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La Habra Heights EPC outlines large-animal evacuation plan and recommends pre-registration and ID badges
Summary
The Emergency Preparedness Committee discussed creating a pre-registration system, volunteer ID shirts and badges, animal tagging and trial evacuations to reduce lost animals and clarify liability; staff said legal language and Council review will likely be needed.
The La Habra Heights Emergency Preparedness Committee on Feb. 19 heard details of an emerging plan to evacuate large animals during emergencies, including pre-registration, volunteer identification and trial evacuations. Member Patty Kelly described the volunteer roster and operational elements the group is developing.
"There are four people besides myself... they have large animals, have a lot of experience," Kelly said, explaining the group has reviewed alternative facilities and will adapt lessons from a Santa Monica evacuation site. She said the plan would include photographs of owners with their animals, tags or chalk markings on animals, and T-shirts and badges to clearly identify volunteers who may need to collect animals when owners are unavailable.
The proposal aims to reduce the chances that animals are taken or misplaced during chaotic evacuations and to make clear which volunteers are authorized to move animals. Kelly emphasized trial evacuations will be conducted in advance so volunteers and owners are familiar with procedures.
The committee chair asked whether a pre-registration process or authorization would require City Council approval or legal releases. A city staff member responded that the committee could take a drafted plan to council and that releases or registration language may be needed to protect volunteers and residents.
Committee members discussed liabilities and practical limits: "It would be impossible to evacuate the people and the animals because of liabilities," Kelly said, summarizing other cities' experiences and the need for clear procedures and waivers. Committee members agreed staff and the city attorney should review any formal registration or access provisions before the item is presented to City Council.
The committee asked Kelly to prepare an outline for the next meeting so the group can review legal requirements and, if appropriate, seek council direction or an ordinance to create an authorized registration and access process.
