Emergency Evacuation Plans For Temecula: Public Comments Sought

TEMECULA, CA — A public comment period for the "City of Temecula Emergency Evacuation Annex" is underway, and residents' voices are sought.

Community-wide emergency evacuations can be triggered by natural and/or manmade disasters.

"Your input helps us help you by strengthening our community's preparedness and ability to respond to emergencies and disasters," according to the city.

Residents are invited to review the city's current emergency evacuation plan and provide comments through November 13. The Emergency Evacuation Annex can be accessed by clicking HERE. The Evacuation Zone Sheet Appendix to the Evacuation Annex can you accessed by clicking HERE. Comments should be emailed to the city: EOC@TemeculaCA.gov

According to the city, the Emergency Evacuation Annex is critical because it assists officials in providing "exemplary service to the entire community" during a crisis by providing a framework to:

• Expedite the safe movement of people and animals from hazardous areas.

• Prevent unauthorized persons from entering evacuated or partially evacuated areas.

• Identify evacuation centers.

• Account for the needs of people with disabilities and special needs, including providing adequate, accessible transportation options.

• Provide for the procurement, allocation, and use of necessary transportation and law enforcement resources.

• Account for the needs of the unhoused including providing adequate shelter, medical and health services, and transportation.

• Set out the procedures for notifying emergency management and adjacent local jurisdictions, other responders, the public, the Riverside County Operational Area Emergency Operations Center, and other impacted and interested parties.

• Set out procedures for traffic control in accordance with Riverside County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedures.

• Account for the needs of people with domestic pets and livestock during an evacuation.

• Provide initial notification, ongoing communications, and re-entry and re-population instructions to the public.

• Assure the area is safe for re-entry of evacuated persons.