TCIL program helps during power outages
Tri- County Independent Living has partnered with the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers and PG& E in its new pilot program, Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers.
As a participant in this program, Tri- County Independent Living will serve people with disabilities in Humboldt and Trinity counties by helping them prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoff events.
The Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers were established to ensure that disabled and older adults who use assistive technology or medical devices that require electricity can get the assistance and support they need during a PSPS. That could be a personalized preparedness plan, a backup battery, a short-term hotel stay while the power is out, food or transportation support.
With funds from a grant from PG&E, Tri- County Independent Living can assist program-applicants with all these types of services and others such as assistance with gas expenses to run a generator to run or charge medically necessary durable medical equipment.
To apply for Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers services, go to https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/power-safety-shutoff-resources-application or call TCIL at 707- 445-8404 for assistance in completing the application.
As a Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers, TCIL will also be campaigning to increase PG&E Medical Baseline Program participants, an underused PG& E program serving its customers who require electricity to power durable medical equipment of any type orwho need home temperature control for medical reasons. This program is open to all regardless of income. To apply for this program, go to PG&E’s online Medical Baseline Program application at https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/save-energy-money/ help-paying-your- bill/ longer-term-assistance/medical- condition-related/medical- baseline- allowance/ medical- baseline- covid19. page or call TCIL at 707445- 8404 for assistance with your application.
To establish and operate its new Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers, TCIL welcomes Desirae Hadley as its new emergency preparedness coordinator. In 2015, she co-founded a 100% volunteer-run local nonprofit organization, Pay It Forward Humboldt, serving local wildfire evacuees and survivors.
“I am looking forward to applying my passion, connections and background in crisis management to this new opportunity. I know we will be able to continue to grow and expand our services offered within Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte counties to people of all ages, with varying levels of needs,” Hadley said.
Hadley will also guide people in applying for Disability Disaster Access and Resource Centers services, PG& E’s Medical Baseline Program and enrolling in the Disaster Alert System as needed. For assistance, Hadley can be reached at 707- 498-7233 or desirae@ tilinet.org.
As part of its Emergency Preparedness outreach, TCIL is currently offering free face masks, disposable gloves and hand sanitizer to people with disabilities at its Eureka office located at 139 Fifth St., to keep people safe during COVID-19.