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Today's episode is all about preparing for emergencies - whether it's hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or any other unexpected events. We'll be sharing practical packing lists and planning strategies that can truly make a difference when disaster strikes.

We'll discuss the importance of planning on calm days and how these strategies can even be useful for vacations. I'll also introduce a unique fire-safety plan required for homeschooling families in Pennsylvania, which includes activities like visiting a firehouse and practicing ladder escapes.

A key focus of this episode is using a sensory lens in emergency planning. We'll explore how to consider sensory sensitivities and create a sensory safe evacuation planner tailored for your family. And good news – there's a no-cost planner available to guide you through your evacuation process.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Planner designed to empower individuals for different obstacles during emergencies
• Importance of planning on calm days
• Strategies can also be useful for vacations
• Fire-safety plan required in Pennsylvania for homeschooling
• Sensory Considerations in Planning
• Incorporating a sensory lens when planning
• Impact of sensory sensitivities during emergencies
• Development of the Brain Executive Program
• Explains sensory modulation and sensory processing challenges to kids
• Book: "How to be a Brain Executive and Get Sensory Sharp"
• Planning with Sensory Sensitivities in Mind
• Katie's work in translating sensory processing science to everyday life
• Creation of a sensory-safe evacuation planner
• Katie's emphasis on understanding sensory characteristics
• Seeking help from occupational therapists
• Practical Implementation Suggestions
• Sarah's insights and suggestions for observing children's sensory needs
• Addressing sensory challenges during evacuation
• Mitigating stress through early planning
• Planning and Training for Emergencies
• Importance of repetitive training and preparation
• Planning for children with motor planning challenges
• Stressing the significance of safety and its role in seeking OT services
• Need for addressing anxiety or difficulties discussing emergencies with children
• Benefit of a child-oriented version of the emergency preparedness planner

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Board Game Suggestions to Teach Executive Functioning
• Executive Functioning Focus Group
• Episode 10: Streamlining Your Space: Organizing for Better Executive Functioning
• Emergency Kit Checklist for Families with Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
• Emergency Preparedness for Families with Special Needs Children
• Preparedness Tips for Sensory-Intense Environments: How to Help Your Children