Here's Why:

When people flee their homes from a wildfire, flood, or mudslide, their first concern is to immediately get themselves and their families to safety.  Unfortunately, there is little time for packing or grabbing important documents before evacuating a threatened area. 

 

During the wildfires that raged throughout San Diego in October of 2007, people left their homes and sought refuge in temporary relief centers.  Unfortunately, many people where asked for identification documents to be allowed inside or to access the emergency services and supplies that were available to disaster victims.  Not only did many people not have identity documents with them but the reasons given for requesting the documents were inconsistent and unclear. 

 

The requested information was not required by law for the provision of emergency assistance. Rather, it was used to intentionally or inadvertently to restrict access to emergency assistance that was critical to the survival of evacuees and their families.

 

At a time of crisis, we need to ensure that our emergency response is effective and compassionate and focuses on the safety and well-being of all Californians.  AB 2327 simply requires that all entities performing emergency work strive to ensure that all victims receive the assistance they need, and that public employees shall not ask for information or documents that are not required by law.

 

Here's How:

Letters are needed now in support of AB 2327.  Click here for a fact sheet with more information on this important bill.