Disaster Tips for People with Visual Disabilities

The more you prepare for hurricanes or other disasters, the more you will be able to protect yourself, your family and your belongings

Canes

• If you use canes, keep extras in strategic, consistent and secured locations at work, home, school, volunteer site etc., to help you maneuver around obstacles and hazards
• Keep a spare cane in your emergency kit

Alternate mobility cues

• If you have some vision, place security lights in each room to light paths of travel. These lights plug into electric wall outlets and light up automatically if there is a loss of power. They will, depending on type, continue to operate automatically for 1 to 6 hours and can be turned off manually and used as a short-lasting falshlight
• Store high powered flashlights with wide beams and extra batteries
• Plan for loss of auditory clues you usually rely on after a major disaster

Label Supplies

• If helpful, mark emergency supplies with large print, fluorescent tape or Braille

Secure Computers

• Anchor special equipment and large pieces of furniture, such as computers and shelving. Create a computer back-up system for important data an store it off site