The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to providing service to our constituents and the
Ventura County Community.
If you’re able to access the internet, visit the following website to find practical tips and resources for providing care to those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia during such times:
https://alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/in-a-disaster
Disaster Response Tactics
A person with dementia may be easily agitated or afraid. Tell them you are there to help.
To move a person from danger and help keep them calm in evacuation situations:
• Avoid physical force or restraint.
• Be creative rather than rely on reality.
• Provide one-on-one instruction.
• Provide step-by-step instructions using simple language.
• Try to relocate the person to a quiet place.
• Use distraction by giving the person a simple task.
• Ensure the person is watched, at all times, to prevent wandering
• Use the TALK Tactics: Take it slow.
Ask simple questions.
Limit reality checks.
Keep eye contact.
24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
Our 24/7 Helpline continues to be fully operational at this time! Information is available to help with emergency placement, local resources, wandering issues, communication tips, behaviors and overall basic information.
MedicAlert+Safe Return: MASR is a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer's or a related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency.
We provide 24/7 assistance, no matter when or where the person is reported missing.
● We can provide staff or volunteers onsite to register individuals.
● Registration can be done online at www.medicalert.org/safereturn.
● Registration can be done on the phone at 888.572.8566.
Financial Respite Grants: The Association may be able to provide some financial support to pay for emergency respite care, up to $1,000 each. Please contact our Helpline at 800.272.3900 for more information.
General Information and Resources:
➔
Ventura County Emergency Website
➔
Cal Fire Website or call 530.538.7826
➔
Official Ventura County Fire Department Twitter
➔
American Red Cross or call 800.733.2767
➔
California Government Wildfire Resources
Evacuation Shelters: (as of 4PM on Saturday, November 10)
➔ Camarillo Community Center – 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, CA 93010.
o Accepting small animals.
➔ Borchard Community Center – 190 Reino Rd., Newbury Park, CA 91320.
o Accepting small animals.
➔ Goebel Senior Adult Center – 1385 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
➔ Thousand Oaks Teen Center – 1375 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
➔ Thousand Oaks Community Center – (closed)
➔ Rancho Santa Susana Recreation Center – 5005 Unit C Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA
93063
o No animals accepted
➔ Taft Charter High School – 5461 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (at capacity)
➔ Pierce College – 7100 El Rancho Dr., Woodland Hills, CA 91371 (Entrance off Desoto Ave.)
o Los Angeles County Animal Services
o Accepting large animals (at capacity)
Items to gather if you need to evacuate (prepare a backpack in advance):
o Driver's license or ID cards
o Legal and insurance documents
o Medications
o Sleeping bag, pillows, blankets
o First aid or earthquake kits
o Phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, batteries, extra set of clothes, shoes, nonperishable
food, water, pet food, etc.
FEMA Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance
FEMA offers Individual Assistance after a disaster to help begin your recovery. Their Individual
Assistance page offers you a look at the steps and options available to you. Registering online at
www.DisasterAssistance.gov. This is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance.
If you are unable to access the internet, you can also call at 800.621.3362.
Legal and Insurance Information:
➔ California Department of Insurance Consumer Services
◆ Assistance with expediting insurance claims. Services available at the Local Assistance
Centers in all counties. http://www.insurance.ca.gov or 800.927.9331.
Local Support Groups:
➔ Please call our Helpline at 800.272.3900 to get the latest information on current and/or
cancelled programs and support groups in your area.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.