Just in time for hot weather days, this ACIN discusses coordinating with local and county agencies to ensure the safety of IHSS and APS recipients/consumers, in case of a severe weather-related emergency. The letter describes the three phases of heat-related emergencies. Phase II in this series is considered a Heat Alert which can be triggered by a issuance (by listed agencies) of an Excessive Heat Warning, or predictions of power outages, electrical blackouts, or rotating blackouts during periods of high heat. A Phase III is considered a Heat Emergency, which is when a local/regional/state government declares an emergency. There are also Phases for Cold Weather…
The Adult Programs Branch (APB) will issue an electronic alert to County Welfare Directors, Public Authorities and County IHSS/APS Program Managers during a Phase II Heat alert or other prolonged severe weather emergency. CDSS staff will also be available to advise counties and coordinate with State OES as necessary. In the event of Phase III of the Heat Plan or Phase II and Phase III of the Extreme Cold-Freeze Plan , APB will contact the affected counties to determine whether emergency contingency plans have been activated and what steps have been taken to ensure client safety. When the County gets an APB alert, staff should refer to their local emergency response plans. (And those counties without a plan are “encouraged” to make one!) The local plan should include procedures that the county will follow to identify and produce a targeted list of the most vulnerable populations for immediate use. The letter goes on to describe options and resources.
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