Palm Springs was continuing to implement its updated Emergency Operations Plan Friday, which added new disaster protocols for pets and service animals for the first time.
The council adopted the plan during its May 8 meeting. It outlines a coordinated response to a variety of emergencies, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, storms, hazardous materials incidents, pandemics and other human-caused events, city officials said.
The plan includes detailed protocols for evacuating and sheltering pets and service animals, aiming to protect the entire household during emergencies.
“This comprehensive plan strengthens our ability to act quickly and efficiently when disaster strikes,” Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said in a statement. “It also enhances our coordination and communications with county, state and federal partners to better serve our residents.”
The Emergency Operations Plan operates under what the city refers as “Four Phases of Emergency Management,” which are preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.
Some of the highlights embedded in the plan include public information and emergency training initiatives for residents, robust communication systems for community alerts, warnings and notifications and emergency protocols to protect animals.
“Our leadership in Palm Springs is defined by a clear vision — a future where every member of our community is safe and secure,” Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte said. “To achieve this, we are taking bold steps in our emergency planning and response, embedding inclusion, preparedness and compassion into every aspect. This proactive approach ensures that no one is left behind, including our beloved pets.”
The city encouraged residents to review the plan at engagepalmsprings.com.