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.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
