Governor Gavin Newsom declared May 3-9, 2026, as Wildfire Preparedness Week, encouraging California families to take simple but important steps now to stay safe and prepared as wildfire season approaches. Across the state, communities are being reminded that preparation can make all the difference when emergencies happen unexpectedly and every minute matters.
The California Department of Developmental Services shared several important preparedness reminders for families and support staff, including signing up for local emergency alerts, creating evacuation and communication plans, preparing emergency “go-bags,” planning ahead for power outages, and assembling “stay-boxes” with food, water, medications, flashlights, and other necessities. Families are also encouraged to evacuate early if instructed by local officials and stay informed through trusted resources like ReadyForWildfire.org and Fire.ca.gov.
At Canaan Cares, protecting the individuals and families we serve goes far beyond scheduled services and daily support. Community safety and wellness are part of who we are, both on and off the clock. We understand that emergencies like wildfires can create fear, uncertainty, and disruption for families, caregivers, and vulnerable community members. That is why preparedness, communication, and proactive planning are so important.
Our team believes that caring for people means helping them feel safe, supported, informed, and empowered in all aspects of life, including during emergencies and unexpected situations. Whether it is encouraging families to create emergency plans, helping individuals prepare essential supplies, or promoting community awareness and safety resources, Canaan Cares is committed to supporting overall wellness far beyond direct care services.
Preparedness is not about creating fear. It is about creating confidence and peace of mind before emergencies occur. Taking small steps today, like organizing medications, charging devices, reviewing evacuation routes, or preparing comfort items, can help families respond more calmly and safely during difficult situations. Having a plan in place also helps reduce stress and ensures loved ones know where to go, who to contact, and what resources are available if emergencies arise.
At Canaan Cares, we also believe strong communities are built through compassion, connection, and looking out for one another. Protecting the individuals we serve means promoting community-wide safety, wellness, and preparedness for everyone. It means support staff sharing resources, neighbors checking in on one another, families preparing together, and organizations remaining committed to helping those who may need additional support during times of crisis.
As wildfire season approaches, now is the perfect time for families to have important safety conversations, update emergency plans, and gather essential supplies. Preparing ahead can help create greater confidence, reduce panic, and strengthen community resilience when unexpected situations occur.
Together, we can continue creating safer, stronger, and more connected communities by protecting one another, staying informed, and remaining prepared this wildfire season.
Important Resources
Preparing ahead of time can help you act more quickly when every minute matters. Check out these trusted resources to stay ready and confident this wildfire season:
- Ready for Wildfire: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/
- Fire.ca.gov: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
- Listos California Wildfire Resources: https://www.listoscalifornia.org/wildfires/
- Disaster Preparedness in ASL: Wildfires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk6wGM0Z2nQ
- Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts: https://www.calalerts.org/signup.html
Let’s stay prepared and continue taking care of one another this wildfire season.
For more information about Canaan Cares visit us online at: https://canaancares.org/
We’re standing by to speak with you. Give us a call today at (858) 345-6546
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