Dear Friends,
September marks National Disaster Preparedness Month, an important reminder to take action to ensure that you and your family have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to respond in case of emergency. Recent tragic disasters in Maui and unprecedented weather events we saw in August in Southern California have only strengthened the need to share local emergency resources, harden our communities against natural disasters, and prioritize work to lower the severity of these devastating events.
This e-alert contains vital local and national resources to help protect yourself and others in the event of wildfire, flooding, earthquake or other natural disaster, which have become all too common in California in recent years. I encourage community members to visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) site Ready.Gov to register for emergency warning alerts, create a shelter and evacuation plan, and build an emergency preparedness kit.
Studies show that the effects of climate change have exacerbated many forms of environmental catastrophes, fueling wildfires and worsening the effects of flooding. This year, I am proud to stand alongside our community members to support pro-climate policies like SB 253 (Weiner, 2024), the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, to monitor the impact major corporations have on our environment.
This work is far from over. As the California Legislature moves forward to better safeguard our communities, I want to encourage you to engage with local organizations working to protect and preserve our neighborhoods.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this E-Newsletter, you’ll find the following information:
- State of California Disaster Preparedness Resources
- AD-18 Workforce Development and Work Opportunities
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Section 1: State of California and AD-18 Disaster Preparedness Resources
Section 1A: California’s Earthquake Warning System
The Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) California’s Earthquake Warning System uses state-of-the-art ground motion monitoring to give residents time to take action. If you feel the ground moving or receive an alert, remember to drop to the ground, cover your head, and hold on to objects or furniture around you.
California’s Earthquake Warning System can be accessed through:
- Wireless Emergency Alerts - A National Wireless Alert system already connected to your wireless cell carrier.
- MyShake App - MyShake is a mobile application that sends a warning to users moments before an earthquake occurs. Users can also share information in real-time on what they are experiencing through the app.
○ For Apple Users, download here.
○ Android Users, click here.
Section 1B: Sign up for NIXLE Alerts
By registering for NIXLE Alerts, you can receive real-time alerts and advisories directly from your local police department and other local agencies. Registration for the service is free but carrier messaging rates apply. Opt out at any time by texting “STOP” to 888777.
To sign up for NIXLE Alerts use your cellphone to text your ZIP Code to 888777.
Section 1C: City of Oakland Personal Emergency Preparedness Class
The City of Oakland is offering an in-person and online class hosted by the Oakland Fire Department that will teach you how to identify and prepare for possible hazards and disasters. More specifically, you will be trained on how to reduce hazards in your home and work environment and the key lifesaving medical techniques to use during a disaster or emergency.
Where: In-person at a location to be determined.
When: Tuesday, December 12
Time: 6 - 7 p.m.
Learn more about the event and register. Join via Zoom.
Section 1D: City of Oakland Community Emergency Response Team Training (CERT)
The City of Oakland offers Community Emergency Response Team Training (CERT) that provides training about managing utilities, medical care, and being a part of an organized team that can be there to support their community in an official volunteer capacity. This course is conducted over various dates from September 20 to November 12 on a hybrid schedule.
After submitting a registration form, you will be notified as space in the course becomes available. Upon completion of the CERT training, participants will be certificated in emergency response training, ready to lead their community or neighborhood in a disaster or emergency.
Register for the CERT training, and learn more about the course.
Section 1E: PG&E’s Safety Action Center
PG&E's Safety Action Center provides resources and information for people to take action in preparing their families, homes, businesses during a disaster or emergency with the following checklist:
- Create an emergency plan for your family.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Make a list of items you'll need in an emergency including important documents.
- Packing "go bags" for every member of your family.
Learn more about the rescues and how to plan in case of an emergency or disaster and sign up for their National Preparedness Month Newsletter.
Section 1F: The National Emergency and Management Agency ‘Ready’ Program
The National Emergency and Management Agency’s (FEMA) Ready Program is a national service campaign that is intended to educate and provide resources to the public to prepare for, and respond to, disasters and emergencies. Ready.gov has the following resources:
- Disasters and Emergencies
- Guidelines for "Making a Plan"
- How to Build a Kit
- Toolkits
○ Natural Disasters Toolkits
○ Preparedness Campaign Toolkits
○ Community Toolkits
Section 1G: American Red Cross Training Course
The American Red Cross works to support people in states of emergency on a local, national, and global level through volunteers and donors. The American Red Cross offers a variety of basic life support classes online and in-person to train and certify community members.
The following classes the American Red Cross provides are:
- First Aid, CPR, and AED
- BLS/CPR For Healthcare
- ALS/PALS
- Babysitting & Childcare
- Lifeguarding
- Swimming & Water Safety
- Nurse Assistant/CNA Training
- Instructor Training
Section 1H: Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE Program)
Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE) is a free emergency preparedness and response training program hosted by the Oakland Fire Department. CORE provides free emergency preparedness training for individuals, neighborhood groups and community‐based organizations in Oakland.
Find more information about CORE or find community volunteering options.
Section 1I: FEMA Guide to Protecting your Home from Flooding
With much of the district on, or along, the waterfront, it's critically important to prepare for flooding. FEMA has compiled a guide of ways you can act to ensure your home is up-to-date on flood protection. The guide includes information on exterior improvements to safeguard your property, guides on how to insure your property, and other ways to reduce the risk of damage.
Protect your property from flooding.
Section 1J: Checking for Wildfire Smoke
In the midst of California’s Fire Season, smoke exposure can pose a risk to vulnerable communities. When wildfire smoke is present in the air, outdoor activity is discouraged.
To review air conditions in your neighborhood, consult the Fire and Smoke Map before you go out.
Section 1K: Disaster CalFresh
In the event of an emergency, Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh), federally known as the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), is a way to meet the temporary nutritional needs of disaster victims within a 30-day period, following a flood, fire, earthquake or any other natural disaster.
D-CalFresh provides a month's worth of benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card which can be used to purchase food at authorized retail stores. D-CalFresh is only available when all of the following elements occur:
- A Presidential Declaration for Individual Assistance has been declared in the affected area;
- Commercial channels of food distribution have been disrupted and those commercial channels have been restored; and
- The State of California has been approved to operate a D-CalFresh program.
To be eligible, the household must have lived in the disaster area at the time of the disaster. Find out more about D-CalFresh.
Section 2: AD-18 Workforce Development and Work Opportunities
Section 2A: State of California Jobs Openings
With 743,865 current openings within various California departments and programs, your next career opportunity can be found at CalJOBS, the official site of the State of California for applying to jobs. Search by Job Title, Company, Occupation, and by location, you’ll find job positions, workshop/hiring fairs, education and training, and more career services for you to learn more about.
Section 2B: 9th Annual Autumn Job Fair 2023 in City of Alameda
Looking for job opportunities in Alameda? Don't miss the 9th Annual Autumn Job Fair! Participating Employers:
- AC Transit
- ABB Optical
- Abbott
- AEC Living
- Eden I&R
- Firebrand Artisan Breads
- Hangar One
- Imprint Energy
- Penumbra
- And more!
Tuesday, September 26
2 – 4 p.m.
South Shore Shopping Center, 2213 S Shore Center, Alameda
(At the courtyard next to Trabocco Restaurant)
Registration is not required but you can register here to receive event updates.
Section 2C: City of Alameda Resource for Job Seekers
The City of Alameda has job openings across multiple departments, including:
- Fire Department
- Base Reuse and Economic Development Department
- Recreation & Parks Department
- Public Works Department
- City Attorney
- Library Department
- Citywide Part-time Database
- Police Department
- Alameda Municipal Power
To learn more and apply for a city position with the City of Alameda, click here. For technical support call 1-(855)-524-5627.
Section 2D: County of Alameda: Human Resource and Cal Jobs for Job Seekers
The County of Alameda is looking for talented candidates to fill positions with the following:
- Social Services Agency
- Alameda County Sheriff Office
- County Assessor
- County Library
- And various other Alameda County Departments.
To learn more information on Alameda County employment descriptions and to apply for a position with the County of Alameda, click here.
Section 2E: City of Oakland Resource for Job Seekers
The Economic & Workforce Development Department aims to promote job opportunities for all residents in Oakland. Opportunities include employment openings in:
- City Administrator’s Office
- Department of Transportation, OakDOT
- Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development
- Public Works
- Public Libraries
- Housing and Community Development
- And many more!
Learn more information on City of Oakland's employment opportunities.
Section 2F: Active Oakland Grants for Businesses
The City of Oakland recently announced “Activate Oakland” a grant program for local businesses to receive up to $10,000 (minimum allocation of $1,000) to assist with funding events in commercial districts and business corridors.
Eligible applicants are any business, resident, community group, or 501(c)(3). Sponsored events must be free to the public and take place in an Oakland commercial district.
Grant applications are due October 12, 2023.