Dear Families, Friends, and Supporters,
With Hurricane Florence possibly heading toward North Carolina in coming days, we share your concern about the safety of your loved ones. We wanted to take a moment to let you know that ASNC is here for your family.
To help you prepare, we are sharing some helpful resources on our website:
- Social narrative on how to stay safe at home during a storm
- Social narrative about evacuating for a storm
- Blog post about how to deal with interrupted routines when bad weather cancels work and school
For up-to-date information, please monitor local news and use the ReadyNC website, which offers news on forecasts, government announcements, traffic, shelters, flooding, and more. Download the app to your phone for easy access.
If we do have to close offices, updates will be listed on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Ways to prepare
First, try not to alarm your loved one with autism. Keep as many routines in place as possible while preparing for the possible emergency. If they have questions, try using visual aids such as social narratives or checklists to explain to them what you are doing to prepare. Focus on the positive: Your family might have to do some new things to prepare, but you will be safe.
Assemble items for an emergency. The ReadyNC website provides helpful information on building an emergency kit. Do that now, so you will be prepared if a storm does strike. In addition to the usual list of water, nonperishable food, and first-aid items, add anything that will reduce stress for your loved one with autism. If you have duplicates of comfort items such as favorite toys or blankets, add them to your kit. If not, add a list of those items that you will pack at the last minute in case of evacuation. Include extra batteries or rechargeable power blocks for electronics and items such as iPads or phones. If your family takes any medications, be sure you have enough on hand for several days. Also remember to have some cash in case power is out and you cannot use credit or debit cards.
Consider evacuating. If you have a safe place to which you can evacuate, it may be easier to do it sooner rather than later, when many others are on the move. If state or local officials advise evacuation, please take their recommendation seriously. First responders may not be able to get to your family if you stay and need assistance later.
Like you, we will be keeping a watchful eye on the forecast and wishing for the hurricane to turn soon. Let us know if we can help you and your family.
Sincerely,
Tracey Sheriff
CEO
Tags: ASNC, autism, autism advocacy, autism anxiety, autism asperger parenting tips, autism behavior, autism communication, autism resources, autism society north carolina, autism society of NC, Autism Society of North Carolina, Autism spectrum, autism support Go back