Natural Catastrophe Social Stories
In Pennsylvania snow and ice storms are common and there are ways you can prepare for them.
Before the storm, you can spread rock salt on your sidewalk and driveway. This will help melt snow or ice.
Have a shovel ready in case a lot of snow falls. If you need to shovel dress warmly and take breaks.
Inside you can close doors to rooms you don’t use and put towels at the bottoms of doors that lead outside. This will help keep heat in one area.
If the weather is so cold that a pipe cracks in your house, remember to turn off the water to prevent serious leaks.
If you need to leave your house, you can watch trusted news to find out road conditions and any driving restrictions.
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I can take steps to help keep myself safe from fires. I can have a fire extinguisher and move flammable items away from heaters.
I should also have a smoke alarm on every floor of my home.
If you leave your home, try to seal any barriers or cracks before you go.
If I hear the smoke alarm, I need to go outside calmly and quickly and leave my things inside.
When I leave I should stay under the smoke even if I have to crawl on the floor. I should also be careful because doors might be hot.
If my family has a safety plan, I should follow the steps in the plan.
When firefighters get there, there will be loud sirens.
The firefighters will use their tools and water to put out the fire.
The firefighters’ helmets might make their voices sound scary, but if they’re talking to me I should listen.
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During heavy rains, flooding can happen very fast. So it is important to be prepared.
If flooding is expected and you live in a low area like canyon, try to go to high ground.
If you leave your home, try to seal any barriers or cracks before you go.
If traveling, don’t cross streams or water on foot or in a car. If your car stops working, leave it and find a safe place to wait.
Be extra careful at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
It also helps to know common terms. “Flood watch” means flooding may occur and “flood warning” means there is actual flooding.
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If a thunderstorm is likely in your area you should not go outside.
If you don’t have time to get inside, look for shelter like a car or shed to stand in.
If you are outdoors, avoid anything tall that could get struck by lightning, open areas, anything metal or bodies of water.
Remove things outside your home that could cause damage. These could be dead tree limbs or outdoor furniture that could fly away in the wind.
If you are inside avoid taking a shower or bath and unplug electrical items to prevent power surges.
To be safe it helps to know common terms. A “thunderstorm watch” means there might be a storm and a “warning” means there is one or one is coming.
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If you are expecting extreme heat in your area, check to see if your home’s fans or air conditioning are working.
You can add towels around your doors and windows to keep the cool air inside.
Cover windows that receive a lot of sun with drapes or shades to keep rooms from getting hot.
Drink plenty of water and avoid salty foods.
Try to stay in air conditioning or on the lowest floor of a building.
Wear loose, lightweight clothes and wear a hat that will protect your face from the sun.
Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles.
If you start to feel body cramps or exhaustion, go to a cool area and drink water or a sports drink.
If you have to work outside, try to have someone with you so you can help each other if needed.
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If a strong weather storm comes through your area, you may lose electric power at home.
If you think your power may go out, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
Charge your cell phone and make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked.
Add containers of ice to your fridge and freezer to help keep food cold.
If you lose power, limit opening your fridge and freezer doors to keep the cold air inside.
Unplug electric appliances in case of a power surge.
If it’s hot and you can’t leave your home, drink lots of water and wear loose, light-colored clothes.
If it’s cold and you can’t leave your home, wear layers of warm clothes. Be very careful if you also use a fire or candle to stay warm.
When power comes back on, throw out food or medicine that spoiled. Food may be spoiled if it has an unusual smell, color or texture.
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Other downloads
| Name | Description | Type | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparing for Winter Weather Social Story | This social story explains how to prepare for a winter weather storm emergency and what to do if a storm comes to your area. | Download file: Preparing for Winter Weather Social Story | |
| Being Prepared for a Fire Social Story | This social story explains how to prepare for a fire emergency and what to do if you experience one. | Download file: Being Prepared for a Fire Social Story | |
| Preparing for a Flood Social Story | This social story explains how to prepare for a flooding emergency and what to do if there is flooding in your area. | Download file: Preparing for a Flood Social Story | |
| Preparing for Thunder and Lightning Social Story | This social story explains how to prepare for a thunder and lightning storm and what to do if a storm comes to your area. | Download file: Preparing for Thunder and Lightning Social Story | |
| Preparing for Extreme Heat Social Story | This social story explains how to prepare for extremely hot weather and how to best manage it when it happens. | Download file: Preparing for Extreme Heat Social Story | |
| Being Prepared for a Power Outage Social Story | This social story explains how to prepare for the power going out in your home or area, what to do when it goes out, and what to do when it comes back on. | Download file: Being Prepared for a Power Outage Social Story |
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.