For Immediate Release
San Bernardino, CA – September 9, 2024 – Inland Regional Center (IRC) is leading the way in ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families, and the vendors who serve them are fully prepared for emergencies. As part of its mission to promote safety and empowerment, IRC provides specialized disaster preparedness and active shooter training tailored to the unique needs of its clients, their caregivers, and service providers.
In today’s world, emergency preparedness is more critical than ever. With the increased frequency of natural disasters and other potential threats, IRC has developed a comprehensive training program to teach clients and their families how to react safely in crises. The training covers a variety of emergency scenarios, including earthquakes, fires, floods, and active shooter incidents.
“Our goal is to ensure that everyone in the IRC community is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to respond to emergencies,” said Marquis Quinton, IRC Emergency Services Coordinator and primary instructor. “We understand that individuals with I/DD may face unique challenges in these situations, so our training is designed to be accessible, practical, and inclusive.”
The training includes hands-on workshops, emergency plan creation, and demonstrations on how to stay safe during an active shooter event or natural disaster. Parents and caregivers are taught how to communicate safety plans to their loved ones, while IRC vendors learn how to assist clients during emergencies to ensure their well-being.
Key components of the training include:
- Emergency Preparedness Plans: Customizable guides that outline what to do before, during, and after emergencies.
- Active Shooter Response: Techniques for identifying safe zones, contacting authorities, and maintaining calm in high-stress situations.
- Hands-on Exercises: Practice drills that allow participants to gain experience in enacting safety protocols.
“Our training program is designed to provide peace of mind to parents, clients, and vendors by preparing them for any situation,” added Lavinia Johnson, IRC Executive Director. “By educating the entire IRC community, we are building a network of support that ensures everyone can respond safely and effectively in times of crisis.”
For more information about IRC’s disaster preparedness and active shooter training or to schedule a training, please email [email protected].
About Inland Regional Center
Inland Regional Center serves as a catalyst for greater independence for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the Inland Empire. As a non-profit organization, we have been providing vital support to people with intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy since 1972. Today, we offer case management and service coordination to more than 53,000 clients, with a dedicated staff of over 1,300 across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
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