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LA County looks to improve support for vulnerable, older people during disasters
Elderly patients are evacuated into emergency vehicles as embers and flames approach during the Eaton fire in Pasadena on Tuesday.
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Topline:
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion to look into how to improve support for older people and people with disabilities during disasters. The motion, introduced by supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger, passed unanimously on Tuesday.
What the motion says: The motion directs county departments, including the Department of Aging and Disabilities and Office of Emergency Management, to study the feasibility of creating a registry of vulnerable people so that emergency responders can better aid them in evacuating during disasters.
Why it matters: Barger noted that the average age of the 17 people who died in the Eaton Fire was 77. Several who died were disabled and unable to evacuate on their own.
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What’s next: The study is due back to the board in four months.
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