Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Resource Guide

There are several resources that older Californians can access or that you can use to assist your customers with disaster preparation and response. The following is a list of disaster preparation and response resources available through the California Office of Emergency Services the Red Cross, Public Utilities Commission, the Department of Community Services and Development, and the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

image of emergency supplies including first aid kit, batteries, water bottles, radio, lantern, and backpack
LISTOS California Resources

LISTOS California Emergency Preparedness Campaign readies Californians for disasters like wildfires, earthquakes and floods, and pandemics like COVID-19. They have several valuable resources available to assist older adults with preparing older adults with for emergency events.

LISTOS California’s website provides several resources for individuals and community providers to prepare for emergencies. These resources include disaster preparedness text messages, safety and survival tutorials, disaster preparedness training tools and materials, a disaster preparedness toolkit, and social media toolkit. The Disaster Ready Guide toolkit includes five key steps that everyone should take to prepare for an emergency, as illustrated in the graphic below. The social media toolkit includes sample graphics, videos, and messages with simple one-click posting to share to your social media channels. Please visit the Get Prepared and Prepare Your Community sections of Listos California’s website to access these resources.

Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Guide for Older Adults

The Red Cross Disaster Preparedness for Seniors by Seniors Guide was prepared by older adults at the Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross. The guide contains important steps, tips, tools, and detailed actions that older adults can take to prepare for a disaster event.

Response.ca.gov - One-Stop Website for Emergency Incident Resources

Response.ca.gov is a one-stop website for information about shelters, transportation, air quality, and more.

Disability Disaster Access & Resources

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers recently launched Disability Disaster Access & Resources The program assists people with disabilities and older adults with access and functional needs prepare for a disaster through personalized emergency planning support, preparedness training, and securing resources and supports for those who use assistive technology and/or durable medical equipment such as a powered wheelchair, bed, communication device, oxygen machine or CPAP during a utility Public Safety Power Shutoff.

If you or someone you know has been evacuated or lost your assistive technology or durable medical equipment due to a fire, you may qualify to have it replaced through the Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund. To learn more about the program, connect with a local center, or apply for relief, visit Disability Disaster Access & Resources or call (800) 390-2699.

Wildfire Resources

Image of fire and smoke behind a row of houses in a neighborhood
Cal Alerts

Cal Alerts is a system where you can sign up to receive alerts about emergency situations that arise in your county. The types of alerts (text, e-mail, voicemail) vary by county.

CAL FIRE Incidents Updates

For the latest updates on all major wildfire incidents currently in progress throughout the state.

Extreme Heat Resources

image of a mercury thermometer reading 106 degrees in front of a bright sun on a burnt orange background
Cooling Centers

Cooling centers can provide a place for you and your family to go to cool down during hot summer days.

Flex Alerts

On extreme heat days, be prepared to reduce your energy use. Sign up to receive Flex Alerts, which alert consumers when voluntary energy conservation are necessary to avoid blackouts.

Resources for Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

Various resources and tips.

Energy and Water Rate Assistance Resources

Close up image of a rusted metal water faucet with a few drops of water falling from the spout

This section provides information about various programs designed to assist eligible Californians pay their energy and water bills.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Provides assistance to eligible households with the goal of managing and meeting their immediate home heating and/or cooling needs.

The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)

Provides eligible Californians a 30-35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)

Offers an 18% discount on electricity bills if household income slightly exceeds the CARE allowances.

The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program

Offers free financial assistance to landlords and renters who need help with unpaid or future rent or utilities.

The California Public Utilities Commission Programs

Depending on your household income, you may qualify for a discount on your water services. If your water service is about to be shut-off, you may be able to arrange a bill-payment plan.

Evacuation Resources

Image of a line of cars and a sign that reads evacuation route.

This section includes links to resources and information for individuals that are at risk of or currently under evacuation orders.

CAL FIRE Evacuation Tips

Cooling centers can provide a place for you and your family to go to cool down during hot summer days.

Flex Alerts

CAL FIRE provides information on the process and tips to safely evacuate during a disaster event.

Per CAL FIRE guidance, if an area is evacuated due to wildfires, individuals are to immediately evacuate. Evacuating is always safer than remaining home during COVID-19. If an individual waits until the last minute to evacuate, the roads may have heavy traffic and road conditions may be dangerous. Blowing embers and debris from the fire may make it hard to see. While traveling in a vehicle, keep windows shut to protect against smoke inhalation.