Page: Disaster

Emergency & Disaster Preparation

Archive – ARC – Preparing for Disaster During COVID-19

Disasters can cause sudden challenges like knocking out power, blocking roads, disrupting the response of emergency services, and causing stores and pharmacies to close for an extended period. COVID-19 adds to this complexity. Prepare now so that you have critical skills and can meet your basic needs. Key Words: American Red Cross Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese |
Simplified Chinese |
Traditional Chinese |
Korean |
Tagalog |
Arabic |
French |
Haitian |

Inclusive emergency Response – Immigrants Essential and Vulnerable in San José

8/7/20 New research from New American Economy (NAE) released today in partnership with the City of San José highlights how immigrants are both essential to San José’s rapid response efforts and especially vulnerable due to gaps in federal relief packages, language access barriers, and increased risks of infection associated with frontline and essential work.
San José is one of twelve recipients of NAE research to inform culturally sensitive emergency response measures that ensure all residents are included, regardless of immigration status. Key Words: COVID-19, Coronavirus, Disaster, undocumented

Nonprofit Insurance Alliance

NIA is a 501(c)3 serving over 20,000 nonprofit organizations in 32 states and the District of Columbia rely on us for their liability and property insurance. These nonprofits include animal rescues, children’s programs, group homes, senior organizations, art programs, food banks, community groups, foster family agencies and many others. These organizations are essential to the health of the communities they serve. Key Words: Disaster

Safety Planning During COVID-19: Tips From Domestic Violence Survivors For Survivors

The Safety Planning Guide was created by members of Sanctuary’s Survivor Leadership program and has been reviewed by multiple clinicians. The guide draws from survivors’ and clinicians’ expertise, as well as from safety planning models from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Sanctuary for Families, and Love is Respect. DV Planning Handout En
Multi-language:
Spanish
| French
| German
| Arabic
| Korean
Korean

American Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC)

VFAC is an Integrated Condolence Care Program for families and communities who have suffered loss of loved ones, and who have experienced a disrupted grief process due to restrictions related to COVID-19. Grieving is always difficult, and we recognize the Coronavirus pandemic creates additional challenges and needs. This VFAC offers information and resources that we hope will be helpful during this difficult time.
Note: We will add new resources to this page as we become aware of them. If you have ideas for additions, please contact us at CondolenceCare@redcross.org.
(Pagina en español)
Mlti-language: Spanish

Listos California

The Listos California Emergency Preparedness Campaign is an effort based on an investment of public funds by Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers, to ready our most vulnerable populations for disasters like wildfires, earthquakes and floods, and now public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. before disasters strike. Anchored at the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
Multi-language: Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean

Union Plus Benefits

Union Privilege is a nonprofit organization founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986 to provide benefit programs exclusively to union members (current and retired) and their families.
We pass along the exclusive benefits we’ve negotiated on behalf of union members directly to you. Also Disaster Relief Grants, Mortgage Assistance, Advocacy, and more. These benefits and programs are FREE to union members and their families. There’s no membership “if you’re a current or retired union member or a family member ” you’re in.

PG&E  Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

If severe weather threatens a portion of the electric system, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity for several days, in the interest of public safety. Enroll in the Medical Baseline
program if you rely on power for medical needs to receive extra notifications in advance of a PSPS and a lower monthly rate.
Multi-language:
Spanish
Vietnamese
Chinese
Tagalog
Korean
Russian
Key Words: Access and Functional Needs, AFN, Special Needs, Disaster

Disaster Legal Services (DLS)

DLS provides confidential free legal assistance to low-income survivors who were directly affected by the Presidentially declared major disaster, meet the definition of low-income, and do not have the means to hire an attorney. Low-income refers to survivors who have insufficient resources to secure adequate legal services, whether the insuffiency existed prior to or resulted from the major disaster. DLS attorneys are volunteers who provide survivors with legal counseling and advice, and when appropriate legal representation for non-fee generating cases; they are not FEMA employees. Any
services or conversations that occur between a survivor and one of the attorneys are confidential and will not be shared with FEMA.

IT Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC)

COVID-19 Update:
The IT Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) is offering pro-bono INTERNET CONNECTIVITY, IT support, and hardware, With social distancing, internet connectivity has becoming even more critical, and we recently launched an effort called projectConnect to provide additional support to communities. Interested parties can contact us at projectconnect@itdrc.org.
Both organizations and individuals are welcome to submit to projectConnect, though we will prioritize communities.. As always, we continue to support EOCs, medical centers, and other responders with our usual IT hardware (e.g. tablets, laptops, and computers), IT support, and internet connectivity as well.

CA Department of Public Health (CDPH) Immigrant Communities Guidance on Public Charge

The CDPH is focused on ensuring all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, are protected from the outbreak and receive appropriate testing and treatment. For families that are concerned about the “public charge” rule, immigration officials have confirmed that they will neither consider testing, treatment, nor preventative care related to COVID-19 as part of a public charge inadmissibility determination, even if provided or paid for by one or more public benefits considered under the rule including Medi-Cal. Key Words:
Multi-language:
English |
Amharic |
Arabic‘ |
Burmese |
Chinese |
French | NAME|
Hiaitian|
Hindi
| Hmong
| Korean
| Spanish
| Tagalog
| Vietnamese

Respond Crisis Translators Network

Amidst the pandemic, our volunteers are mobilizing around the clock to translate in hospitals, detention centers, and anywhere else where language support is needed. If you need help, please let us know and we will be touch ASAP.
We are a network of volunteer translators providing compassionate, effective, and trauma-informed interpretation and translation services for migrants, refugees, anyone experiencing language barriers, Key Word: COVID-19
Multi-language: Spanish |
French |
Kreyòl Ayisyen |
Dari |
Russian |
Ukrainian |
Pashto |
Key Words: SCC Language Access, interprete

CA Senior Hotline

CA has launched a hotline to deliver services and help for older Californians. CALL: 1-833-544-2374. Social isolation is real. During these trying times it’s important to check in with our loved ones. Stay Home. Save Lives. Check In Key Words: COVID-19

Audit: State Disaster Planning Still Ignores Disabled and Limited English Speaking People

12/23/19 The audit focused on the emergency alert, evacuation and shelter plans in place for the California Office of Emergency Services and Ventura, Sonoma and Butte counties ahead of their respective wildfires in 2017 and 2018.
California emergency officials are continuing to overlook the state’s most vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, as they make preparations for inevitable wildfires, floods and other disasters, according to a state audit released this month.
Residents who don’t speak English have been unable to find information in their language. Individuals who use wheelchairs or rely on electricity to power lifesaving equipment have found themselves unable to move and cut off from the outside world, trapped in part, the audit suggests, by state and county leaders’ inability to think ahead for emergencies. Key Words: AFN

CADRE (Collaborating Agencies’ Disaster Relief Effort)

CADRE coordinates organizational preparedness planning in non-disaster times and activates to respond and provide essential services during and after a disaster.
CADRE works with Santa Clara County’s emergency management community to build disaster resilience among service organizations through communication, coordination and preparedness training.
CADRE is the official local Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (VOAD) for SCC under Northern California’s State VOAD. Sign up for the CADRE Connection newsletter and receive emergency preparedness updates on the last Monday of the month. Contact CADREeoc@gmail.com with questions.

MyShake Quake Alert App

10/17/19 For the 30th Anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, the USGS has just released MyShake – a new Shake Alert app for the SF Bay Area. It is now available for download to iOS and Android devices, allows earthquake warning messages to reach Californians statewide, and should give several seconds warning at the beginning of an earthquake.  Possibly enough time to get to a safe place and Drop, Cover and Hold. Key Words: Disaster, emergency, prepared

CA Power Outage and Fire Response Resources

The State of California is providing resources to help Californians impacted by the unique challenges brought on by wildfire and power shutoffs. Information on current wildfires burning in California, Learn about transportation impacts from power shutdowns and wildfires. Air Quality
Find help for health impacts from power shutdowns and wildfire. Resources for vulnerable populations. Resources – Find help from government nonprofits. Help with Shelter, Food, Key Words: Disaster

Sewa Bay Area

Sewa Bay Area is one of the most active Sewa chapters of the international NGO. Activities include Case Management, Serve community projects partnered with local nonprofits, the Lead high school community service program, and a summer mentorship for college students. and disaster relief for the CA fires. Helping families in the SF Bay Area regardless of color gender, race, religion, or national identity. Multi-language: Hindi, Key Words: East Indian, Service, Asian, Volunteer, SCC, CADRE

Replacing Immigration Documents After a Disaster

12/17 It is important to maintain valid immigration documents. Unfortunately, when unexpected natural disasters such as fires, floods, or earthquakes occur, documents may be destroyed or lost. This can leave you unprotected and vulnerable without a way to travel, verify authorization to work, prove U.S. citizenship, identify yourself, or check on pending applications. Below is information on the process to request replacement documents, what evidence you will need to file, and the associated filing fees.

Prepare For Emergencies Now: Information For Older Americans

While each person’s abilities and needs are unique, every individual can take steps to prepare for all kinds of emergencies from fires and floods to potential terrorist attacks. By evaluating your own personal needs and making an emergency plan that fits those needs, you and your loved ones can be better prepared. This guide outlines commonsense measures older Americans can take to start preparing for emergencies before they happen. Key Words: VPOPs, Seniors, Elderly

Multi-language Undocumented Immigrants Disaster Assistance Flyer

2021 You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien to qualify for a grant from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. However, undocumented individuals can apply on behalf of a minor child who is a citizen and has a social security number. FEMA can provide information about obtaining a social security number for a minor child. The minor child must live with the parent/guardian applying on his/her behalf.
Multi-language
Spanish |
Arabic |
Burmese |
Chinese |
French |
Haitian Creole |
Hindi |
German |
Japanese |
Kirundi |
Khmer |
Korean |
Portuguese |
Tagalog |
Serbo-Croatian-Bosnian |
Swahili |
Vietnamese |
Key Words: Undocumented

The Salvation Army SCC

A national faith based organization with multiple social services including Disaster Services, Emergency Financial Assistance, Emergency Shelter, Food, Family Counseling Services, Health Services, Housing and more. Main Santa Clara County offices in San Jose and Gilroy. Spanish Key Words: EAN, Homeless, Disaster, CADRE, SCC

Think Cultural Health

This website features information, continuing education opportunities, resources, and more for health and health care professionals to learn about culturally and linguistically appropriate services, or CLAS. Launched in 2004, Free CE’s e-learning. It covers strategies for providing CLAS during the prepare, respond, and recover phases of a disaster. A Communication Guide will help you and your organization interact more effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse individuals.
Think Cultural Health is sponsored by the Office of Minority Health. Key Words: Cultural Competence, Language Access

Disaster Legal Aid

The goals of this website are:
*to serve as a centralized national resource for legal aid, pro bono and criminal defender attorneys across the country on legal issues related to all types of disasters,
*to recruit and help mobilize pro bono attorneys in the aftermath of a disaster, and
*to provide accurate and timely information on legal issues related to disasters to the low and moderate income public.
This is a collaborative effort of Lone Star Legal Aid, the American Bar Association, the Legal Services Corporation, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association, the Texas Legal Services Center and Pro Bono Net. Multi-language:
Spanish |
Vietnamese

US Vital Records Replacement

Find out how to replace vital documents that have been lost, stolen or destroyed. Key Words: birth certificates, Social Security cards, ID, marriage and divorce certificates, driver’s license, passport, green card (legal permanent resident card), military ID, Medicare, naturalization / citizenship documents, and more. Embassies should be contacted for replacement of documents issued in other countries. Note: If possibly, scan a copy of important records and keep a flash drive in a safe place as backup. Spanish

CA Humanitarian and relief services – AB 2327 Protecting non-citizens in Disaster

2008 Law to protect non-citizens in disasters – Public employees shall assist evacuees and other individuals in securing disaster-related assistance and services without eliciting any information or document that is not strictly necessary to determine eligibility under state and federal laws. Entities providing disaster-related services and assistance shall strive to ensure that all victims receive the assistance that they need and for which they are eligible. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent public employees from taking reasonable steps to protect the health or safety of evacuees and other individuals during an emergency.
Individuals fleeing a disaster or coping with emergency circumstances commonly lose access to their personal documents and identification, and replacing them during a disaster or emergency can be burdensome, if not impossible, especially for vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals, undocumented immigrants, seniors, or persons with disabilities.

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 is a 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling after experiencing a natural or man-made disaster or tragedy. Spanish
A disaster or tragedy is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other needed support services. Key Words: Mental Health, Multi-language, COVID-19, coronavirus

Zombie Pandemic Preparedness Graphic Novel

CDC has a fun way of teaching about emergency preparedness. Our graphic novel, “Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic” demonstrates the importance of being prepared in an entertaining way that people of all ages will enjoy. Readers follow Todd, Julie, and their dog Max as a strange new disease begins spreading, turning ordinary people into zombies. Stick around to the end for a surprising twist that will drive home the importance of being prepared for any emergency. Included in the novel is a Preparedness Checklist so that readers can get their family, workplace, or school ready before disaster strikes. Key Words: Children

Ready Wrigley Prepares for Earthquakes

The CDC has designed this activity book as an interactive tool to further children’s education and promote disaster preparedness. Ready Wrigley was created to provide parents, guardians, teachers, and young children with tips, activities, and a story to help the whole family prepare for emergencies by staying informed, packing emergency kits, and making a family communication plan. Spanish |

Addressing domestic violence should be part of recovery plan during natural disasters

8/31/17 Hurricane Harvey is the most recent natural disaster that has caused damage and destruction across many communities. When disasters strike an entire community, they do not affect all community members equally, and victims of domestic violence are often particularly vulnerable. Researchers at the University of Missouri have now identified a framework that can help victims of domestic violence before, during and after disaster events.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – CDC FAQ’s

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. The Center for Disease Control cautions CO awareness in the winter when there may be poor indoor circulation. Key Words: Health Multi-language: | Spanish | Vietnamese |

EthnoMed Cultural Profiles

The objective of the website is to make information about culture, language, health, illness and community resources directly accessible to health care providers who see patients from different ethnic groups. Multi-language materials on disaster preparedness and numeral medical conditions, along with cultural perceptions and treatment advice, available for download.

Relief Available to Customers Affected by Disasters or Extreme Situations

When requested, the USCIS may offer immigration relief measures to people affected by natural catastrophes and other extreme situations. These might include Extensions & Changes of Status, document replacement, fee waiver, or Employment Authorization. For more information call the National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283. Spanish

Disaster Preparedness In Migrant Communities – A Manual for First Responders

This 2013 manual shares the lessons learned from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). Newcomers – the collective term for immigrants, refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and unaccompanied children – are in most ways like everyone else when disaster strikes a community. They need things like shelter and security, food and water, medical care, and an opportunity to quickly get back to earning a living. However, newcomers have unique issues during times of crisis. Some, if not addressed, can have disastrous results.

Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA)

IRUSA conducts numerous humanitarian programs in the US and around the world, including food aid, women’s programs, education, disaster relief, health, and more. In partnership with the American Red Cross,, IRUSA offers free training to disaster volunteers and assists refugees in local communities. As a member of NVOAD, IRUSA responds to major disasters sending volunteers and resources. Key Words: Muslim, FBO, INTERNATIONAL

Staying Safe Where the Earth Shakes

A CA statewide booklet that includes the “7 Steps to Earthquake Safety” – basic guidelines for what to do before, during, and after a damaging earthquake. . To keep our loved ones and our community safe, we must prepare now. This popular site includes extensive information on earthquake preparation with downloadable PDF’s specific to Southern and Northern California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Alaska | Multi-language:
| English
Spanish |
Chinese |
Bay Area |
Central Coast |
San Diego County |
Southern CA Coast |
Inland Southern CA Coast |
Central Valley South |
Inyo – Mono |
Delta Sierra |
Shasta Cascade |
North Coast |

| Spanish | English – Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese |

Multi-language Emergency Financial First Aid Kit

9/19 The Operation Hope Emergency and FEMA Financial First Aid Kit offer easy step-by-step instructions for how to protect personal assets and financial information, and reduce the challenges associated with emergencies and disasters. Downloadable pdf or Online Fillable Forms.
Financial First Aid Webinar taping by Los Altos OEM
Multi-language: Chinese Simplified |
Traditional Chinese |
Korean |
Vietnamese |
Spanish |

FEMA Mobile Disaster App – English & Spanish

The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and Disaster Recovery Centers, and tips on how to survive natural and manmade disasters. The latest version (May, 2016) features weather-related alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). Users can sign up to receive these alerts for up to five locations across the U.S.The |Spanish| of the app is available for download to Android and Apple devices. Key words: Federal Emergency Management System

Diversity Preparedness

The National Resource Center serves as a resource and information exchange portal to facilitate communication, networking and collaboration to build resilience and eliminate disparities for culturally diverse communities across all phases of an emergency. Administered by Drexel University

Health Information Translations

Extensive collection of translations on health and disaster preparedness subjects from a collaboration of Ohio organizations. Languages include:
Spanish, American Sign Language, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional. English, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Marshallese, Portuguese, Brazilian, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Vietnamese

Red Cross / Red Crescent Family Reunification

The ICRC, American Red Cross (ARC) and Red Crescent Societies work together around the world to locate people and put them back into contact with their relatives. This work includes looking for family members, restoring contact, reuniting families and seeking to clarify the fate of those who remain missing.
The help line (1-844-782-9441) was activated and ready to receive calls from across the US.

United Sikhs

United Sikhs is a UN-affiliated, international non-profit, non-governmental, humanitarian relief, advocacy organization, to empower disadvantaged and minority communities in need, Also Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, and Youth Violence Prevention Programs, Senior Care Services, Anti-Hate Crime, Anti-Bullying Advocacy, and more. The United Sikhs National Family Resource Center was launched in 2012 to provide support, information and assistance through a 24 hour hotline (1-855-878-6333) and a new downloadable booklet, Helping Families Cope with Violence and Disaster

I Speak Cards – Request for Interpretation

These cards can be used to help an individual obtain interpretive services. Check on the language to download and print out. Insert the name of the individual on the blank line on both the English and the non-English language statements. Cut along the border lines, place back-to-back with adhesive (glue or paste), and laminate the card. Arabic/English
*.Armenian/English**Cambodian/English**Chinese/English**Farsi/English**Hmong/English**Japanese/English**Korean/English**Laotian/English**Mien/English**Portuguese/English**Punjabi/English**Russian/English**Spanish/English**Tagalog/English**Vietnamese/English
A written list of 38 languages with the phrase, “Mark this box if you read or speak English.” can be used to initially identify the language needed.

Tzu Chi Foundation

Originally founded in Taiwan, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is an international non-profit humanitarian organization with 4 major missions: charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture. The foundation also engages in disaster relief. Tzu Chi is a member of NVOAD, National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, and often works in collaboration with other relief agencies, such as the American Red Cross. Multi-language: Chinese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese Key Words: Asian, Charity

211 Bay Area Directory

211 is a free, non-emergency, confidential, 3 digit phone number and online database service that provides 24/7 access to critical health and human services. Text Coronavirus to 211211 for information on response efforts throughout the Bay Area. Referrals to new distribution locations and schedule for food box pick-up, and box meal distribution for children under 18. Food deliveries for those in quarantine or ill. Multi-language: over 170 languages Area: Counties of San Mateo, Napa, Solano , Marin and Santa Clara Key Words: food, housing, employment, health care, counseling, disaster, pandemic, COVID-19, SCC,