Transparency
By Tre Keys, FNRC Public Information Officer
In times of crisis, especially during natural disasters, preparedness becomes a crucial aspect of survival, particularly for vulnerable communities. Emergency preparedness is not just about having a plan; it’s about ensuring that the most at-risk individuals, such as those with medical or behavioral needs, are properly cared for. The Far Northern Regional Center (FNRC) plays a vital role in this process by coordinating services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their efforts can be lifesaving, especially during emergencies like wildfires, where quick and decisive action is essential.
Wayne Doerning, Associate Director of Client Services at FNRC, highlighted the center’s role in emergency response, emphasizing the importance of having a clear plan in place for clients, especially those living independently. “We reach out to all of the facilities to make sure they have an emergency plan,” Doerning explained. “We also contact clients living independently to ensure they know what to do if evacuation orders are issued.”
The impact of major wildfires, such as the Carr Fire and the Camp Fire, continues to affect FNRC clients even years after the events. “We still have people who were displaced by the Carr Fire and Camp Fire that are slowly moving back years later, depending on when they can find housing again,” Doerning said. Rebuilding efforts in fire-ravaged areas like Paradise have taken time, delaying the return of many individuals who lost their homes.
Fortunately, during more recent events like the Park Fire, FNRC did not lose any residential facilities. “We had a few families temporarily go to shelters, but we didn’t lose any homes or facilities this time around,” Doerning said. However, this situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in areas prone to natural disasters.
FNRC’s work becomes especially critical when it comes to individuals with special medical needs. During emergencies, power outages and the disruption of services like electricity can be life-threatening for clients who rely on medical equipment. Not all emergencies are straightforward. For families caring for children with severe autism or behavioral challenges, evacuations present a unique set of obstacles. “Imagine trying to move a child with severe autism into a crowded shelter—this can cause significant distress,” according to Larry Withers, Associate Director of Client Services at FNRC.
One of the most severe crises FNRC had to handle was during the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, which ravaged much of Butte County, including the town of Paradise. “During the Camp Fire, we had about 40% to 50% of our care homes in Paradise,” Withers recalls. Many of the clients from these care homes required intensive, round-the-clock supervision and care. “We had to temporarily relocate clients with severe behavioral issues to facilities in other parts of the state,” he says, emphasizing the massive logistical challenge this posed.
In one particularly harrowing situation, a client trapped in Paradise without transportation was told by Withers to “flag down a neighbor” to escape the flames. Miraculously, the client was able to do just that, and was safely evacuated. Another client with complex medical equipment was placed in a hospital for several days until suitable arrangements could be made to provide nursing care in a hotel.
When evacuation orders are lifted, FNRC’s work isn’t over. Returning home can bring new challenges, including homes without power or water, or delays in medication refills due to prolonged evacuations. Withers notes, “Often, we have to assist families with these loose ends—whether it’s coordinating medication refills or making sure their home is safe.”
One key takeaway from Withers’ experience is that disaster response is a team effort. He credits Emergency Coordinator, Travis McIvor as a key FNRC staff member for streamlining the response process. McIvor’s job, which spans nine counties in Northern California, involves tracking emergencies, anticipating future crises through data analysis, and coordinating evacuations for vulnerable residents.
McIvor’s approach begins with data. “I track every single emergency zone I’ve ever seen for the year,” he explained. By analyzing patterns and inputting this information into mathematical equations, McIvor increases the odds of accurately predicting future emergencies. It’s not foolproof, but it provides an edge. His real-time fire monitoring tool, called Disaster Aware, allows him to track global emergencies, including wildfires, in real-time. This system provides satellite views of hotspots, perimeter growth, and even live data on wind speeds. “Sometimes I know stuff the fire department doesn’t even know yet.”
McIvor uses this advanced technology to notify residents early, offering a head start on evacuation before official orders are issued. His efforts, combined with coordination between local sheriff’s departments, emergency operations centers (EOC), and his own agency, make McIvor a vital link in preventing tragedies.
In addition to cutting-edge technology, McIvor has developed a simple, yet powerful tool to streamline emergency evacuations: an emergency information card. This card contains crucial details such as the individual’s address, emergency contact information, service coordinator, communication methods (verbal, non-verbal, etc.), medical needs, and any sensitivities like loud noises or bright lights.
“The idea is that the person can take this with them if they do happen to evacuate,” McIvor said, noting that the card can assist shelter volunteers who may not be familiar with the person’s needs. “It’s really useful because it provides all the important information that the shelter workers need to help that person in a stressful environment.”
This card is part of a larger emergency preparedness packet McIvor is developing, which he hopes will become standard for families with special needs individuals living in high-risk areas.
To ensure families are truly prepared for emergencies, McIvor suggests asking the following critical questions:
1. Where do I plan to go in an emergency evacuation?
2. How do I plan to get there?
3. Who will assist me in this plan, and has this person been notified?
4. What medications or medical equipment do I need to bring with me?
He stresses the importance of clear communication and ensuring all parties understand their roles in the evacuation plan.
FNRC’s work in emergency preparedness is a testament to the importance of planning and coordination in safeguarding vulnerable communities. From developing evacuation plans to managing complex medical needs and finding suitable housing, FNRC remains a vital lifeline for the individuals they serve. Their ongoing efforts highlight the critical need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.