Service Resource Library
Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Services
Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Services Overview
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) supports the safety, health, and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities by coordinating emergency preparedness planning and emergency response services before, during, and after a crisis. While SARC does not replace 911 or emergency responders, it works collaboratively with individuals, families, service providers, county agencies, and the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to ensure appropriate plans, supports, and resources are in place to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, medical or behavioral crises, and service disruptions. Emergency planning and response are individualized and incorporated into each person’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) to reduce risk and promote continuity of care.
How to Get Help
Talk with your Service Coordinator about emergency preparedness and emergency planning
Emergency needs and supports are discussed and documented through the IPP process
How the Regional Center Helps
The Regional Center supports individuals by coordinating emergency preparedness and response efforts in partnership with:
Individuals and families
Service providers and residential facilities
County emergency management agencies
The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
The Regional Center does not replace emergency responders but helps ensure individuals have appropriate plans, supports, and coordination in place.
Your Service Coordinator
Each individual is assigned a Service Coordinator who plays a key role in emergency preparedness and response. The Service Coordinator:
Incorporates individualized emergency planning into the IPP
Identifies emergency contacts and backup caregivers
Helps plan for evacuation, sheltering in place, and reunification
Coordinates emergency support during crises
Monitors health and safety and provides follow-up after emergencies
Important to Know
Emergency preparedness plans are individualized and based on assessed needs
SARC does not provide emergency medical or first responder services
Emergency services must be related to the individual’s developmental disability and support health and safety
Planning ahead helps reduce risk and service disruptions during emergencies
Emergency Preparedness & Emergency Services May Include
Services and supports may include:
Individualized emergency preparedness planning incorporated into the IPP
Emergency preparedness education and training for individuals and families
Guidance on creating personal emergency kits and disaster readiness plans
Coordination with DDS during regional or statewide emergencies
Communication and coordination with service providers during disasters
Health and safety monitoring and wellness checks during emergencies
START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) coordination and crisis support
Temporary emergency supports such as emergency respite, housing, or staffing
Emergency service authorizations when regular services are disrupted
Emergency notifications, alerts, and guidance on accessing shelters and resources
Oversight of provider emergency preparedness and response capacity
Post-emergency recovery support, including service re-authorization and reconnection to disrupted services
Every Plan Is Different
Each emergency plan is tailored to the individual’s living situation, support needs, and risks
Two individuals may have different emergency plans even if they experience similar emergencies
Ongoing Planning and Recovery
Emergency preparedness is an ongoing process. The Service Coordinator works with individuals, families, and providers to review and update emergency plans regularly and to support recovery and continuity of services following an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness Planning
Individualized emergency planning incorporated into the IPP
Identification of emergency contacts and backup caregivers
Planning for evacuation, sheltering in place, and reunification
Emergency plans for individuals living independently or in licensed settings
Disaster Preparedness Education
Emergency preparedness training for individuals and families
Guidance on creating personal emergency kits
Information on disaster readiness (earthquakes, fires, floods, power outages)
Education for service providers on emergency response expectations
Emergency Response & Coordination
Coordination with DDS during regional or statewide emergencies
Communication with service providers during disasters
Monitoring the health and safety of consumers during emergencies
Support to ensure continuity of critical services
START & Crisis Support Services
START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources & Treatment) program coordination
Crisis response planning for individuals with complex behavioral or mental health needs
Stabilization and follow-up supports after a crisis
Temporary Emergency Supports
Emergency respite services
Temporary housing or placement support during crises
Emergency staffing or service authorizations when regular services are disrupted
Health & Safety Monitoring
Wellness checks during declared emergencies
Coordination with residential providers to ensure safety standards are maintained
Follow-up support after emergency events
Communication & Alerts
Emergency notifications to clients, families, and providers
Coordination with county emergency systems and DDS communications
Guidance on accessing local emergency shelters and resources
Provider Emergency Preparedness Oversight
Review of service provider emergency plans
Ensuring providers meet DDS emergency preparedness requirements
Monitoring provider readiness and response capacity
Post-Emergency Recovery Support
Service re-authorization or adjustments following emergencies
Assistance reconnecting individuals to disrupted services
Support transitioning back to routine care and services