Living in Hampton Roads means preparing for emergencies—particularly hurricanes and flooding. For families caring for children with autism, these situations can be especially challenging due to disrupted routines, sensory overload, and difficulties with unexpected changes.
Children with autism often rely on consistency and predictable environments for their emotional regulation. When coastal storms, power outages, or evacuation orders occur, the resulting changes can trigger anxiety, behavioral challenges, and safety concerns.
Creating a Hampton Roads‑Specific Emergency Plan
Know Your Evacuation Zone
- Identify your evacuation zone at vaemergency.gov/know‑your‑zone
- Document this information in your emergency binder
- Understand what zone evacuations mean for your family
Create Autism‑Specific Emergency Communication Cards
- Include your child’s name, diagnosis, photo, and emergency contacts
- Describe communication style, sensory needs, and calming strategies
- Make multiple copies for your emergency kit, car, and wallet
Map Local Evacuation Routes
- Create visual guides with photos of landmarks along evacuation routes
- Be aware of flood‑prone areas in your city (Sandbridge, Ocean View, etc.)
- Practice driving these routes during calm weather
Establish an Emergency Contact Network
- Include local emergency numbers for your specific Hampton Roads city
- Designate an out‑of‑state contact as a communication hub
- Connect with neighbors who can provide immediate assistance
When coastal storms, power outages, or evacuation orders occur, the resulting changes can trigger anxiety, behavioral challenges, and safety concerns
Essential Items for an Autism‑Friendly Emergency Kit
Sensory Support Items
- Noise‑canceling headphones
- Weighted blanket or vest (travel size)
- Comfort objects and familiar fidget toys
- Sensory calming items (stress balls, chewable jewelry)
Communication Supports
- Visual schedules showing emergency procedures
- Communication device with backup power
- Picture cards for common emergency needs
- Paper copies of communication systems used at home
Specialized Nutrition and Medications
- Preferred foods meeting sensory and dietary needs (2‑week supply)
- Familiar dishes and utensils
- 14‑day supply of medications in waterproof containers
- Copies of prescriptions and doctor contact information
Preparing Children for Emergencies
Power Outage Preparation
- Practice “lights out” drills regularly
- Create social stories about power outages with photos
- Build a specific comfort kit with glow sticks and flashlights
- Establish a consistent power‑outage routine
Hurricane and Evacuation Preparation
- Use concrete, non‑frightening terms to explain hurricanes
- Practice evacuation procedures with increasing complexity
- Take photos of potential shelter locations for visual supports
- Provide a hurricane “job” for your child to promote a sense of control
Identifying Sensory‑Friendly Shelter Options
Public Shelter Considerations (shelter sites may change each season—verify with your city’s emergency management office)
- Virginia Beach: High‑capacity shelters such as Landstown High School typically offer designated family/quiet areas
- Norfolk: Norview High School
- Chesapeake: Oscar Smith High School
- Hampton: Phenix PK‑8 School (1061 Big Bethel Rd.) opens for medical‑needs and general population; adjacent Bethel High is pet‑friendly
Alternative Options
- Identify autism‑friendly hotels outside evacuation zones
- Arrange hosting agreements with friends/family in safe locations
- Consider pre‑registering for medical‑needs shelters if eligible
Communication Strategies During Disruptions
- Create emergency communication boards with basic needs and emotions
- Have backup chargers and power banks for communication devices
- Download communication apps that work offline
- Use visual choice boards for emergency situations
Local Resources for Autism Families During Emergencies
Emergency Management Offices
- Virginia Beach: (757) 385‑1075
- Norfolk: (757) 664‑6510
- Chesapeake: (757) 382‑1775
- Hampton: (757) 727‑1208
- Suffolk: (757) 514‑4536
First Responder Programs
- Project Lifesaver: Available through most Hampton Roads police departments for tracking individuals who wander
- Smart911: Create safety profiles—including autism information—for 911 dispatchers
Moving Forward with Confidence
Preparation is a process, not a one‑time event. Start with essential elements and build your plan over time. Even small steps toward preparedness make a significant difference.
The Norfolk Autism Center is committed to helping Hampton Roads autism families prepare for and navigate emergencies with reduced stress. We invite current patient families to contact us at (757) 777‑3229 or visit our center at 152 Burnetts Way, Suffolk, VA 23434 for personalized emergency planning assistance that addresses your child’s unique needs during storm season.
