Hearing Loss and Disaster Communication

Staying Connected in a Crisis

A Communication Planning Fact Sheet for People with Hearing Loss

When disasters happen, information can change quickly.

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, a bit of planning now can make a big difference later.

This fact sheet will help you set up your own communication strategy before storms, floods, fires or heatwaves.

1. Set up official warning channels

Update your details

• Make sure your mobile number and address are up to date with:
  • Your local council
  • Any emergency alert systems or council text services
• Check that your phone is not set to “block unknown numbers” during high-risk weather.

Save trusted sources

On your phone, tablet or computer, bookmark or save:

• Local council website & Facebook page
• Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)
• State emergency services (e.g. SES, fire service)
• ABC Emergency (TV, radio, website)

Ask a friend, family member or support worker to help you set these up if needed.

2. Make your phone work harder for you

Turn on everything that helps you notice alerts:

• Vibration and flash alerts (if your phone has them)
• Loud, distinctive tones if you use any residual hearing
• Lock-screen notifications for:
  • Emergency apps
  • Council app
  • Weather and warning apps

Check before each severe-weather event:

• Is your phone charged overnight?
• Do you have a power bank or charger in your go-bag?

3. Build your “communication kit”

Keep these together in a small pouch, go-bag or by the door:

• Notepad and pens for quick messages
• A simple communication card, for example:
  • I am deaf / hard of hearing.
  • Please get my attention, face me, and speak clearly.
  • For important information, please write it down.
• A list (printed and on your phone) of:
  • Family and close friends
  • Neighbours
  • GP and audiologist
  • Support services you rely on
• If you use hearing devices:
  • Spare batteries or chargers
  • Small waterproof container or snap-lock bag
  • Basic care instructions for family (how to help with your devices in a hurry)

4. Create a “buddy system”

Disasters are easier when you don’t face them alone.

Choose at least one “communication buddy”:

• A neighbour, family member or friend who:
  • Knows you have hearing loss
  • Knows how you prefer to communicate
  • Agrees to check in when there are warnings

Agree now on:

• How they will get your attention if phones and internet are down
  • Knock on door,
  • Flash lights,
  • Pre-arranged signal.
• How you will share updates:
  • They summarise written warnings,
  • They text you key points,
  • They come over to talk face-to-face.

You can keep it simple:

• “If there’s a cyclone/flood/fire warning, can you please check I’ve seen the message and help explain what it means?”

5. Plan with your household

If you live with others, have a short family chat:

• Explain what you need to communicate well:
  • “Tap my shoulder and face me before you speak.”
  • “Write down big changes, like ‘we need to leave now’.”
• Decide:
  • Who will monitor TV, apps and radio
  • Who will relay important information to you
  • Where you will put hearing devices and communication kit so they’re easy to grab

Stick a simple reminder on the fridge:

• In an emergency:
  • Get my attention
  • Face me
  • Speak clearly or write it down

6. If you use hearing aids or cochlear implants

Your devices are a key part of your communication plan.

Before disaster season:

• Check your devices are working well.
• Ask your audiologist about:
  • Extra batteries or chargers
  • Moisture protection (dry boxes, pouches)
  • Any special advice for storms or evacuations

Keep in your go-bag:

• Devices and spares
• Batteries/chargers
• Waterproof case or bag
• Your audiologist or implant clinic details

7. When a warning is issued

Use this quick communication checklist:

• Put your hearing devices on early and keep them on as much as practical.
• Check official sources (council, BOM, ABC Emergency).
• Message your buddy:
  • “I’ve seen the warning – I’ll let you know if I need help.”
  • Or, “Can you come over and run through the latest update?”
• Let family know:
  • Where you are
  • The best way to contact you (text, knock on door, etc.)

If you miss an update, don’t be shy about asking:

• “I have hearing loss and might have missed that. Can you please tell me what’s happening and what I should do?”

8. After an event: review your plan

When things are safe again, take a few minutes to think about:

• Did I miss any key messages?
• Did my buddy system work?
• Were my phone settings and communication kit enough?

Do I need to update:

• Contacts list
• Where I keep my devices and go-bag
• Instructions for family?

Small changes now can make the next event easier.

Need a hand?

Better Hearing Australia (Brisbane) can help you:

• Think through your personal communication plan
• Talk to your local council about access needs
• Find resources for you, your family and your community group

Being prepared doesn’t remove the risk, but it can help you stay informed, stay connected and make better decisions when it matters most.

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