This year December started off with extreme weather that dumped snow in the mountains and lowlands on Saturday, followed by a warming trend called the "Pineapple Express" that also brought high winds and record breaking rain in most counties, saturating the soil and melting the earlier snowfall in the mountains. Combined with a high tide at just the wrong time has caused extensive flooding and mudslides. Many neighborhoods and some whole towns are without power due to the storms.

Last year we had several storms from Thanksgiving on and unusually severe weather that seemed to just keep coming. Rain, wind, snow, flooding, storm damage and several days of widespread power loss challenged most folks' abilities to keep supplies and emergency plans together.

If nothing else, the recent storms have made it clear that we need to plan for recovery time for our children as well as remembering basics in taking care of ourselves and older adults during severe weather events.

I was surprised that, although I had supplies and an adequate plan for getting through several days of power loss - no heat or lights - I underestimated the kinds of difficulties we would have after the first night.

It has also been surprising that we have each had extended recovery times rather than life getting back to normal the same day roads were clear of flooding, ice and snow, or the power was restored.

While there are coloring books and other resources available now to teach children to prepare for bad weather and other crisis events, and how they can help families recover, some have such a broad focus that they may add to children's anxieties rather than relieve them.

Providing simple books that explain weather to children without dwelling on 'worst case scenarios' might help us give them the perspective they need to get through their most anxious times.

Families who have worked out emergency plans that include support and supplies for children with special needs, health issues, developmental disabilities or other challenges may find that they underestimate their family's needs, the variety and number of dangerous situations they encounter, and the availability of outside support and major inconveniences that limit their ability to respond to the crisis.

One common shortcoming in planning is stocking insufficient drinking water and then rationing what is available to make it last longer. Dehydration causes problems the first day we fail to take in sufficient water.

Last winter, here in the Pacific Northwest, there were several deaths and over a hundred serious illnesses caused by carbon monoxide poisoning through improper use of generators in garages and other areas near windows or doors, and using charcoal grills indoors for heat or cooking.

The Red Cross and other websites have great information on disaster preparedness and recovery. I think it's up to families and individuals to share information and knowledge that we have learned through our experiences so we can help one another prepare for, endure, and recover from these severe winter weather experiences.

Emergency Preparedness for Families of Children with Special Needs in Washington State ~ an excellent resource nationwide
http://www.cshcn.org/resources/EmergencyPreparedness.cfm

Severe Weather Events and Children with Special Needs
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48466.asp

Soothing Children's Fears
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35602.asp

Autumn and Winter Challenges for Children with Special Needs
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art46706.asp

New Year Blues and Winter Doldrums
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48584.asp

Us and Them - by Mayer Shevin
http://shevin.org/articles-usthem.html

Diversity World
http://www.diversityworld.com

NFPA Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities
http://www.nfpa.org/evacuationguide
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed this free guide as a resource for creating an all-inclusive evacuation plan that considers everyone’s needs for evacuation, including the needs of people with disabilities.
Please share this with local mayors, fire and police chiefs, and school district directors.

Browse your local bookstore or search Amazon.com for Weather Books for Children and weather related gifts like barometers

Ordering Amazon.com Gift Certificates through a link from here will help support the Special Needs Children website


Using Behavior as Communication
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32521.asp

Teaching the Power of Communication
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32725.asp

Affirmations - Expressing Affection and Acceptance
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art208.asp

Avoiding Heat Illnesses and Other Hazards
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32522.asp

Car Safety Issues - Prevention is the Key
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34902.asp

Red Cross Resources and Links
Children and Disasters
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_602_,00.html

Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_603_,00.html

Mental Wellness in Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges
by Dennis McGuire and Brian Chicoine