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Welcome back to summer and hurricane season! It seems we may be in for a very active hurricane season – I think we can all agree that South Florida has been very lucky the past few years and so it is not unreasonable to feel we have become complacent and relaxed about preparing for hurricanes. People with hearing loss need to be a little more prepared than others and so here are some hints you might find helpful.
Prepare an emergency kit
In addition to items everyone should have such as food, water, and medications, you should prepare a kit that includes:
Paper and a pen to communicate if you’re unable to hear. Devices like smartphones can also be used for this purpose, but in the case of longer-term emergencies, the batteries may die.
Your old hearing aids make a great backup and should be stored somewhere safe. They can be used as replacements if the current ones run out of batteries or are lost during a storm. Store them in moisture-proof plastic bags.
Keep extra batteries for all hearing devices. Make sure that this includes batteries for new and old hearing aids, as well as batteries for microphones or other equipment that help you communicate. Portable power banks are essential for today’s rechargeable hearing aids.
Purchase car chargers for items such as cochlear implant battery packs, hearing aid chargers and cellphones. This is a great way to recharge devices when the power is out.
Charge all your devices and backup batteries.
If you have rechargeable hearing aids make sure they are at a full charge and that you have a backup charger if the electricity goes out.
Get some weatherproof bags or containers to hold hearing devices, batteries, and other items. Many stores now sell inexpensive waterproof sacks that you can find in the camping section.
Put together an emergency contact list
In emergencies, you can’t rely on your cell phone or other devices. You need to have phone numbers and other important information hard copy, just in case.
Both state and local agencies offer support for people with hearing loss in the case of a natural disaster. Your local department of emergency services will have vital information regarding an incoming storm: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/default.aspx
If you think you will need to go to a shelter, check with your local emergency department for special needs shelters in your area.
Wherever you live, make sure you have the numbers for the local fire and police departments, the mayor’s office, and any support or volunteer groups that help people with hearing loss during an emergency. Your doctor’s number should also be on the list, as well as the manufacturer of your hearing aid in case you need emergency service.
Invest in technology
Many companies sell receivers that work in conjunction with the National Weather Service’s system to get severe weather warnings through National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio. These receivers send output such as strobe lights or loud sirens, while other devices shake the bed or vibrate the pillows so that people with hearing loss are alerted to severe weather conditions and warnings. These radios are readily available on Amazon and are relatively inexpensive (see example below).
You can also get devices that assist hearing. Amplified telephones or telephones explicitly designed to work with hearing aids can help you hear vital information. Your TV should be equipped with closed captioning. TV amplifiers work both by themselves and with the assistance of a headset.
Also make sure you have an evacuation plan and that other members of the family are aware of your plan.
This is not an exhaustive list but we urge you to be prepared. The worst thing during a storm is to be out of touch and unable to know what is happening.
If you would like more information about how to be prepared for a storm, please don’t hesitate to call 561-366-7219.
We are celebrating our 10th Anniversary! As a 501c3 agency, we are beginning an ambitious fundraising campaign to purchase some new, innovative equipment. We are currently conducting a 50/50 raffle with the drawing on August 4 (our actual anniversary date). We have two events planned and will have more information on that in the coming months. If you would like to purchase a 50/50 raffle ticket, please call 561-366-7219 or text 561-559-7673.
We are looking for sponsors for our events, so if you have a business and would like to be promoted over the summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
***Receipts for donations will be provided upon request***
(561) 366-7219
audiologywithaheart.com
2324 S. Congress Ave.
Suite 2G Palm Springs, FL 33406
