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.
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.
-
Check out the California Health & Human Services (CalHHS) Emergency Resource Guide for information on how to prepare and available resources.
-
The Emergency Preparedness Guide/Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities is available in multiple languages and includes information and emergency preparedness tips for individuals with specific types of disabilities.
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
-
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
-
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.
-
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Federal Resources, Guides and Preparedness Tips.
-
Earthquake.ca.gov
Federal Resources, Guides and Preparedness Tips.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Drought Resources
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
California Drought Action
A statewide resource for news, information and tips on drought prevention.
-
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.