Research has recently recognized that people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to climate disasters. One study, which examined the challenges that individuals with hearing loss face in the context of wildfires, highlights actions for emergency planners, community members, rescue teams, and others when preparing for and responding to such disasters to better protect the population.
Research published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction conducted a case study to understand how people with hearing loss responded when they were exposed to wildfires. The researchers examined videos posted on social media platforms in sign language that included descriptions of coping behaviors by wildfire survivors.
The findings suggest that people with hearing loss, particularly Deaf people, are a vulnerable group during emergencies. The researchers found that individuals with hearing loss face unique challenges related to communication obstacles for both the individuals and rescue teams, warning systems such as sirens or other public messaging that were not accessible, lack of access to information like evacuation orders, and limited specified emergency planning to address their needs.
The researchers proposed recommendations for emergency preparedness, training and awareness, accessibility and community support, as well as specific recommendations for rescue teams helping people with hearing loss in a wildfire. The study was conducted by researchers from the Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the National Institute for Regulation of Emergency and Disaster and the University of Haifa.
The study highlights the importance of examining vulnerable populations individually, rather than as a broad group, to better understand the specific needs and to provide for equitable and inclusive emergency planning and recovery processes. As climate disasters increase in frequency and intensity, it will become progressively more important to assess the needs of populations in the context of different types of disasters, to close any gaps and empower marginalized communities.
By Sara Merken