We are here for you!

Right now, more than 60,000 people in San Diego and Imperial counties are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and more than 160 thousand family and friends are providing care. We serve San Diego and Imperial counties, and we are here to help.

  

Disaster Response Information:

The Alzheimer’s Association is committed to providing service to our constituents and our San Diego and Imperial County community.

Local resources for those affected by Alzheimer's or dementia who have been impacted by the recent wildfires include:

Practical tips and resources 
Visit the following website https://alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/in-a-disaster for support and techniques to make it easier on you and your loved one as well as other local programs to assist you.

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 to help with emergency placement, local resources, wandering issues, communication tips, behaviors and overall basic information.
 
MedicAlert ® with 24/7 Wandering Support:
This 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency.

Registration can be done at www.medicalert.org/safereturn or 888.572.8566.

General Information and Resources:
- Disaster Information 619.236.6876
- San Diego Fire Safety Tips https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/safety/tips Fire Dept. Business 619.533.4300
- San Diego City Info 619.236.5555
- Power Outage 1.800.611.7373
- Cal Fire Website (act.alz.org/site/R?i=BwX8aUBsyvdhbVgAddQLTg) or call 530.538.7826 (includes listing of evacuation centers)
- Cal Trans www.dot.ca.gov

Imperial County Resources:
- Imperial County Fire Department 442.265.3000
- Office of Emergency Services 442.265.6000

American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties link or call 800.733.2767
https://www.redcross.org/local/california/san-diego.html 

California Government Wildfire Resources
act.alz.org/site/R?i=FKcMOEOBfbijXivN0vtn9A

FEMA 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 at 
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.