Disaster Preparedness Resources

Occupational Therapy practitioners help California consumers reduce disaster risks and respond to emergencies in a number of ways. The following resources can help OTs and OTAs learn more about disaster response and risk reduction, and get involved in federal, state of California, and community efforts. When wildfires, power shutoffs, or other disasters affect you and your family or your practice, finding help can be a stressful and confusing experience. Below are links to resources to help Californians impacted by these unique challenges.

DCA Disaster Help Center

California Department of Consumer Affairs information and links to disaster-related resources.

Office of Access and Functional Needs (OAFN) under OES

The purpose of OAFN is to identify the needs of individuals with disabilities and others with access or functional needs before, during, and after disasters and to integrate them into the State's emergency management systems.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Training for Emergencies: "Prevention and preparedness as much as in response and recovery, with an emphasis on rehabilitation"

World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)

WFOT Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Manual

California Health and Human Services Emergency Resource Guide

California Department of Health and Human Services information and links to disaster- related resources.

Want to be a disaster healthcare volunteer? GET INVOLVED!

FEMA Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)

FEMA Preparedness Community: Get involved with a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)

California Disaster Healthcare Volunteers (state ESAR-VHP)*

California branch of US DHHS PHE's Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP)

California Medical Reserve Corps*

Health Hubs for essential services in local communities

Red Cross*

Disaster Health and Mental Health Volunteers

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

(AOTA documents below require a membership to view)

Other Resources

Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Prepare California resources for community hardening, grant opportunities, COVID-19 support, cybersecurity initiatives, and finding hazards where you live.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework)

Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED)

Research database on the epidemiology of disasters.

*Occupational Therapy practitioners are not included in the lists of professionals recruited for these programs but can contact the programs for opportunities to contribute OT expertise.