Let’s Shake Together: Safety Through Emergency Preparedness
The Community Living Campaign is stepping up our efforts around Emergency Preparedness. The past couple of years have been marked by one threat after another – some immediate and some existing but growing in impact – such as:
- Continuing health risks of COVID and the isolation it is fostering
- Increasing number of days with heat alerts
- Increasing number of days with bad air alerts from nearby forest fires
- Increased likelihood of a major earthquake
- Continuing fears around attacks on people of color
- The slow pace of efforts to bridge the digital divide for older adults and people with disabilities at the same time health care and access to other services have moved online
We are building on the expertise and materials developed over the past few years, but some new staff and resources are being developed. Throughout, we leverage peer-to-peer networks to engage those at risk in their communities to establish and implement preparedness strategies tailored to their communities.
Plan Ahead
When disaster strikes, we come together to help each other. Getting prepared is about knowing your neighbors, saying hi to the regulars at the local market, and staying in touch with family and friends—both digitally and in person. Visit SF72 for tips and start creating your own plan.
Start Simple with the Vial of Life
The Community Living Campaign (CLC) and the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) are working together to help spread the word about a simple way to provide critical information to paramedics and other health professionals in an emergency.
Get more info and download the Vial of Life form.
Mobilize through CLC Programs
Build Neighborhood Networks – in person and online
CLC has a couple of programs that offer online and in person activities for participants to meet their neighbors and learn about emergency preparedness from staff and guest presenters. Learn more about our Networks:
Community Connector Program
Food Delivery Networks
Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Vision and/or Hearing Loss
CLC has worked with the California Alliance to develop and distribute information about Emergency Preparedness with a focus on readiness for people with disabilities. Download now (in the image to the left). Our Access and Inclusion Program is a disability-friendly resource within CLC.
Emergency Awareness
Our SF ReServe Program is launching a new effort to recruit seniors and people living with disabilities to serve their community through part-time paid employment. This year, in addition to the core program, we are focused on hiring trainers to help connect individuals with Emergency services and support. To learn more about the program, contact eprep@sfcommunityliving.org or call 415-821-1003, extension 133
Be Prepared through Tech
Our Neighborhood Tech Connect Program host workshops for iPhone and android phone users about how to make your phone a ready helper in an emergency. Find out about our tech classes here: https://sfcommunityliving.org/learn-skills/computer-training/
We are working with United Way of the Bay Area to launch a new outreach effort around emergency preparedness, using the MyShake app: https://myshake.berkeley.edu/.
You can learn more here and then sign up for one of our emergency preparedness sessions.
New Emergency Preparedness Flyers!
Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared is key to staying safe. That’s why our emergency preparedness team has redesigned its “Emergency Preparedness for Seniors & People with Disabilities” flyer to make it more user-friendly and accessible. Plus, it’s now available in four languages: English, Spanish, Cantonese, Russian, and Tagalog.
The updated flyer features:
- Clear and engaging writing to make the information easy to understand.
- A vibrant color scheme and eye-catching art to highlight key points.
The flyer covers important emergency preparedness topics, including:
- Planning ahead: Steps to ensure you’re ready for any emergency.
- The 72-hour rule for supply kits: What to include and why it matters.
- Making an evacuation plan: How to create a plan tailored to your needs.
- Earthquake safety: Tips to stay safe during and after an earthquake.
- Keeping a Vial of Life form: Why having your medical information ready is critical.
- Preparing for smoke and heat emergencies: Strategies to protect yourself in extreme conditions.
Collaboration Is Key
CLC will continue to work with others who are reaching out as well to help community members.