Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness resources are critical for all Californians but especially for individuals with disabilities and older adults who are often disproportionally impacted during disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, drought, and other natural disasters.

In collaboration with California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and other State and Federal partners, the Department of Rehabilitation is committed to the safety of all Californians with disabilities.

The following resources can help you and your family prepare in the event of a disaster.

Heat Wave Emergency Resources

California and the rest of the Western Region face heatwaves in summer that put extreme pressure on our energy grid and older adults, people with certain disabilities, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Widespread and long-duration heatwaves can include temperatures ranging from the high 90s to 110+ degrees across the Central Valley, while inland areas of southern California sometimes range from 100 to 120 degrees, even hotter near Death Valley.

These temperatures are dangerous for a large segment of the population. Extreme heat significantly increases the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for older adults, children under four, people with existing medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning.

To avoid electricity shortages and to keep everyone cool (and with needed power), states like California are asking residents to reduce energy usage to prevent service interruptions. Consumers have delivered considerable conservation levels during the past few years, and every bit of conservation helps.

During heat waves, it’s especially important to limit energy usage from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on high heat days. These are considered peak hours when many households return home from school and work and turn up air conditioning and use major appliances. Limiting the use of energy and intensive technology during these peak hours is critical. A good strategy is to "over cool" your home overnight and in the morning so that it stays cool all day, but you use less energy during peak hours.

There are four simple ways to help keep your family and community safe this summer:

  1. Stay Cool (During the Hottest Times of the Day)

    • If you are getting too hot, take a short, cool shower and stay in an air-conditioned area.
    • Those without air conditioning should check with their city or county for cooling centers or visit public locations such as a library or shopping mall.
    • Avoid physical exertion or exercising outdoors.
    • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose clothing, and when outside, wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

  2. Stay Hydrated

    • Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Make water your go-to drink. Drink water early … and often.
    • Drink sports drinks (in moderation with water) to help replace electrolytes lost during exercise.
    • Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
    • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

  3. Stay Connected

    • Check on each other, especially those at high risk of heat-related illness including infants and young children, people 65 years of age or older, individuals with chronic illness, disabilities or who are pregnant.
    • Use a buddy system when working in the heat.

  4. Stay Informed

    • Check your local news for weather forecasts, extreme heat alerts, and cooling center information.
    • Know the warning signs of heat-related illness (Heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, fatigue, light headedness or dizziness). If you feel any of these symptoms, move to a cooler location immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Additional Information

Check out California Department of Aging (CDA), California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)

Resources

2024 Winter Storm Resources

As California prepares for winter storms, it is important for people with disabilities, older adults, family members, and caregivers, to prepare for the potential for power outages, flooding, and other impacts due to wind, rain, and snow. Make sure to sign up for local emergency alerts, make an emergency plan, and be prepared to check in with family, friends, and neighbors who might be impacted by the storms.

The California Department of Rehabilitation partners with a statewide network of Independent Living Centers (ILC) which provide services for people with disabilities. ILCs provide information and referral, peer counseling and support, individualized advocacy, and during emergency events can coordinate emergency preparedness, emergency assistive technology devices and equipment, and transition services from temporary shelter. You can locate your local ILC through the Find a Service feature on DOR’s website.

The Disability Disaster Access and Resource Program (DDAR) provides support to individuals who depend on electricity for health, safety, and independence. This includes individuals who rely on power to operate life-sustaining medical devices such as CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen, communication devices, and power wheelchairs. Individuals can apply online or by contacting their local DDAR Center.

Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities

The Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities was developed through a partnership between the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR).

This guide describes actions and considerations that individuals with disabilities can use to increase preparedness before, during, and after disasters.

Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities - English (PDF)

Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities in alternate languages:

Federal and State Level Partners

  1. Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Access and Functional Needs Division

    State Resources, Guides and Preparedness Tips specifically designed for people with disabilities.

    Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) Access and Functional Needs Division

  2. Ready America

    Launched in February 2003, Ready America is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.

    Ready America

  3. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

    Federal Resources, Guides and Preparedness Tips.

    Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

  4. Earthquake.ca.gov

    Federal Resources, Guides and Preparedness Tips.

    Earthquake.ca.gov

  5. MyHazards

    MyHazards is a tool for the general public to discover hazards in their area (earthquake, flood, fire, and tsunami) and learn steps to reduce personal risk. Using the MyHazards tool, users may enter an address, city, zip code, or may select a location from a map. The map targets the location, and allows users to zoom and scroll to their desired view. The screen then presents information on the risks identified within the search radius, and recommended actions.

    MyHazards

  6. Listos California

    Listos California has worked with communities across the state to boost resiliency, provide new accessible in-language information and advance a new culture of disaster preparedness. Anchored at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Listos California reached nearly 4 million people with low incomes, disabilities and language barriers, older adults, and other highly vulnerable Californians from 2019 – 2021.

    Listos California

  7. Disability Disaster Access & Resources

    The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers works with a network of Independent Living Centers throughout the State to offer resources to individuals with disabilities to prepare for disasters, including during power shut-off events. They are also proud to lead the statewide Disability Disaster Strategies Coalition. The coalition provides a space for individuals with and without disabilities who provide disaster and emergency programs, services, and supports to disabled people and those with access and functional needs before, during and after a disaster.

    Disability Disaster Access & Resources

Drought Resources

  1. Save our Water

    Save Our Water is a statewide, water conservation program created in 2009 by the Association of California Water Agencies and the California Department of Water Resources. The program’s goal is to make water conservation a daily habit among Californians.

    Save our Water

  2. Household Water Supply Shortage Reporting System

    This site is for Californians experiencing problems with their private (self-managed) household water supply (not for residents served by a public water system already regulated by the State). If you or a consumer is being impacted by household water shortages, report your water supply shortage in a few easy steps and find available resources.

    Household Water Supply Shortage Reporting System

  3. Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

    The new federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) will provide financial assistance to low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs. Established by Congress in December 2020, this federally funded program will help low-income households pay down their outstanding water bills. California has been allocated $116 million in one-time funding to provide LIHWAP assistance.

    Low Income Household Water Assistance Program

  4. California Drought Action

    A statewide resource for news, information and tips on drought prevention.

    California Drought Action

  5. Water Resilience Portfolio

    California’s roadmap to building water resilience through a diverse set of actions that will prepare our water systems to support our growing state in a warmer, more variable climate.

    Water Resilience Portfolio