Deaf and hearing impaired

People who are deaf of have impaired hearing may be more susceptible to the impacts of storms. It is important to care for and assist all people to be prepared for, respond to and recover from storms.

Identifying a support person or carer who can assist with planning for and response to storms can greatly increase the resilience of people who are deaf or have impaired hearing to recover faster from them.

If you care for a person who is deaf or has impaired hearing, they may need assistance in planning for storms as well as putting that plan into action when storms occur.

Some considerations:

• Help set up a support tree to contact people with limited or no hearing (by visiting them) when a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Severe Weather Warning has been issued;
• Utilise a care or support person to develop an emergency plan that suits your situation; and
• StormSafe information on what to do before, during and after a storm is relevant for people who are deaf or have impaired hearing. A support person can run through the advice and tips for these areas with the person and assist in preparing, responding and recovering from storms.