Helping those with special needs be more 'Weather-Ready' in face of hazards

November 3, 2020

You can find this and other types of weather radios in electronics stores and online. (Image credit: Midland)

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Weather-related emergencies and disasters are difficult enough to navigate — and people with special needs face a unique set of challenges.

See how NOAA’s National Weather Service is ensuring that effective safety and preparedness materials reach as many people as possible:

Weather warnings and alerts for the hearing and visually impaired

Recognizing that a weather disaster could present unique obstacles for people with hearing and vision impairments, we tailored how we communicate lifesaving weather information to this vulnerable community.

For example:

Some NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radios are equipped with visual and vibrating alarms and can also be connected to attention-getting devices like bed shakers.
NWS created a website detailing weather safety for the deaf and hard of hearing with sign-language videos and other tools.
We worked with the deaf and hard of hearing community to adapt our lightning safety campaign slogan of “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” to “See a flash, dash inside.”

(NOAA National Weather Service)

Different ways to communicate weather hazards

The National Weather Service is working with partners and communities across the country to build a Weather-Ready Nation — one that is resilient to extreme weather, water and climate events.

NWS teamed up with Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador and special education expert, n2y offsite link, to create weather safety materials using symbols designed to help adults and kids with cognitive, learning or communication-related difficulties better understand written information.

For example, to communicate a Severe Weather Watch, we created a small illustration that shows a human figure checking a wristwatch for time, while lightning and snow are overhead.