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 to withstand, trained to respond
Choosing Atria means choosing more than a comfortable place to live. It means trusting that your safety is our top priority, especially during emergencies.
With more than 25 years of experience responding to wildfires, hurricanes, ice storms and more, Atria has built 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 for safe transportation when needed – including for pets.
Support that reaches beyond one community
In times of crisis, no Atria community stands alone. Our National Emergency Response Team can quickly send trained staff and additional resources to any location. With help just a call away, each community gains strength from a connected, national network.
Care never stops
Each Atria community has detailed emergency and evacuation plans, and every staff member is trained to carry them. If a relocation is needed, residents are accompanied by staff to temporary accommodations that meet Atria’s standards of safety and comfort. Meals, medication assistance and routines continue without interruption.
Peace of mind, always in place
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.
Our commitment to safety is part of what makes Atria feel like home. From the moment you walk through our doors, you can trust that we’re prepared, we’re experienced and – above all – we care. Being ready for anything is just one more way we put people first.
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