September is National Preparedness Month!
California State Council on Developmental Disabilities has compiled the following list of useful resources from our state and national partners for people with disabilities, older adults, and others who may need help when planning for emergencies.
- American Red Cross – Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/inclusive-preparedness-resources.html
- Cal OES: Planning & Preparedness Branch develops and maintains state-level emergency plans and planning guidance for state and local agencies.
https://www.caloes.ca.gov/office-of-the-director/operations/planning-preparedness-prevention/planning-preparedness/ - Disability Disaster Access & Resources Directory: For people that rely on power to operate life-sustaining medical devices your local independent living center may be able to assist you with costs associated with: Accessible transportation, short-term housing support during the public safety power shutoff, or a loaner back-up battery system. https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/get-services/
- Disaster Distress Helpline – 1-800-985-5990: An around-the-clock, toll-free, multilingual, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to natural and human-made emergencies.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline - Earthquake Country Alliance: Includes an 8-page preparedness guide and videos for people with disabilities and other access or functional needs.
- Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery-Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices: https://adata.org/factsheet/emergency-power
- Fire Safety Outreach Materials for People with Disabilities: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/disabilities.html
- Listos California – Disaster preparedness resources for every situation in multiple languages:
https://www.listoscalifornia.org/resources/ - Medical Baseline Program – an assistance program for residential customers who have special energy needs due to qualifying medical conditions. The program includes two different kinds of help: A lower rate on your monthly energy bill and extra notifications in advance of a Public Safety Power Shutoff. Contact your utility for more details:
Pacific Gas and Electric (PGE) - Ready.gov https://www.ready.gov/disability is a helpful source to help you create the following:
- A fillable family communication plan:
https://www.ready.gov/plan - How to build an emergency kit:
https://www.ready.gov/kit - Get Tech Ready: https://www.ready.gov/get-tech-ready
- A fillable family communication plan:
- Rx Open is an online, interactive map of pharmacies that are open during or following an emergency or natural disaster in their area. https://www.rxopen.org/