When the California Palisades Fire threatened residents at Atria Park of Pacific Palisades in January 2025, Betty Murrell was ready to meet the moment.
Betty, a community driver from nearby Atria Hillcrest in Thousand Oaks, didn’t hesitate when called upon to help evacuate residents and transport them to temporary lodging.
Her actions earned her a nomination for the 2025 Argentum Hero Awards’ Emergency Response Leadership Award – a shining example of what preparation, dedication and training can achieve during a crisis.
Betty’s efforts were backed by Atria’s trained team members, emergency infrastructure and national support network, all ready to respond the moment a threat emerges.
Built on Experience
When you choose a senior living community, you’re not just choosing a new home – you’re placing your trust in them to be ready for whatever life brings. At Atria, that trust is something we take very seriously, which is why emergency preparedness is one of the most important investments we make.
For more than 25 years, Atria has weathered hurricanes, wildfires, ice storms and more. Each event has taught us how to respond smarter, faster and more effectively. We’ve used those lessons to build one of the most comprehensive emergency response systems in senior living.
Communities have plans in place to ensure residents’ safety and comfort during emergencies. These include access to essential supplies, emergency kits and contracts with charter bus services in place for safe transportation when needed – including for pets.
Residents have personalized “go-bags” prepared in case evacuation is needed, and we maintain standing agreements with transportation providers to ensure residents and their pets can be safely relocated if necessary.
Communities Never Stand Alone
Atria’s regional and national support teams are ready to assist communities when threats arise. Our National Emergency Response Team can deploy additional resources and trained team members within days to any location in need, ensuring no community faces an emergency without support.
Uninterrupted Assistance During Critical Moments
Every community has detailed emergency and evacuation plans in place, and every staff member is trained to execute them while maintaining continuous service. Should evacuation become necessary, our staff accompanies residents to alternate lodging sites that meet Atria’s standards of safety and comfort, managing medications, meals and daily routines throughout the transition.
The Investment Behind Peace of Mind
These layers of support – staff training, equipment, supplies and transportation agreements – reflect an ongoing commitment to readiness. Maintaining and strengthening our emergency systems is part of how we invest in the safety and well-being of everyone who lives and works in our communities.
When a threat emerges, Atria’s Support Center maintains constant communication with affected communities. Families receive regular updates, so they know what’s happening, what steps we’re taking and that their family member is safe.
We understand how vital peace of mind is for our residents and for the people who love them. That’s why we’re always planning, always preparing and always here to respond. At Atria, being ready for anything is how we show we care.