where your family could stay if your child wanders.
• Remember children and adults with autism may be drawn to water. If you are facing a natural disaster with waters rising this quickly you will want to take extra precautions if you are not fully out of harm's way.
• If your loved one with autism has a tendency to wander from safety, make sure you have a multifaceted safety plan in place. This was Brad very hurricane 🌀 and what 😮 bother him the most was all the banning on the shutters and he cannot look outside along with the internet out he feels like his entire world 🌍 crashed. 

If you have any experience with this hurricane 🌀 with your family on the spectrum please let me know send us and email llivebeyondautism@gmail.com