In response to criticism regarding its evacuation procedures during January's firestorm, Los Angeles County is exploring the establishment of a registry for individuals with disabilities and mobility challenges. This initiative follows the tragic loss of lives, revealing that many victims were elderly and had mobility impairments. Despite previous recommendations from California's emergency services for enhancing preparedness for vulnerable populations, L.A. County struggled with timely alerts and planning. Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger emphasized the importance of making first responders aware of vulnerable residents for more effective emergency responses.
When the next disaster hits, we need to be better prepared to evacuate people who cannot evacuate themselves. In an emergency, our first responders should know who our most vulnerable residents are, where they are, and how to reach them when minutes matter and lives are on the line.
It is devastating to learn that the average age of the 17 lives lost in the Eaton Fire was 77 - a tragic reminder of the urgent need to safeguard seniors and people with disabilities during emergency evacuations.
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