Palm Springs council adopts updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan after decade-long gap

Palm Springs adopted an updated Emergency Operations Plan on a council vote after staff said the plan had not been substantively updated in over a decade.

Fire Chief Paul Lavorato presented the plan and described it as an overdue refresh in light of recent large-scale incidents in nearby jurisdictions. "It's been over a decade since this document was last updated," Lavorato told council members. Danny DeSounso, the city's emergency management coordinator, said departments had been working behind the scenes to update the plan and that it will be "reviewed and exercised annually." DeSounso added pandemic planning has been incorporated, noting the plan now includes pandemic lessons learned.

Council members pressed for clarity on review frequency and public availability. Lavorato said while there is no formal state-required review period, fire chiefs and colleagues have discussed a two‑year review cadence; that discussion had not yet become a formal state standard. Councilmember Bernstein urged staff to post the plan publicly; staff indicated the city will post the plan on Engage Palm Springs and begin a public campaign. Lavorato also highlighted a new appendix for pets, offering guidance for residents on caring for animals during disasters and identifying veterinary clinics and hotels that might accept evacuees with animals.

Councilmember Reddy asked about coordination with regional resources, including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; Lavorato said automatic aid agreements are in place and offered to provide a written outline of tram emergency protocols and airport runway assumptions for major earthquake scenarios. Councilmembers thanked staff for the update and approved a resolution adopting the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan.