TransparencyExtreme Heat and Wildfire Safety Bulletin
Preparing for the unexpected is your best defense against extreme heat and wildfire emergencies during the summer months. Knowing what to do before an emergency occurs allows you to respond quickly. Do not be caught unprepared. Plan today! Access the Department of Developmental Services bulletin on Extreme Heat and Wildfire Safety.
Access the bulletin in multiple languages:
How to Stay Safe During Warm Weather
There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Stay safe from heat-related illness this season by following these simple tips
Cooling Centers
As high temperatures impact Californians across the state, many regions will be experiencing triple-digit weather during the summer season. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and its local partners encourage Californians to seek out cooling centers during this period of extreme heat. Learn about cooling centers by county on the Cal OES website.
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.
County websites:
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:
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and PG&E
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).
Project S.A.F.E.E.
Self-Advocates for Emergency Education
Project Self-Advocates for Emergency Education (S.A.F.E.E) is organized by self-advocates committed and responsible to create positive change in the world of emergency education. They build social awareness for individuals who have developmental disabilities and make a difference in our community. Review their presentation for information on emergency preparedness.
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
Preparing for High Winds
As drought continues throughout Northern California, dry
conditions along with severe
weather may cause fires, downed powerlines, and
destruction of property. With little rain recently, high winds
and gusts are a threat when conditions are dry. Stay prepared for
high wind events by planning, being aware of your surroundings,
and reporting down powerlines/outages. PSPS (Public Safety Power
Shutoff) events are unlikely during times in the winter but with
our current dry conditions it is always a good idea to stay
prepared.
Disaster Preparedness
Public Safety Power Shutoff, Power Outages, Flooding, and Mudslides
As we transition into more high wind weather conditions, it is best to be prepared for power outages. Fall weather includes high wind gusts and dry climates which leads to Red Flag Warnings - warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. Red flag warnings may lead to Public Safety Power Shutoff or PSPS.
Emergency Notification System by County
You can receive emergency notifications by signing up directly for each counties’ website:
PG&E Resources
Public Safety Power Shutoff:
When there’s increased wildfire risk, PG&E may need to turn off power for safety. This is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Resources Are Available For You