Old Agoura preps for horse evacuation

READY-An emergency supplies bin, like this one, is being installed. It's not a matter of if a fire, earthquake or other disaster will force residents to evacuate their horses and other large animals to safety- but when.

To help the community prepare for the inevitable, a Horse Evacuation Awareness Day has been scheduled on Sat., Aug. 26 at Old Agoura Equestrian Park.

Information booths, a demonstration by Agoura Hills Mayor Denis Weber, a visit to the new Old Agoura Park emergency annex, and other activities are planned.

The new park annex is filled with emergency supplies. In all, three annexes are planned, including the existing storage bin next to the Agoura Animal Shelter on the south side of the 101 Freeway, and another facility being stocked at Forest Cove Park.

According to Kirk Allegro, an Old Agoura resident who is a member of the city's Disaster Response Team, the event will showcase the Pierce College Equestrian Evacuation Center, which is equipped to shelter 2,000 displaced horses.

"The equestrian people at Pierce College really have their act together," Allegro said. He told council members at last week's meeting that Pierce College is "very, very organized."

Allegro said the "choke point" at Chesebro Canyon Road, Canwood Street and Driver Road, coming down from Palo Comado Canyon, is a critical escape route for Old Agoura residents and their animals.

The fire department has warned residents that horses need to be evacuated early in a situation such as a fire or earthquake to avoid panic and possible traffic jams when people are officially told they must leave their homes.

Specific evacuation routes will be identified for different areas of the city, Allegro said.

Local Los Angeles County Fire Department and Lost Hills Sheriff's Station officials will be on hand at the event to offer information about disaster preparedness. Equine microchip identification methods will be discussed.

The L.A. County Animal Care and Control equine response team, the city's emergency operations team, and the Old Agoura Homeowners Association will also participate.

Author Stephanie Abramson will distribute complementary copies of her book, "What Do I Do with My Horse in Fire, Flood, and/or Earthquake."

Carol Tubelis, Agoura Hills' emergency operations and media coordinator, said emergency supplies have traditionally been stored on the south side of the freeway, far from the majority of people who live to the north. The three emergency annexes will provide additional safety assurance for all residents.

Allegro said the revamping of the disaster annexes will provide necessary supplies if the Kanan or Reyes Adobe bridges were to collapse.

Booths open at 8:30 a.m.; the program begins at 9 a.m. Free refreshments will be served.

For further information, call the city at (818) 597-7302.