Our hearts are with people who’ve been affected by wildfires, especially those who have lost beloved pets, homes, and valued possessions.
During emergencies and natural disasters, having a disability like hearing loss may mean that you face additional barriers finding safety and getting the information and help you need. But Deaf and hard-of-hearing leaders are meeting daily and working hard to make sure that we get the access and support that we need, not only in the recent Spokane fires, but for many emergencies and disasters across Washington. A huge thank you to Earnest Covington III, Karen Atwood, Sandra Carr, Jim House, Sue Pniewski, Caroline Allen, and Simone Ramel-McKay and their teams for all their efforts.
For example, in Spokane, leaders and advocates are ensuring access needs are met at the Disaster Assistance Center at Shadle Park High School.
Please always ask for the hearing access you need in all situations, especially during emergencies and disasters.
Here are some helpful resources to help you now and to help you prepare for the long wildfire season ahead.
Help for people with disabilities in emergencies and disasters
- For immediate help in a crisis, 988 Lifeline offers services for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
- Get news, meeting notices, and alerts from the Coalition on Inclusive Emergency Planning (CIEP): get on their mailing list here.
- Register for Smart 911 and let them know about your hearing loss or other conditions.
Lost your hearing aids or other tech?
If you’ve lost your hearing aids due to the recent fires, the Frink Foundation may be able to help. The Frink Family donates hearing aids to people who qualify; an application is required. If you apply, be sure to specify how you lost your hearing aids or if they were damaged.
Hearing aid and CI users can contact their manufacturer for help with missing or damaged tech — for example, ReSound, Advanced Bionics, Starkey, and so on may be able to help.
If you have ODHH TED technology that’s been lost in a wildfire or other disaster, email Kelly Robinson: kelly.robison@dshs.wa.gov.
Staying healthy this wildfire season
- Monitor air quality via the Washington Smoke Blog or the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
- Improve your indoor air quality with these suggestions, including how to make an air filter if you don’t have one
- Watch this advice from our Public Health Seattle & King County (ASL included)
As always, reach out to us if we can help at all: hope@hearingloss-wa.org.