LA County Board

14. Ensuring Earthquake Emergency Readiness in Los Angeles County Recommendation as submitted by Supervisor Barger: Suspend Section 22.1 of the Rules of the Board for the limited purpose of considering this motion. Request that the Director of the Office of Emergency Management, Chief Executive Office, provide a verbal presentation to the Board at the September 29, 2026 Board meeting regarding the County’s own earthquake preparedness efforts, including the current readiness of County staff and facilities; any existing gaps that must be addressed; and a plan for how the County will ensure continued service to residents and businesses, while ensuring community safety and infrastructure needs in the event of a major earthquake. The presentation should include Public Works, Fire, Sheriff, CEO Asset Management Branch and all relevant County Departments that have a role in emergency preparedness and response; and engage key stakeholders such as Dr. Lucy Jones and representatives from academic institutions such as California Institute of Technology and University of California Los Angeles. Direct the Director of the Office of Emergency Management, in collaboration with the Chief Executive Office Countywide Communications, to develop and implement an Emergency Earthquake Readiness public awareness program that includes the following: An online “Know Your Risk” portal leveraging available resources through the California Office of Emergency Services and other partners to provide accessible preparedness tools, resources and information to help residents, businesses, schools and community-based organizations prepare for a potential earthquake. A multilingual public education and outreach campaign leading up to and surrounding the upcoming “Great ShakeOut Day” on October 15, utilizing traditional media, digital platforms, social media, county facilities, transit partners and community organizations to support Emergency Earthquake Preparedness. Recommendations for sustained, year-round public engagement strategies that move beyond annual preparedness events and establish earthquake readiness as an ongoing public safety priority for Los Angeles County. (26-4871)