Grass Valley, Calif. — FREED Center for Independent Living will host a free Emergency Preparedness Training via Zoom on Friday, April 17 at 1 p.m. The training is designed to support older adults and people with disabilities in preparing for emergencies and maintaining safety and independence during disasters.
The training is in response to the February 2026 winter storms, which caused widespread power outages across the Sierra Nevada region and significantly impacted individuals with access and functional needs. During those events, FREED provided direct assistance to community members through a grant funded by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), including hotel accommodations, food vouchers for hotel stays, and Visa cards to help cover fuel costs for generators.
Building on those experiences, the training will offer practical, accessible strategies for preparing for emergencies such as severe weather, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and extended power outages. Participants will learn how to create personalized emergency plans, assemble preparedness kits, and identify ways to maintain communication, access essential resources, and plan for mobility and medical needs during emergencies.
The training is free and open to the public, with a focus on serving older adults and people with disabilities throughout the region.
To register for the training, email brian@freed.org.
FREED Center for Independent Living is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting independence, inclusion, and equal access for people with disabilities and older adults. FREED provides services, advocacy, and resources that support individuals in living independently and participating fully in their communities across Colusa, Nevada, Sierra, Sutter, and Yuba counties.