This coverage is also made possible through a partnership between BPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.
As storm Helene crashed into Western North Carolina, it left a trail of disruption in its wake. While many relied on radio broadcasts and emergency alerts during the chaos, Malia Johnson found herself isolated from crucial information.
Malia Johnson, a resident of Swannanoa, faced unique challenges during Helene’s onslaught. Deaf and unable to rely on her cochlear implants due to a power outage, she missed vital warnings. “I couldn’t hear the radio. I couldn’t watch the TV because we started losing power,” she remembered, reflecting on the experience in her studio.
Despite her attempts to gather information, the chaos made it difficult for her to communicate effectively. “I couldn’t understand everything going on because everybody was talking at once,” she recalled, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
Buncombe County officials admitted that the storm revealed gaps in their emergency response for the Deaf community. Although American Sign Language interpreters were eventually involved, it took over a week to coordinate their presence, according to Stacey Wood, a county communications official. “There are so few interpreters that it logistically requires a lot of organization and scheduling,” Wood explained.
Efforts are now underway to improve the situation. Buncombe County Division Manager of Emergency Management, Scott Krein, mentioned collaborations with local foundations for the deaf and blind to train volunteers for future emergencies. They are also distributing localized weather alert radios, equipped with assistive features, to aid those with hearing loss.
Susan Sacco, who manages Asheville’s regional center for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is leading initiatives to enhance emergency preparedness. The division has set up resources, including a Deaf Federal Emergency Management Agency agent, to support recovery efforts and collect oral histories of the Deaf community’s experiences.
Sacco, who is also deaf, emphasized the importance of considering the needs of the Deaf community during emergencies. “Trying to help their management people know, don’t forget about people who are even more underserved during this disaster,” she advised. Her work involves training emergency responders and joining recovery groups to ensure inclusivity.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist for individuals like Johnson. She recently refrained from attending an Asheville City Council meeting due to the absence of sign language interpreters. “Why would I sit there and have a headache like flipping my head back and forth like a ping-pong?” she expressed, choosing to follow the proceedings online instead.
The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing provides resources on its site to help professionals understand the specific needs of the Deaf community in emergencies.
