About the Program

The Evacuation Assistance Program is for independent-living individuals in San Luis Obispo County with disabilities or medical needs who would need assistance evacuating in an emergency.

Eligibility 

Eligible individuals are those who are independent living but unable to evacuate themselves due to a disability or medical need.

Registration

Please do not wait until an evacuation order is issued. If you would like to added to the Evacuation Assistance List, please complete and mail in an Evacuation Assistance Card using the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain Evacuation Assistance Request Card 

This card is included in the annual Emergency Planning calendar that is mailed to residents located within the Emergency Planning Zone and Public Education Zone. You can also download and print the request card here or have one mailed to you by calling the Office of Emergency Services at (805) 781-5678.

Step 2: Complete the Request Card

Please complete all fields on the card. Missing information may hinder our ability to best assist you during an emergency.

Step 3: Submit Request Card 

Mail the card to:

County Government Center

Attn: Office of Emergency Services

1055 Monterey St, Room D430

San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

 

OR

 

Email to: oes@co.slo.ca.us

Step 4: Receive Confirmation 
Once your card has been received and processed, you will receive an informational packet and confirmation that you are on the Evacuation Assistance List.
Step 5: Stay on the List
Fill out and return an Evacuation Assistance Card each year to remain on the list. 
Step 6: Stay Informed

Register for Reverse 9-1-1 emergency telephone notification system, and pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.

If you urgently need information or transportation assistance during an emergency, call (805) 543-2444. This number is staffed during emergencies that could affect large numbers of people in the County.

Prepare for Emergencies Now

In addition to having your basic survival supplies, an disaster supply kit should have items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use daily and which ones you may need to add to your kit. For more information, please reference the Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for People with Disabilities Brochure. 

 Tips for People Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  • Purchase a weather radio (with text display and a flashing alert)
  • Have extra hearing-aid batteries
  • Keep pen and paper easily accessible (in case you must communicate with someone who does not know sign language)
 Tips for People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision
  • Mark emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print. Keep a list of your emergency supplies and where you bought them on a portable flash drive or make an audio file that is kept in a safe place where you can access it.
  • Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.
 Tips for People with Speech Disability
  • If you use an augmentative communications device or other assistive technologies plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if it is lost or destroyed. Keep model information and note where the equipment came from (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, etc.).
  • Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.
 Tips for People with a Mobility Disability
  • If you use a power wheelchair have a lightweight manual chair available as a backup if possible. Know the size and weight of your wheelchair in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to be transported.
  • Show others how to operate your wheelchair.
  • Purchase an extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices. If you cannot purchase an extra battery, find out what agencies, organizations or local charitable groups can help you buy one. Keep extra batteries on a trickle charger at all times.
  • Consider keeping a patch kit or can of sealant for flat tires and/or extra inner tube if wheelchair or scooter is not puncture proof.
  • Keep an extra mobility device such as a cane or walker if you use one.
  • Keep a portable air pump for wheelchair tires.
  • If you use a seat cushion to protect your skin or maintain your balance and you must evacuate, have an extra cushion to take with you.
 Tips for Individuals with Sensory Disabilities (including autism spectrum disorder)
  • For people with sensory disabilities, this may include:
  • Handheld electronic devices (loaded with movies and games)
  • Spare chargers
  • Sheets and twine or a small pop-up tent (to decrease visual stimulation in a busy room or to provide instant privacy)
  • Headphones (to decrease auditory distractions)
  • Comfort snacks
 Additional Items
  • At least a week-long supply of prescription medicines
  • A list of all medications, dosage, and any allergies
  • Extra eyeglasses
  • Extra hearing aid batteries
  • Extra wheelchair batteries (or a manual wheelchair if possible)
  • Oxygen
  • A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed)
  • Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards
  • Contact information for doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt
  • Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records, and other supplies for your service animal or pet