Preparing for Emergencies: A Guide for Families in Southern California

This has been one of the most difficult weeks for people in southern California in recent memory. Los Angeles has been on fire in several locations for over a week now. As of the writing of this post, there are still 88,000 homes currently under evacuation orders. While we are safe here at the LBS headquarters, several of our staff and families have been directly affected by the fires, and many of our families are anxious as we enter fresh red-flag warnings in our area for the next few days.

In light of these challenging circumstances, it is crucial to understand how to prepare for an evacuation and how to care for your children, whether neurodivergent or not, should you need to leave your home in the coming days. Preparation in advance can make a significant difference. One invaluable resource is the Dads4Kids guidebook, which offers comprehensive information on preparing for natural disasters. This guidebook provides essential advice and ensures that critical details are easily accessible when needed. For more information, you can refer to the Verde Valley Emergency Disaster Preparedness Guidebook available online.

Assembling a disaster kit is an essential step in preparing for emergencies. This kit should contain basic necessities such as a flashlight, fresh water, batteries, cash, first-aid supplies, and copies of critical documents. To safeguard important information, it is advisable to save documents like diagnostic paperwork, treatment plans, and insurance information to the cloud. Including a copy of your child’s most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) is vital, as this federal document ensures your child can receive the same accommodations if they temporarily need to attend a different school. Additionally, it is important to pack items that provide comfort and familiarity to your child. These items might include a preferred blanket, a beloved stuffed animal, fidget toys, and familiar snacks. Children who are picky eaters can become even more selective during stressful times, so having their favorite snacks, like goldfish crackers, readily available can be very helpful. For children who are easily overstimulated by noise, including earplugs, noise-canceling headphones, or regular headphones in your kit can help manage sensory input during travel or in shelters.

Another critical aspect of preparation involves anticipating power outages. Since losing power also means losing internet access, it is helpful to download your child’s favorite shows or movies onto their tablet ahead of time. This ensures that they can still access familiar content that helps regulate their bodies. It is also essential to have backup battery packs charged and ready to maintain device usage during extended outages.

When considering evacuation, it is important to identify shelters that can accommodate individuals with special needs. Not all shelters are equipped to handle specific requirements, so contacting the Red Cross in advance to gather this information can streamline the process during an emergency. Keep this information with your emergency documents for easy access.

In the event of an evacuation, bringing along familiar and comforting items for your child is crucial. This includes toys, clothing, tablets, fidget toys, blankets, and any other items that provide a sense of security. Devices such as iPads or other communication tools used by individuals with autism are considered medical devices. During intake calls with FEMA, you should inform them about any medical devices or necessary equipment your child depends on. Maintaining daily routines as much as possible during this time can help provide structure and predictability for your child. Consistency in wake and sleep times, mealtimes, and opportunities for physical activity can support emotional regulation and overall well-being.

Facing the threat of wildfires is an incredibly stressful experience for any family, particularly those with neurodivergent children. However, taking proactive steps to prepare can provide a sense of control and readiness in these uncertain times. By assembling a comprehensive disaster kit, securing important information, and striving to maintain daily routines, families can navigate emergencies with greater confidence and resilience. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that support is available to help you through these challenging moments.

Our hearts are with the families who have lost so much in the last few weeks. Here’s hoping 2025 gets better soon, it has to.