CA Commission on Aging

California Disaster Response Policy for Older Adults

The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) released a policy brief summarizing findings and recommendations from a May 2025 informational hearing on disaster response for older adults and people with disabilities. The report examines the disproportionate impact of the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires (Eaton and Palisades fires) on vulnerable populations, finding that 27 of 31 identified victims were over age 65 or had a disability, with a median age of 76. CCoA documented systemic challenges including inaccessible emergency alerts, limited evacuation planning, missing critical equipment, jurisdictional coordination issues, and longer recovery barriers for older adults.

2025 LA Wildfires Impact on Older Adults Report

The California Commission on Aging published a report based on a May 2025 informational hearing examining the January 2025 LA wildfires' impact on older adults and people with disabilities. Of the 31 fatalities, 26 were either over age 65 or had a disability. The report documents failures including evacuation centers lacking data on residents with access and functional needs, leading to shortages of accessible services. CCoA provides recommendations for local and state administrative actions, state agency actions, and legislative changes to integrate vulnerable populations into emergency planning.