Sheriff’s Plan Aids Disabled in Disasters
Disabled persons can receive special assistance from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during major disasters such as earthquakes, floods and fires.
Each of the sheriff’s 20 substations throughout the county is responsible for formulating its own Disabled Persons Assistance Program, said Deputy Sandi Gayhart of the Lakewood station.
More than 40 disabled persons have signed up with the program offered through the Lakewood station, which covers six Southeast cities, Gayhart said.
The station is receiving daily inquiries about the program, which is designed to get immediate help to the disabled during catastrophes, after questionnaires were sent to more than 300 homes in the six cities, Gayhart said.
Names, addresses, telephone numbers and other pertinent information, including special medication and equipment, will be kept at the station and updated as needed, Gayhart said.
“The idea is to be able to respond in a major disaster to the disabled person who might be alone and unable to get any other help,” Gayhart said.
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