TransparencyHow to Stay Safe During Warm Weather
There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Stay safe from heat-related illness this season by following these simple tips
Preparing for the Spring Season
As we welcome the arrival of spring, it’s important to prioritize safety and preparedness for unexpected events. Start by refreshing your emergency kit—check for expired food, medications, and batteries, and replace them with fresh supplies to ensure they’re ready when needed. Regularly test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries twice a year—ideally during daylight saving time changes—and consider upgrading units older than ten years.
Communication Cards
In times of disaster, clear communication is crucial—especially for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or nonverbal. These Disaster Communication Cards provide a simple yet effective way to help bridge communication gaps during emergencies.
Client Emergency ID Cards
ACRC Client Emergency ID Cards can be printed and carried by individuals served by Alta California Regional Center to be shown to emergency providers and/or law enforcement in the event of an emergency.
Emergency and Safety ASL Signs
In an emergency, knowing ASL signs to communicate important information is imperative! You can learn signs for words like “ambulance,” “help you,” and more with this Emergency and Safety ASL signs guide. Click the pictures or scan the QR code to access a video tutorial for each sign.
Office of Emergency Services
In emergency situations, knowing your local Office of Emergency Services (OES) is important! Visit your county’s OES website to find further information on disaster preparedness resources in your area. Sign up to receive emergency alerts according to your county.
County websites:
Feeling Safe, Being Safe
Training by the Department of Developmental Services
Emergency Preparedness planning is essential to minimizing the impacts of disasters on communities and individuals. Most people do not think about how a disaster could affect their lives, so they are often unprepared to deal with a community emergency. Feeling Safe, Being Safe provides tools and instructions that are used easily to create a personal plan and be better prepared.
The Department of Developmental Services created videos that serve as informational guides for Feeling Safe, Being Safe:
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and PG&E
Severe weather, such as high winds, can cause trees or debris to damage equipment. If there is dry vegetation, this could lead to a wildfire. That’s why PG&E may need to turn power off to keep you safe. This temporary outage is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Project S.A.F.E.E.
Self-Advocates for Emergency Education
Project Self-Advocates for Emergency Education (S.A.F.E.E) is organized by self-advocates committed and responsible to create positive change in the world of emergency education. They build social awareness for individuals who have developmental disabilities and make a difference in our community. Review their presentation for information on emergency preparedness.
Red Cross Wildfire Pre-Planning and Evacuation Training
The Red Cross Wildfire Pre-Planning and Evacuation training took place May 2023 and June 2023 in partnerships with other organizations including Department of Developmental Services and the 21 regional centers. Below you will find links to the presentation slides, materials and Frequently Asked Questions.
Red Cross
Wildfire Pre-Planning and Evacuation Training
California's Adult Residential Facility Guide to Wildfire Evacuation
Wildfire Evacuation Conversation Starter for Staff and Individuals Served
Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness for Residential Facility Staff
Red Cross Wildfire Pre-Planning and Evacuation Training FAQs
Wildfire Evacuation Preparedness for Residential Facility Staff
Preparing for High Winds
As drought continues throughout Northern California, dry
conditions along with severe
weather may cause fires, downed powerlines, and
destruction of property. With little rain recently, high winds
and gusts are a threat when conditions are dry. Stay prepared for
high wind events by planning, being aware of your surroundings,
and reporting down powerlines/outages. PSPS (Public Safety Power
Shutoff) events are unlikely during times in the winter but with
our current dry conditions it is always a good idea to stay
prepared.
Disaster Preparedness
Public Safety Power Shutoff, Power Outages, Flooding, and Mudslides
As we transition into more high wind weather conditions, it is best to be prepared for power outages. Fall weather includes high wind gusts and dry climates which leads to Red Flag Warnings - warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Red flag warnings may lead to Public Safety Power Shutoff or PSPS.
Emergency Notification System by County
You can receive emergency notifications by signing up directly for each counties’ website:
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and PG&E Resources
Severe weather, such as high winds, can cause trees or debris to damage equipment. If there is dry vegetation, this could lead to a wildfire. That’s why PG&E may need to turn power off to keep you safe. This temporary outage is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Resources are available for you to help you prepare and respond for a PSPS: