Miramar Unveils 'Ready, Set Backpack' to Help Autistic Children During Hurricanes

The customized emergency kits aim to reduce stress and provide comfort for families with autistic children during natural disasters.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A vast, majestic landscape painting depicting a hurricane-force storm system sweeping across a coastal region, with dramatic clouds, turbulent seas, and atmospheric lighting that dwarfs any physical structures or human figures caught in the scene.The 'Ready, Set Backpack' program aims to provide comfort and security for autistic children facing the overwhelming scale of a hurricane emergency.Pembroke Park Today

The city of Miramar, Florida is introducing a new 'Ready, Set Backpack' program to help families with autistic children prepare for and cope with the challenges of hurricane emergencies. The backpacks are customized based on each child's sensory needs and can include items like weighted toys, noise-canceling headphones, and communication boards to provide comfort and familiarity during stressful situations like crowded hurricane shelters.

Why it matters

Emergencies and natural disasters can be especially difficult for children and adults on the autism spectrum, who may experience sensory overload, meltdowns, or difficulty transitioning in unfamiliar environments. The 'Ready, Set Backpack' program aims to address these challenges and ensure autistic individuals have the tools they need to stay calm and comfortable during hurricane season.

The details

The 'Ready, Set Backpack' program was created by local advocates Betsy Germain Evans and Kathy Rodriguez, both of whom have children on the autism spectrum. The customized backpacks contain items tailored to each child's sensory profile, such as weighted toys, lavender-scented plushies, and portable tents to provide a calming personal space. The backpacks are designed to help autistic individuals transition smoothly and reduce stress during emergencies like hurricane evacuations and shelters.

  • The 'Ready, Set Backpack' program will be introduced at a free emergency preparedness workshop on Monday, April 6, 2026 in Miramar.
  • Hurricane season in Florida typically runs from June 1 to November 30 each year.

The players

Betsy Germain Evans

An advocate for the neurodivergent community who has a daughter diagnosed with autism and co-created the 'Ready, Set Backpack' program.

Kathy Rodriguez

A parent raising a child on the autism spectrum who co-created the 'Ready, Set Backpack' program with Betsy Germain Evans.

Maxwell Chambers

A Miramar city commissioner who is spearheading the safety workshop to introduce the 'Ready, Set Backpack' program to the community.

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What they’re saying

“It can trigger them to experience a meltdown or may experience issues transitioning from one place to another, one activity to another.”

— Betsy Germain Evans, Advocate for the neurodivergent community

“This child loves the smell of lavender, so this plushie right here has a lavender smell. When he smells it, it's something familiar and brings him comfort.”

— Betsy Germain Evans, Advocate for the neurodivergent community

“These young ladies come together after experiencing issues with their own children to give back free information to our community -- that's a tremendous blessing.”

— Maxwell Chambers, Miramar City Commissioner

What’s next

The free emergency preparedness workshop featuring the 'Ready, Set Backpack' program will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Miramar Commission Chambers. A representative from the National Hurricane Center will also be present to answer questions.

The takeaway

The 'Ready, Set Backpack' program demonstrates how communities can proactively support families with autistic children during natural disasters, providing customized tools and resources to help reduce stress and ensure a smoother transition during emergencies.