Introduction to RESCUE Tri-Counties

RESCUE stands for Readiness, Education, Safety, Collaboration, and Understanding in Emergencies. Developed by Tri-Counties Regional Center (TCRC), this disaster preparedness program is designed to strengthen safety, independence, and confidence for the people we serve.

Building practical disaster preparedness and response knowledge for individuals served by TCRC.

Ensuring every person has a personalized emergency preparedness plan.

Offering monthly training topics that are added to an on-demand training library, supporting ongoing learning, independence, and self-advocacy.

Making sure individuals are aware of programs and resources they may qualify for that provide additional emergency preparedness support.

The goal is simple: everyone TCRC serves should feel informed and prepared before an emergency.

This program is intended for the individuals served by TCRC, their families, caregivers, and the vendors who provide various services. They can learn through on-demand training, live training, and the quarterly RESCUE Bullentin newsletter.

Introduction to Emergency Management

FEMA provides the national framework that helps communities prepare for disasters, reduce risks, respond effectively, and recover afterward. This framework is organized into four key phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. These phases guide how communities plan for emergencies before they happen, act during a crisis, and rebuild afterward. The RESCUE Tri-Counties disaster preparedness program is built around these four phases, helping individuals and families understand practical steps they can take to stay safe and resilient in any emergency.

Mitigation Training Series

Mitigation focuses on reducing the risk of injury, loss of life, and property damage before a disaster occurs. It involves taking proactive steps to lessen the impact of emergencies and strengthen overall safety. This series includes three core lessons designed to help the people we serve build safer environments and greater resilience::

Home Assessments: How to identify safety hazards and remove barriers that could delay evacuation or limit access for emergency responders.

Assistive and Adaptive Technology: Equipment and tools that support independence and improve safety during an emergency.

Disaster-Related Insurance: Understanding hazard-specific insurance options that can help reduce financial loss after a disaster.

By addressing risks in advance, mitigation empowers individuals to protect themselves, their homes, and their futures. 

Preparedness Training Series

Preparedness is an ongoing process of planning, organizing, training, and practicing so individuals can respond confidently and effectively during an emergency. It is not a one-time activity — it is a continuous effort to stay ready and improve over time. This series includes three core lessons to help the people we serve build practical preparedness skills:

Personal Emergency Plan (PEP): How to create and regularly update a personalized plan that addresses individual needs, supports, communication preferences, and pets or service animals.

Making A Go-Kit: How to assemble and maintain both an evacuation bag and a shelter-in-place kit with essential supplies.

Evacuation Preparedness and Transportation: How to plan for evacuation scenarios, identify transportation options, and practice self-advocacy during emergencies.

Response Training Series

Response focuses on the actions taken immediately after a disaster to protect lives, reduce harm, and meet basic needs. It helps individuals know what to do in the moment when clear thinking and quick decisions matter most. This series includes three core lessons:

Communication During Emergencies: How to clearly communicate your needs, preferences, and supports to first responders, caregivers, and your personal support network.

Shelter in Place or Evacuate: Understanding the difference between the two options, when each is appropriate, and how to make informed decisions based on the situation.

Emotional Support and Coping Strategies: Practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and trauma during emergencies, along with information about mental health resources and crisis counseling.

The goal of response training is confidence and self-advocacy during a crisis.

Recovery Training Series

Recovery focuses on the longer term process of rebuilding and restoring stability after the immediate crisis has passed. It includes returning to daily routines, accessing support, and strengthening systems so they are less vulnerable in the future. This series includes three core lessons:

Accessing Support Services and Resources: Guidance on navigating local, state, and federal assistance programs beyond TCRC.

Disability Specific Recovery Concerns: Addressing the unique challenges individuals with disabilities may face during recovery, including housing, equipment replacement, and continuity of care.

Peer Support and Community Resilience: How to build peer networks and community connections that foster mutual support and long term resilience after a disaster.

Recovery is not just about returning to normal. It is about rebuilding stronger and being better prepared for the future.

Accessing RESCUE Tri-Counties

Access the training through the Emergency Resources section of the TCRC website. 

Disaster Preparedness Resources

Ready.Gov

www.ready.gov 

This official website from FEMA contains a wealth of information for individuals, businesses, and at-risk populations to plan for and respond to disasters.

CalOES Office of Access & Functional Needs

www.Caloes.ca.gov/office-of-the-director/policy-administration/access-functional-needs/

Established in 2008, they are focused on the needs of individuals with disabilities before, during, and after disasters.

Ready SLO

www.readyslo.org/

This is the official website for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services. It contains a wealth of information specific to San Luis Obispo County residents on planning for and responding to region-specific disasters.

Disaster Preparedness Resources

Ready SBC

www.readysbc.org/

This is the official website for the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management. It contains a wealth of information specific to Santa Barbara County residents on planning for and responding to region-specific disasters.

Ready Ventura County

www.readyventuracounty.org/

This is the official website for the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services. It contains a wealth of information specific to Ventura County residents on planning for and responding to region-specific disasters.

TCRC Emergency Resources

www.tri-counties.org/emergency-resources/

This section of our website focuses on emergency preparedness and resources and is home to the disaster preparedness program RESCUE Tri-Counties. It is intended for use by those we serve, their families, and their providers.

Response at TCRC

TCRC’s emergency response program is led by the Emergency Response Coordinator, a position established in 2021 as disasters became more frequent across California.

The Emergency Response Coordinator oversees preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for the people TCRC serves, our Service Provider community, and staff. Key responsibilities include:

Managing and sending emergency mass notifications through the Everbridge platform.

Coordinating with the Department of Developmental Services and Emergency Response Coordinators at the other 20 Regional Centers to implement statewide initiatives.

Collaborating with state and local officials.

Posting timely updates and safety information on the TCRC website and official social media channels.

This coordinated approach helps ensure clear communication, strong partnerships, and effective support during emergencies.