Prepared today, ready tomorrow: Aging and Adult Services-Public Guardian strengthens emergency readiness

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Social Service Practitioner Brian Jones speaks by phone at his workstation while viewing the DAAS Safety Response system on dual monitors. — *Social Service Practitioner Brian Jones monitors the Safety Response System to identify clients who may be located within areas affected by an emergency or extreme weather event.*

Extreme heat, winter storms, power outages and other emergencies can create significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, medical needs, caregiver dependence or difficulty accessing food, water, transportation and other essential resources.

The San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian encourages older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers and family members to prepare before an emergency occurs. Having an emergency plan, knowing where to find cooling or warming resources and making arrangements for medications, food, water, utilities and caregiving support can help individuals remain safe when conditions change quickly.

DAAS Safety Response GIS map shows client locations across San Bernardino County with layers for evacuation zones, power outages, fire activity and smoke forecasts. — *DAAS Safety Response GIS Map*

Aging and Adult Services is also strengthening its ability to identify and assist clients who may be affected by an emergency. In collaboration with the county’s Innovation and Technology Department the county has launched the Aging and Adult Services Safety Response application, an ArcGIS-based tool that helps the department quickly identify approximately 78,000 clients who may be located within areas affected by an emergency or extreme weather event. The application uses geographic information to map client locations throughout San Bernardino County and integrates multiple emergency-related data sources, including evacuation and emergency notification zones, power outages, fire activity, smoke forecasts and weather watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.

DAAS Safety Response Watch Center Dashboard

DAAS Safety Response Watch Center map shows 13 active alerts: zero critical, zero major, two minor and 11 advisory alerts across watch areas.

DAAS Safety Response Watch Center search results

Furthermore, the Aging and Adult Services Safety Response Watch Center application complements the project by streamlining all-hazards event monitoring and helping staff quickly assess potential risks to areas of interest throughout San Bernardino County. The Watch Center consolidates multiple real-time event feeds and generates location-based alerts for hazards such as severe weather, wildfires, earthquakes and other emergency events. By bringing this information together in a single operational environment, the system allows staff to identify emerging threats more efficiently, evaluate their potential impact and provide decision-makers with additional time to plan and coordinate appropriate response activities.

While the application has not yet been needed for a large-scale emergency response, it was put to practical use during several heat advisories and extreme heat warnings across San Bernardino County in July and August 2026. During this time, Aging and Adult Services proactively contacted 1,075 clients. Clients identified as having emergency-related needs received assistance, including food, water, fans and housing and utility support.

Through planning, partnerships and technology, Aging and Adult Services is better prepared to identify potentially affected clients, prioritize those most vulnerable and connect them with assistance sooner, rather than waiting for individuals to request help after an emergency occurs.

For older adults and individuals with disabilities, being prepared can make a critical difference. Individuals and families can take steps now by developing an emergency plan, identifying support networks, preparing an emergency supply kit and staying informed about weather conditions and available resources. Aging and Adult Services’ Extreme Weather webpage provides information on preparing for extreme heat and cold, including safety tips, weather alerts, cooling resources and emergency preparedness information. To learn more about programs and services offered by the Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian, please visit the newly redesigned Department of Aging and Adult Services – Public Guardian website.

Additional County Update News – September 17, 2026