TransparencyMake a Splash Safely This Summer ️
Summer is the perfect time to cool off and enjoy pools, lakes, rivers, and other water activities with family and friends. While water can provide fun, relaxation, and valuable sensory experiences to individuals with disabilities, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, making active supervision, water safety education, and preparation essential for everyone.
Summer Safety Starts with Small Steps
Summer in Alta California Regional Center’s (ACRC) service area brings plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure, but it can also bring extreme heat, wildfire risk, poor air quality, power outages, and other seasonal hazards. The California Department of Developmental Services’ (DDS) Emergency Preparedness Bulletin reminds us that staying safe doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes taking one simple step, like signing up for local emergency alerts or knowing where your nearest cooling center is located, can make a big difference.
Cooling Center
Looking for a safe place to cool off during extreme heat? The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has compiled a list of cooling centers and local resources across the state. Click this link to find open cooling centers, heat safety tips, 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.
Client Emergency ID Card
This Client Emergency ID Card is designed to help clients quickly communicate important information during interactions with law enforcement or emergency personnel. The card can be kept in your wallet or in your pocket, and alert responders that either you, or someone you know, is served by Alta California Regional Center. If you are someone who gets overwhelmed or has trouble communicating during interactions with local jurisdictions, download the ID Card, print, and write down your primary emergency contact on your card to receive supplemental assistance or legal help.
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