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ear imageThis file is available for print or distribution in PDF (119K). Also available in Spanish. PDF files require a free reader. Download a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.

Disaster Tips for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing


Hearing aids

  • Store hearing aid(s) where you can easily find them after a disaster. For example, you could keep them in a container by your bedside and attach the container to a nightstand or bedpost using a 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 possible, store an extra hearing aid with your emergency supplies.

  • Keep your pager, captioned telephone and other communication equipment charged.

  • Maintain batteries and store extras for your TTY and other communications equipment. Check the owner’s manual for proper battery maintenance.

    • Communication

  • Know how to communicate with emergency personnel if there is no interpreter or if you don’t have your hearing aids. Store paper and pens for this purpose.

  • Consider carrying a pre-printed copy of important messages with you, such as:

  • “I use American Sign Language (ASL) and need an ASL interpreter.”

  • “I do not write or read English.”

  • “If you make announcements, I will need to have them written or signed.”

    •

  • If possible, get a battery-operated television that has a decoder chip for access to signed or captioned emergency reports.

  • Determine which broadcasting systems will provide continuous captioned and/or signed news.

    • Alarms
  • Install smoke alarms that give signals that can be both seen and heard. At least one smoke alarm should be battery operated.
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    Advocacy

  • Recruit interpreters to be Red Cross emergency volunteers.

  • Encourage TV stations to broadcast all news and emergency information in open caption format.

  • Encourage television stations to plan to provide interpreters for on-camera duty during emergencies

  • When you travel, ensure hotels have services for deaf and hard of hearing, including visual alarms. Ask for them when you check in.

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    Revised - March 2008

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