Should Los Angeles Create a Disaster Registry for Disabled Residents? Advocates Warn of Privacy Risks and False Security

#Tags: #LosAngelesDisasterRegistry #DisabilityEmergencyPlanning #EatonFireResponse #DisabledEvacuation #EmergencyPreparedness #FalseSecurity #LAWildfireRegistry #ElderlyDisasterAssistance

L.A. Considers Disaster Registry After Wildfire Tragedies

Following the deadly Eaton Fire in Altadena, Los Angeles County officials are exploring the idea of launching a disaster registry aimed at assisting disabled and elderly residents during emergencies. A feasibility study is underway to assess whether such a system could improve emergency response and save lives. However, disability rights groups are raising red flags over the proposal’s effectiveness and potential for giving residents a false sense of security.

Why a Registry? One-Third of Fire Victims Had Mobility Challenges

Supporters of the registry cite data showing that a significant portion of wildfire fatalities involved people with limited mobility. Advocates say this highlights a serious gap in emergency planning. For example, Anthony Mitchell Sr., an amputee in a wheelchair, and his son with cerebral palsy were among 18 killed in January’s fire.

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the affected region, proposed the study to explore better support mechanisms for at-risk residents.

Disability Advocates Say Registries Give False Reassurance

Despite good intentions, many disability advocacy groups strongly oppose disaster registries. According to critics, these lists imply that registering guarantees help—when in practice, most registrants receive little to no assistance during real disasters.

“They’re ineffective and offer false hope,” said Maria Town of the American Association of People with Disabilities. “People think they’re safe because they signed up—but that help rarely comes.”

During Hurricane Harvey in Texas, fewer than 5% of those registered for emergency aid were contacted. Very few received evacuation assistance.

Other States Show Mixed Results and Long Delays

Across the U.S., states like Florida, North Carolina, and Oregon have implemented similar registries—but with significant limitations:

• Florida’s Special Needs Registry explicitly states that individuals must still make their own evacuation plans.
• Oregon counties warn it could take up to three months for registry data to reach emergency services.
• North Carolina requires application approval to be included in the registry, with no guarantee of acceptance.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services discourages registry use, citing privacy issues and potential delays in data processing.

Advocates Call for Better Transportation and Evacuation Planning

Rather than relying on data lists, advocates say the real need is tangible emergency transport plans for people with mobility challenges. June Kailes, a Los Angeles-based disability advocate, stressed the importance of transportation logistics, not just registration. She pointed to the story of Galen Buckwalter, a paralyzed man who evacuated during the Eaton Fire by driving his motorized wheelchair a mile in the dark because no service could reach him.

Los Angeles Previously Tried and Abandoned a Similar Registry

This isn’t L.A.’s first attempt. In 2016, the county discontinued its “Specific Needs Awareness Planning” registry due to poor performance and low returns. Registered individuals were migrated to the broader “Alert LA County” system.

Still, officials like Victoria Jump from the Aging & Disabilities Department remain open to exploring new versions of the idea. Her ongoing feasibility study will be presented to the Board of Supervisors this month.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Risk, Hope, and Reality

Advocates stress that the conversation should not center solely on collecting names but on coordinating meaningful action.

“No one wants to create false hope,” said Hilary Norton of FASTLinkDTLA. “But if we don’t ask these questions now, we risk leaving the most vulnerable behind in the next disaster.”

As climate change increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters, the stakes for effective emergency preparedness—and the inclusion of disabled residents in planning—have never been higher.