NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's National Preparedness Month, and this year the deaf and blind community in Tennessee are getting specialized Go-Kits to help them be prepared in any situation.
"Disasters can happen to anyone, but when you have a disability sometimes the chaos needs a little more preparation," Kevin Wright, Assisstant Commissioner of the Department of Human Services — division of rehabilitation services — said.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Human Services to give out the kits. Each kit has a weather radio, a pillow shaker, a flasher strobe light, a family First Aid Kit and a braille card with all the items in the kit for those who can't see.
There are 300 being given out across the state at 10 different TDHS Vocational Rehabilitation locations.
"As we face multiple threats in Tennessee, whether it be tornado, wildfire, making sure everybody is safe, everybody has a plan, everyone has multiple ways to get information is a huge deal to us to keep people safe as well as their families," Alex Pellom, Chief of Staff at Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, said.
If you want to learn more or find out where to get a Go-Kit, visit the website.
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That’s how one neighbor at Stones River Manor in Murfreesboro describes Tennie Fitzpatrick, who has mastered as many as seven different musical instruments. Each day, Tennie shares those talents with residents, workers and visitors. It’s an ability Tennie herself believes is “a gift from God.” That’s because Tennie is blind, and overcame a difficult, abusive childhood. Forrest Sanders shares this truly inspirational story.
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