TransparencyStaying safe in winter weather
Winter weather can bring extreme cold, snow, ice, power outages, and travel disruptions that may affect health and safety. Preparing ahead of time can help clients, families, and caregivers stay safe before, during, and after winter storms. Make sure your home is ready by planning for possible power outages, using heating equipment safely, and installing working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Never use ovens, gas stoves, or grills to heat your home.
Warming Center
Looking for a place to warm up during extreme cold weather? The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has compiled a list of warming centers and local resources across the state. Click this link to find available warming centers and support services in your county.
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, visit California OES Wireless Emergency Alerts.
County websites:
Blue Envelope Program
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office has teamed up with Alta California Regional Center to launch the Blue Envelope Program, which is used to enhance communication between law enforcement and neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism, dementia, anxiety, or other cognitive conditions.
This voluntary initiative provides free, easily recognizable tools such as blue envelopes, lanyards, wristbands, and seatbelt covers that signal to officers that a person may require additional support during interactions.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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