Resources

Before a Disaster

  • Sign up for Alerts. Some alerts like Nixle provide information about an emergency, while other alerts, like Alert Marin, will notify you to take action to evacuate or shelter in place. Both alerts are important and will keep you informed during a disaster. Learn more at ReadyMarin.org.
  • Get information. Download a notification app, get a weather radio, and pre-program news stations and websites so you know where to find critical information in an unexpected event. Learn more at Marin Emergency Portal.
  • Be prepared. Depending on the disaster or emergency, you may be able to stay in your home or it may be safer for you to evacuate. Fortunately, most of your preparation helps in both situations. Read more about how to Plan & Prepare.
  • Prepare your organization. There is much that a business leader can do to prepare his or her organization to ensure it keeps operating following a disaster. VOAD organizations serve vulnerable residents and they need you to be able to open your doors following a disaster. Connect with Marin VOAD and learn how your organization can be prepared in a disaster.

During a Disaster

  • Marin County emergency portal. Stay informed about evacuations, shelters, road closures, and other significant events during a disaster through the Marin County Office of Emergency Management. This Emergency Portal will be your go to source for accurate, trusted, and up-to-date information during a disaster.
  • Listen to live broadcasts. Tune in to KCBS at 106.9 FM & 740 AM and KQED at 88.5 FM for Bay Area news during a disaster and KWMR if you are out in West Marin (download the app for when you are on the go). Use your weather radio to receive critical alerts. Find more information about alerts and messaging in a disaster on the Marin Emergency Portal alert page.
  • Community Resources. If you are in need of assistance for housing, food, medical care, behavioral health, money, legal services, transportation, or more, look at the Health & Human Services Community Resource Guide.
  • DO NOT bring food or donations to a shelter or other site. Unwanted goods take up space, resources, and time and can often result in a disaster within the disaster.
  • DO NOT share or post unverified information on social media. Rumors are very quick to spread during a disaster and it is up to all of us to only share information that is verified and accurate.

Types of Disaster

  • Wildfires. A wildfire can spread with little time to prepare and evacuate. Know where you can evacuate to safely and have a Go Bag with all your necessities ready before it is time to leave. Refer to the Marin Emergency Portal, FireSafe Marin, and ReadyMarin for how best to be prepared.
  • Heat Advisories. Unusually hot temperatures can affect the health of vulnerable populations. Know how to stay cool and hydrated, where to find cooling centers, and what to do in the event of a power outage. Prevent heat related emergencies and learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke at Marin Health & Human Services.
  • Power Outages. When fire danger is high and weather conditions make it likely that power lines could start a fire, PG&E will shut off power to reduce the risk of their equipment sparking a fire. Look at PG&E’s steps to Prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and learn how Marin Center for Independent Living is helping older adults and people with disabilities prepare for power outages with their Powered & Prepared Program.
  • Extreme Weather. In extreme cold, rain, or hazardous air quality, Marin Health & Human Services will open a Severe Weather Emergency Shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Read about HHS Emergency Information and Shelter Activation Criteria.
  • Flooding. Learn if you live, work, or have family in a flood zone. The National Weather Service recommends having a NOAA weather radio. Learn more about this, where to get sandbags, and other ways to prepare on the Marin Emergency Portal.

Upcoming Training & Workshops

  • Ready to Recover Small Business Recovery Podcast
    This podcast looks at how recovery works after a damaging earthquake and what people may experience when they seek to finance repairs and get back on their feet. The discussions look at common challenges and options including what can be done to prepare before disaster strikes. Link to the podcasts here.

Grant Opportunities

  • Check back for future grant opportunities

Resources

  • National VOAD Resource Center. Find bylaws and strategic plans, webinars, tips and guidelines, videos, manuals, templates, and reference guides for VOADs and nonprofit organizations.
  • CADRE (Collaborating Agencies’ Disaster Relief Effort). Check out the Santa Clara VOAD’s resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
  • Napa COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster). Take a look at our neighboring VOAD resources on disaster operations and recovery. Read their After Action Reports from recent wildfires and other disasters.
  • United Policyholders United Policyholders is a consumer-focused non-profit that provides trustworthy information and expertise before and after a disaster. Preparedness: United Policyholders can help you find insurance; Renters, homeowners, and small businesses can take steps to protect their assets and build resiliency; and you can find more information at the Wildfire Risk Reduction Resource Center. Recovery: Following disasters, United Policyholders will help you navigate the road to recovery.