Ready, Together

Partnerships are preparing the region for future emergencies

October 23, 2023

By Anthony Taula-Lieras
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Impact

As California grapples with extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and the ever-present threat of wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural calamities, vulnerable populations across the state remain disproportionately affected when disaster strikes. 

The capital area is no exception.

That’s why we joined forces with six local nonprofits — ACC Senior Services, American Red Cross Gold Country Region, Resources for Independent Living, Sacramento SPCA, Sacramento Steps Forward, and Society for the Blind — to fortify disaster resilience in the capital area. Over the past year, these trusted partners have undertaken a range of activities aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness, boosted by grant funding we secured through the California Office of Emergency Services and the League of California Community Foundations.

As part of this effort, ACC Senior Services distributed critical resources to hundreds of local seniors who attend their workshops and gatherings. During one session, seniors received a comprehensive preparedness guide and were educated on the essential items to include in emergency go-bags. In another, residents who speak Chinese developed emergency contact lists in English to ensure they can communicate effectively with English-speaking response teams during crises.

Society for the Blind used grant funding to translate disaster preparedness materials into English and Spanish Braille, and began to Braille the items in dozens of preparedness kits. They also made an audio version of the manual available through their telephone reader program. These are critical resources to support their clients, many of whom worry about losing their independence as they lose vision.

After discerning that many pet owners don’t create a plan for their pets in times of crisis, the Sacramento SPCA used grant funding to add an emergency preparedness dimension to its education programs. In addition, with the boost from our partnership, they acquired emergency go-kits designed for dogs and cats, complete with three days’ worth of food and water, leashes, blankets, and other necessities. These materials have already proven invaluable. The Sacramento SPCA distributed the kits during a period of extreme rain earlier this year, enabling people who were fleeing flooding to bring their pets with them to emergency shelters.

Through these and other efforts, our partners are working diligently to ensure everyone in our community is equipped to protect themselves and their loved ones in times of emergency. And, together, we are building a safer, more prepared Sacramento region.