How To Prepare Your Special Needs Child For The Next Hurricane Last weekend there was an earthquake on the west coast of Canada and the USA, and a tsunami warning in Hawaii.  Now the east coast of the USA is being battered by Hurricane Sandy. How do parents explain events like these to a child with special needs?  More importantly, how do parents prepare their children with special needs for an emergency? 1. Rehearse When firefighters teach fire safety to young children, they always emphasize the importance of practicing an emergency evacuation plan several times before an emergency occurs.  This applies to all types of emergencies. 2. Pack the necessities If you have some warning about a hurricane or other weather-related emergency, collect your child's medication, insurance card, medical documents, cell phone with charger and recent photos of family members inside a sealed ziploc bag.  Double-bag it if it makes you feel better, and keep it close to you in case of a sudden evacuation.  Also keep orthotics or medical equipment nearby, preferably in a backpack or dufflebag so that you can carry it easily. 3. Plan a few meals ahead Many children with special needs are on special diets or formula, which may be impossible to continue during an emergency.  Fill the kitchen sink and a cooler with ice so that you can plan out the next few meals without opening the refrigerator too often. 4. Comfort is a necessity, too Allow your child to select a comfort item,