Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts
Episode: Disaster Preparedness with Vision Loss
Release Date: October 10, 2024
Host: Ricky Enger
Guest: Ed Haynes, Chief Program Officer at Hadley

Introduction and Context

In this insightful episode of "Hadley Presents: A Conversation with the Experts," host Ricky Enger engages in a crucial discussion with Ed Haynes, Hadley's Chief Program Officer, focusing on emergency preparedness specifically tailored for individuals with vision loss. Recorded just before Hurricane Helene's significant impact on the southeastern United States, the episode emphasizes the importance of preparedness amid escalating natural disasters.

The Importance of Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Vision Loss

Ricky introduces the topic by highlighting the unique challenges faced by those with vision loss during emergencies. As he aptly states, “Contemplating what to do in an emergency is never easy, but it's a lot harder to figure things out while the situation is happening.” (00:00).

Ed elaborates on the additional layer of complexity for visually impaired individuals, noting that accommodations typically provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) may not be available during disasters. He emphasizes the necessity for proactive planning: “It's incumbent on folks to be as knowledgeable as possible about what resources they're going to have in case of a natural disaster and where to find them.” (04:04).

Assessing Local Risks and Personal Capacity

A key takeaway from the conversation is the need to understand both local disaster risks and personal capabilities. Ed advises listeners to:

• Assess their neighborhood's current risk levels for disasters like floods or fires, which may have changed due to environmental factors.
• Evaluate personal capacity to handle these risks, especially in the context of vision loss. He poses a reflective question: “If my vision has changed recently and I've been comfortable with that risk level prior to vision loss, is that still, is that still okay?” (04:18).

Building Relationships with Emergency Management Coordinators

Ed underscores the importance of establishing connections with local emergency management coordinators. He recommends:

• Identifying and contacting these officials to understand community-specific emergency plans.
• Engaging with peer support groups and requesting that emergency coordinators educate these communities, enhancing overall preparedness.

Preparing a Go Bag for Vision Loss

When discussing the contents of a go bag (emergency kit), Ed highlights items beyond the traditional essentials:

• Adaptive aids: Extra canes, magnifiers, and mobile devices are crucial. He suggests having backups, such as a cheaper hearing aid for those who use one.
• Batteries: “Most magnifiers have integrated lighting. Batteries are going to be critical as well.” (09:18)
• Organization tools: Clearly labeled items using large print or braille to ensure quick access during emergencies.

Organizing Items for Accessibility

Ricky and Ed emphasize the significance of organization in a go bag:

• Label items in a tactile manner (e.g., braille or large print) to facilitate quick identification.
• Use accessible labeling methods like tactile tape or embossed markers for non-go bag items encountered during evacuation, such as toiletries in a hotel.

Managing Technology Dependence

The conversation shifts to reliance on technology:

• Ed points out that cellular networks and data services can fail during disasters, rendering smartphone apps ineffective.
• He advises having non-digital backups, such as a braille or talking compass for navigation.
• “If you can think of workarounds for that tech, they may not be as convenient, they may not be as easy to use.” (10:12)

Information Readiness: Emergency Contacts and Info

Ricky and Ed discuss the importance of having accessible emergency information:

• Maintain a printed or braille version of emergency contacts, separate from digital devices, ensuring accessibility even if the phone is locked.
• Ed highlights the value of having a physically accessible contact list: “Just don’t assume you can access your contact list on a mobile device.” (15:31)
• Hadley offers resources like the Safety Basics series, providing templates for accessible contact lists and other preparedness tools.

Evacuation Planning and Self-Sufficiency

Planning for safe evacuation is crucial:

• Identify multiple evacuation destinations, including one nearby and another at a distance, ensuring redundancy.
• Self-sufficiency: Ed stresses knowing evacuation routes independently, without relying solely on ride services. He advises memorizing routes and landmarks: “Don't rely on anybody else.” (19:04)
• In complex living situations (e.g., assisted living or apartment complexes), familiarize oneself with building-specific evacuation plans and practice navigating emergency exits.

Staying Informed During Emergencies

Effective communication during disasters is vital:

• Utilize devices like NOAA weather radios with hand cranks, or the FEMA app for real-time updates.
• Practice using these devices beforehand to ensure proficiency during actual emergencies.
• Ed mentions advanced weather radios that offer additional features such as SOS signals and power banks: “It's useful even just beyond being able to keep you up to date with what's going on.” (26:18)

Post-Emergency Considerations

After a disaster, the focus shifts to recovery and rebuilding:

• Avoid returning to unsafe areas until authorities declare them safe.
• Be aware that familiar landmarks may be altered or obstructed, necessitating adjustments in navigation.
• Prepare for potential delays in essential services like mail delivery: “Mail can be halted for days or weeks.” (27:32)
• Ensure continuity of critical supplies, such as medications, by having emergency contacts with healthcare providers.

Conclusion and Resources

Ricky and Ed wrap up the discussion by reiterating the importance of proactive planning. They encourage listeners to explore Hadley's Safety Basics series for comprehensive workshops and resources:

• Provide links to accessible templates and emergency planning tools.
• Highlight Hadley’s support channels for personalized assistance.
• Ed affirms the value of ongoing preparedness and community engagement: “It is an important topic.” (30:11)

Notable Quotes

• Ricky Enger (00:00):
  “Contemplating what to do in an emergency is never easy, but it's a lot harder to figure things out while the situation is happening.”

• Ed Haynes (04:04):
  “It's incumbent on folks to be as knowledgeable as possible about what resources they're going to have in case of a natural disaster and where to find them.”

• Ed Haynes (10:12):
  “If you can think of workarounds for that tech, they may not be as convenient, they may not be as easy to use.”

• Ricky Enger (26:18):
  “It's useful even just beyond being able to keep you up to date with what's going on.”

Resources Mentioned

• Disaster Assistance: disasterassistance.gov
• Hadley Safety Basics Series: Accessible workshops and templates available in the show notes.
• NOAA Weather Radio: Hand crank models for reliable information.
• FEMA App: For real-time alerts and emergency information.

For further information or personalized assistance, listeners are encouraged to contact Hadley at 800-323-4242 or via email at podcast@HadleyHelps.org.

This episode serves as an invaluable guide for individuals with vision loss, providing practical strategies and resources to enhance their readiness for emergencies. By highlighting both common and unique considerations, Ricky Enger and Ed Haynes ensure that listeners are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of disaster preparedness with confidence and resilience.