City Council Adopts Modernized Disaster Strategy Including First-Ever Provisions for Animal Evacuation
Palm Springs, CA – May 14, 2025
In a forward-thinking move that positions Palm Springs as a regional leader in public safety, the City Council has formally adopted an updated Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan. Approved unanimously during Thursday night’s Council meeting, the new plan modernizes the city’s approach to disaster response and includes—for the first time—explicit provisions for animal evacuation and sheltering.
The plan outlines response strategies for a broad spectrum of emergencies, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, hazardous material incidents, pandemics, and more. Fire Chief Paul Alvarado praised the update, saying, “This comprehensive plan strengthens our ability to act quickly and efficiently when disaster strikes. It also enhances coordination and communications with county, state and federal partners to better serve our residents.”
Structurally, the plan is grounded in the Four Phases of Emergency Management: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. While not every emergency activates all phases, the framework ensures city departments are fully equipped to navigate them as needed.
One of the most significant additions is the emphasis on inclusive evacuation planning. “Our leadership in Palm Springs is defined by a clear vision: a future where every member of our community is safe and secure,” said Mayor Ron deHarte. “This proactive approach ensures that no one is left behind—including our beloved pets.”
Plan Highlights:
- Community-wide emergency training and public education efforts
- Improved alerts, warnings, and communications infrastructure
- Animal safety protocols, pet-friendly sheltering, and evacuation procedures
This plan reflects Palm Springs’ dedication to both innovation and compassion in its governance. By expanding the scope of emergency response to include animal care, the city is setting a model that other Coachella Valley cities—and beyond—should emulate. While Desert Hot Springs, Indio, and La Quinta all have general emergency preparedness resources, none have yet matched the specificity or scope of Palm Springs’ new plan.
The City urges all residents to review the Emergency Operations Plan and make personal preparations to ensure readiness during times of crisis. The full plan is available at engagepalmsprings.com.
Op-Ed: A Model of Modern Emergency Planning
This isn’t just another city policy—it’s a statement of values. By adopting a plan that centers inclusion, resilience, and transparency, Palm Springs is demonstrating what proactive governance looks like in a changing world.
Too often, emergency plans are bureaucratic afterthoughts. Palm Springs has flipped the script—placing people, pets, and preparedness at the heart of its municipal priorities. This is how cities save lives—by acting before disaster hits.
Let this be a call to action for other cities: review your plans, engage your communities, and invest in systems that serve everyone. Palm Springs has offered a roadmap. Now it’s up to the rest of the valley to follow it.
