Los Angeles County officials are taking steps to improve emergency evacuations for people with disabilities and mobility challenges after a tragic firestorm in January resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals in Altadena. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion to explore the creation of a registry that would help emergency responders locate and assist vulnerable residents during disasters.
The firestorm, which swept through Altadena, highlighted significant gaps in the county’s emergency planning. Many of the victims were elderly, with a median age of 77, and at least one-third had mobility impairments. Reports indicated that some residents did not receive evacuation alerts until nearly nine hours after the fire began, leaving them stranded and at risk.
Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger, who introduced the motion, emphasized the need for better preparedness. Hahn stated, “When the next disaster hits, we need to be better prepared to evacuate people who cannot evacuate themselves.” Barger described the motion as a critical step toward enhancing the county’s response efforts.
The county Department of Aging and Disabilities will lead the study, which will include input from the disability community. The goal is to assess the legal, technological, and privacy challenges of establishing a registry. The department will also consider other solutions, such as proactive emergency notification systems and improved data-sharing among agencies.
Anthony Mitchell Jr., who lost his father and brother in the fire, supports the idea of a registry. He believes it could have made a difference for his family. His father was an amputee, and his brother had cerebral palsy. Mitchell stressed the importance of having a system in place to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not forgotten during emergencies.
However, some experts express skepticism about whether a registry will effectively address the challenges of emergency evacuations. June Isaacson Kailes, a disability policy consultant, warned that registries can create a false sense of security. She believes that a more comprehensive approach is needed, including realistic emergency plans and community involvement.
Historically, Los Angeles County had a database for vulnerable residents, known as the Specific Needs Awareness Planning (SNAP) database, but it was discontinued nearly a decade ago due to concerns about cost and effectiveness. Experts argue that a registry must be accompanied by clear evacuation plans and community engagement to be truly effective.
As the county moves forward with this initiative, it aims to ensure that the lessons learned from the tragic firestorm lead to meaningful changes in how it prepares for and responds to emergencies, particularly for those who need help the most.