Practical Tips and Resources
Visit the following website bit.ly/alzprep for support and techniques to make it easier on you and your loved one to prepare for emergencies or address current situations.
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 medicalert.org/safereturn or 888.572.8566.
General Information and Resources
- Tulare County Emergencies
tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies
(includes Windy Fire Information)
- Tulare County as Windy Fire Evacuation
Information here (includes evacuation infromation)
- Los Angeles County Fire Department
fire.lacounty.gov (includes listing of evacuation centers)
- Cal Fire Website
fire.ca.gov/incidents or call 530.538.7826 (includes listing of evacuation centers)
- Cal Trans
dot.ca.gov
- American Red Cross
redcross.org or call 800.733.2767
- California Government Wildfire Resources
wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov
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 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 insurance.ca.gov or 800.927.9331.
Local Support Groups:
Please call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to get the latest information on current and/or cancelled programs and support groups in your area.
Our thoughts are with all of the families that are impacted.
