🌀 Hurricane Prep for Autism Families: What to Do Before the Storm
- Amy's Angels Health Care Team
- May 12
- 3 min read
Living in Florida means sunshine, beaches — and hurricane season.
For many families, preparing for a storm involves flashlights, canned goods, and bottled water. But for families of children with autism, hurricane prep means something more: maintaining emotional safety, structure, and sensory comfort in the middle of chaos.
At Amy’s Angels Health Care, we understand how storms and evacuations can overwhelm our kids — and the stress that puts on caregivers too. That’s why we put together this guide: to help you create a personalized, autism-friendly emergency plan before the next storm rolls in.
✅ Why Standard Hurricane Prep Isn’t Enough
Children on the autism spectrum often rely on predictable routines, calming tools, and familiar environments to feel safe. When a hurricane disrupts school, therapy, electricity — and sometimes forces evacuation — it can lead to confusion, meltdowns, and increased anxiety.
But the more we prepare, the calmer we can be. Here are a few key areas to consider while you get storm-ready.
🧩 1. Create a Visual Schedule — Even in Emergencies
When routines go out the window, structure still matters.
Make a simple visual schedule (using drawings, photos, or icons) showing:
What might happen if you need to leave home
Where you’re going (include pictures of the shelter or hotel)
What you’ll bring with you
When meals, sleep, and screen time might happen
Even a flexible, estimated schedule gives your child a sense of order during unpredictable days.
Tip: Laminate your visual or keep it in a plastic sleeve so it stays dry.
🎒 2. Pack a Sensory-Friendly Comfort Kit
This kit can make a huge difference in regulating emotions during high-stress times. Include:
Favorite snacks
Noise-canceling headphones
Fidget or sensory toys
Weighted items (blanket, vest)
Tablet or books
Items that smell like home (pillowcase, stuffed animal)
Bonus tip: Pack extra batteries or a power bank for electronics, just in case of outages.
📍 3. Know Your Local Special Needs Shelters
Many counties in Florida offer special needs shelters that are quieter, less crowded, and better equipped for individuals with medical or developmental needs.
Here’s what to do:
Contact your local emergency management office to ask how to pre-register
Confirm what items you’re allowed to bring (sensory gear, meds, devices, etc.)
Ask if a caregiver is allowed to stay with your child
You can also call 2-1-1 in Florida for shelter info in your area.
🔄 4. Talk Through Changes Before They Happen
Use simple, honest language to explain:
Why a storm might mean leaving home
What the shelter will be like
How long you might be gone
That you’ll be together, and adults are working to keep everyone safe
Children with autism often do better when they can preview transitions before they happen — even hard ones.
🧘 5. Take Care of You, Too
Being a caregiver during a hurricane can feel like carrying the world on your shoulders. Try to:
Rest when you can
Share responsibilities with a partner or support person
Give yourself grace — this is a lot, and you're doing your best
We see you. And we’re here to support you before, during, and after the storm.
🧡 You’re Not Alone
You don’t have to prepare for this alone. At Amy’s Angels Health Care, we work with families across South Florida, Miami, and the Keys to build emergency strategies that work for your child and your family.
Whether you're riding out the storm or evacuating, taking just a few steps now can make everything a little easier later.
📥 Download our FREE Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
We’ve created a downloadable guide tailored for families with special needs — including reminders for visual schedules, sensory supplies, shelter registration, and more.👉 [Click here for the red cross hurricane Preparedness Checklist to download it now.], also use this link https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-speaks-natural-disaster-resources
💬 We’d Love to Hear from You
What’s in your emergency kit?Do you have a go-to sensory item or visual that helps your child feel safe?
Comment below and share your tips — your experience could help another family.
Would you like this turned into a printable one-pager or IG carousel? I can also format the checklist to go with it!
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