This checklist will assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing) to be prepared when disasters strike.
Hearing Aids:
· Store hearing aid(s) in a strategic, consistent and secured location so they can be found and used after a disaster. For example, consider storing them in a container by your bedside, which is attached to a nightstand or bedpost using either string or Velcro.
· Missing or damaged hearing aids will be difficult to replace or fix immediately after a major disaster.
Batteries:
· Store extra batteries for hearing aids and implants. If available, store an extra hearing aid with your emergency supplies.
· Maintain TTY batteries. Consult your manual for information.
· Store extra batteries for your TTY and light phone signaler. Check the owner’s manual for proper battery maintenance.
Communication:
· Determine how you will communicate with emergency personnel if there is no interpreter or if you don’t have your hearing aid. Store paper and pens for this purpose.
· Consider carrying a pre-printed copy of important messages with you, such as: “I speak American Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter,” “I do not write or read English,” and “If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or signed.”
·
If possible, obtain a television with access to signed or
captioned emergency reports.
·
Determine which broadcasting systems will be accessible in terms
of continuous news that will be captioned and/or signed. Advocate so that
television stations have a plan to secure emergency interpreters for on-camera
emergency duty.
Alarms:
· Install alarms and smoke detectors with both audible and visual alerts. Ideally, these should have battery backup.
Advocacy:
· Recruit interpreters to be local emergency responders or Red Cross emergency volunteers. Church outreach programs or other local community resources may be able to provide interpreters.
· Maintain advocacy for TV stations to broadcast all news and emergency information in open caption format.
· When traveling ensure hotels have access packets for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, including audible alarms. Inquire before making a reservation.