VOICE and the Weather Network

Severe weather can be dangerous. It’s important for every family to be prepared in case
of emergency. As Kelly Noseworthy of the Weather Network found out, there are
some people who need to be more aware of their surroundings during a bad storm.
VOICE members, Jonathan and Tania Samson, together with their two children, and
VOICE Executive Director Norah-Lynn McIntyre, were featured on the Weather Network
throughout the month of May for Hearing Awareness Month.

Tania and Jonathan shared how in their house they have flashing lights that interact with the doorbell, the fire alarm and the smoke detector. These “flashing lights” are placed strategically throughout their home … including all the bedrooms. This strobe light is bright enough to wake them up. While technology has come a long way … it isn’t perfect. For example, if bad weather were to cause a power outage, people with
hearing loss may not be able to use things like the closed captioned reports on television for help. Instead, they’d rely on persons with hearing to help them during an emergency. Children with hearing loss might be vulnerable because they may be in a situation where they don’t have a parent or a caregiver with them. That’s where the school systems and the health systems have to have people that have been appointed
to ensure that if there is an emergency situation, that child has someone they can go to for support. Parents, in preparing their emergency preparedness kits are reminded to include extra batteries and a dry aid kit.