Preparing
and
Protecting
California
Elected Official’s Guide to Emergencies in
California
2021
Cal OES
Responsibilities
Cal OES
Responsibilities
Emergency ManagementEmergency Management
Homeland SecurityHomeland Security
Public Safety
Communication
Public Safety
Communication
The agency serves the public through effective collaboration
in preparing for, protecting against, responding to,
recovering from, and mitigating the impacts of all hazards
and threats.
Cal OES protects lives and property, builds capabilities, and
supports our communities for a resilient California.
WHO IS CAL OES?
With over 39.5 million residents, the State of California is the most populous state
and the third largest by land area (163,695 square miles) in the nation. Our state
has endured many high profile disasters in recent years, including wildfires, a
severe drought, floods, and earthquakes, that have ravaged our land and
displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
Cal OES takes a proactive approach in planning for, responding to, recovering
from and mitigating the impacts of natural and man-made disasters.Theoffice
has been extensively tested through real events, as well as comprehensive
exercises, that help to maintain a state of readiness within California and Cal OES.
YOUR LEADERSHIP IS VITAL TO PUBLIC SAFETY
• You play a crucial role in public safety. Your understanding and support of
emergency management is vital to the safety and well-being of the public and
our communities. Emergency management is a critical government function
from planning and preparedness through long-term disaster recovery and
mitigation efforts.
• Before a disaster occurs elected officials are encouraged to meet with their
emergency management officials and establish solid relationships, learn about
emergency plans and procedures, and visit the emergency operations center
and other critical facilities.
• During times of crisis, elected officials can be a valuable asset to their
communities by having a clear understanding of how government responds to
emergencies and disasters, what resources are available, what types of
assistance can be provided to citizens, and how much time it may take to
deliver the assistance.
• Policy makers have a responsibility to make decisions that will ensure the safety
of their constituents and communities. Land use and building code decisions
that factor in fire potential and other significant disaster hazards can help
contribute to increased public safety.
• Be aware of hazards in your area. Cal OES’s Emergency Notification System
helps keep you updated with daily situation reports. Use the process in the back
of this guide to receive updates for counties in your district.
LEADERSHIP BEFORE DISASTERS STRIKE
• Meet with your emergency management team to learn about potential
hazards in your jurisdiction and what is being done to address them.
• Learn about emergency management, disaster assistance services, as well as
their limitations.
• Encourage constituents and businesses to develop an emergency plan and be
self-sufficient in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
• Encourage all government agencies and business leaders to coordinate and
collaborate with your emergency management agency.
• Visit your jurisdiction’s emergency operations center.
YOUR ROLE
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DIS
SEQUENCE OF KEY EVENTS IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT*
State, Regi
o
Emergency
O
A
c
Activation and Mobilization
of First Responders
Alert & Notification
(e.g., 9-1-1, WEA,
Local Alert Systems)
Field Incident Command
System Implemented by
First Responders
Occurs when conditions
become, or are anticipated
to, exceed the resources of a
local jurisdiction. A local
emergency expands the
powers of governing bodies to
address the emergency,
provides limited immunity for
emergency actions, and is a
prerequisite for state and
federal assistance. A local
governing body is typically a
board of supervisors or city
council.
Since disasters are
handled at the local level,
local EOCs usually
activate first. Once their
resources have been
expended, regional and
the state EOCs assist in
coordinating the use of
resources from outside the
local area to assist in the
response and recovery
efforts.
State of Emergency
Proclaimed by
Governor
Analysis of
Request
by Cal OES
Request for State of Emergency
by Local Government, Must
Include Initial Damage Estimates
Local Emergency
Proclaimed by Local
Governing Body
*Each disaster is unique. The sequence and duration of key events may
Joint Field Office
Activated by FEMA
Administrator
Open Local Assistance
Centers/Disaster
Recovery Centers
Typicall
y
Emerge
n
after a l
o
Howev
e
may pr
o
emerge
n
procla
m
disaster
i
beyond
the loc
a
abilities.
A
STER STRIKES
Recovery
Response
Proclamation/Declaration
n
al, and/or Local
O
perations Center
t
ivated
Demobilization of Response Resources as Necessary
Request and
Receive Mutual Aid
(As Needed)
The Recovery Support Functions are 6 “working
groups” dedicated to long term recovery: Community
Planning and Capacity Building, Economics, Housing,
Health and Social Services, Infrastructure, and Natural
and Cultural Resources. Made up of state agencies
and departments who can provide subject matter
expertise and resources, Cal OES works with local
governments to identify recovery priorities and
objectives to rebuild communities.
Analysis of Request
by Federal Program
If Warranted, Request
for Federal Assistance
Made by Governor
Federal Program Approved,
Disaster Declared
by the President
Preliminary
Damage
Assessment
y
vary.
California Disaster Recovery Framework Recovery Support Functions Activated
a
State of
c
y is proclaimed
c
al emergency.
,
the Governor
c
laim an
cy before a local
a
tion is made, if a
projected to be
h
e capabilities of
s resources and
Local Emergency
• Proclaimed by the governing
body of a local government.
Occurs when conditions
become, or are anticipated
to, exceed the resources of a
local jurisdiction.
State of Emergency
• Proclaimed by the Governor when
conditions exceed the control of
local government and require the
combined forces of mutual aid
regions.
Presidential Declaration of
Emergency
• Declared by the President
following Governor’s provision of
information that state and local
resources have been tasked and
specific federal aid is needed.
Presidential Declaration of
Major Disaster
• Declared by the President at
request of the Governor. California
must meet various conditions.
Provides a wide range of federal
assistance programs for individuals
and public infrastructure.
Fire Management
Assistance Declaration
•Declared by FEMA on a state
request for an uncontrolled fire
threatening destruction that would
constitute a major disaster.
Public Health Emergency
Declaration
• Public heath emergencies must
show the event impacts the
community in such a manner
defined by the California Health
and Safety Code section 101080.
USDA Emergency
Designation
• USDA disaster designations for
agricultural-related disasters must
be requested of the Secretary of
Agriculture by the governor, Tribal
Council leader or Farm Service
Agency Executive Director.
US Small Business
Administration Declaration
• When the SBA makes a disaster
declaration, the SBA disaster loan
program is activated for
homeowners, renters, and business
owners for uninsured or
uncompensated losses.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF EMERGENCIES
DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY
Program
Provided
Through
Program Criteria
Fire
Management
Assistance
Grant
FEMA
Grants to state, local and tribal governments for the mitigation,
management, and control of fires on forests or grasslands, which
threaten destruction that would constitute a major disaster.
Federal Public
Assistance
Grants
FEMA
Grants to state, local and tribal governments (minimum of 75% of
eligible costs) for debris removal, life-saving emergency
protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration
of disaster-damaged publicly-owned and certain private
nonprofit organization facilities.
Hazard
Mitigation Grant
Program
FEMA
Grants to state, local and tribal governments for implementing
mitigation measures after a disaster and to provide funding for
previously identified mitigation measures to lessen future damage
and loss of life.
Individuals and
Households
Program
FEMA
Grants to eligible individuals and households for necessary
expenses or serious needs. May be implemented upon a
Presidential declaration that includes Individual Assistance.
Grants may currently not exceed $34,900 per person or
household. Assistance is limited to 18 months.
Disaster
Unemployment
Assistance
US Dept. of
Labor
With a Presidentially Declared Disaster, generally provides 26
weeks of disaster unemployment assistance for workers, business
owners, and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs/could
not work as a result of the event.
US SBA Physical
Disaster Loans
SBA
Low-interest loans to businesses and private nonprofits to repair or
replace damaged/destroyed real estate, and business assets.
Loans to homeowners and renters to repair/replace disaster-
damaged real estate and personal property.
US SBA
Economic Injury
Disaster Loans
SBA
Loans of up to $2 million for small businesses and private nonprofit
organizations that have suffered economic injury and are
located within a disaster declared county or contiguous county.
Emergency
Disaster Loan
U.S. Dept. of
Agriculture’s
(USDA) Farm
Service
Agency
Low interest crop production loss and physical loss loans for
producers within, or contiguous to, a county with a disaster
declaration from the President or USDA, when there is at least 30%
crop production loss, or a physical loss of livestock products, land,
or chattel property.
California
Disaster
Assistance Act
Cal OES
State funding to local governments for up to 75% of eligible costs.
More information in Frequently Asked Questions.
Supplemental
Grant Program
California
Dept. of
Social
Services
Grants up to $10,000 to individuals and families when there is a
Presidential Disaster Declaration that includes the Individuals and
Households Program and the applicant has received the
maximum amount from FEMA and still has unmet serious and
necessary expenses. No separate application process and is
referred from FEMA.
FEDERAL AND STATE RECOVERY PROGRAMS
AFTER THE DISASTER
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUEST
How is a Local Emergency Proclamation enacted?
• A “local emergency” is proclaimed by a local governing body (e.g. a board of supervisors or city
council) when a disaster or other conditions exist that may cause harm to people and property occurs
within the territorial limits of a county, city, and county and city, and those conditions exceed, or have
the potential to exceed, local resources and capabilities. A local emergency expands the powers of
governing bodies to address the emergency, provides limited immunity for emergency actions, and is a
prerequisite for state and federal assistance.
What is a Governor’s Proclamation of a State of Emergency?
• When emergency conditions exceed, or have the potential to exceed, local resources and capabilities,
a local jurisdiction may request the Governor proclaim a State of Emergency under the California
Emergency Services Act. The Governor can proclaim a State of Emergency if the safety of persons and
property in California are threatened by conditions of extreme peril, or if the emergency conditions are
beyond the emergency response capacity and capabilities of the local authorities.
Does the Governor have expanded emergency powers during a proclaimed State
of Emergency?
• Yes, during a proclaimed State of Emergency the Governor:
• Has the right to exercise police power, as deemed necessary, vested in the State Constitution and
the laws of California within the designated area.
• Is vested with the power to use and commandeer public and private property and personnel to
ensure all resources within California are available and dedicated to the emergency when
requested.
• Can direct all state agencies to utilize and employ personnel, equipment, and facilities for the
performance of any and all activities designed to prevent or alleviate actual and threatened
damage due to the emergency.
• May make, amend, or rescind orders and regulations during an emergency and temporarily
suspend any non-safety related statutes, ordinances, regulations, or rules that impose restrictions on
the emergency response activities.
Under the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA), what benefits are available
when there are conditions of disaster or extreme peril?
• CDAA Director’s Concurrence
• Based on a Local Emergency Proclamation that has been accepted by the Cal OES Director, a
local agency may receive reimbursement (up to 75 percent) for permanent repair, replacement,
or restoration costs for disaster-damaged facilities. The remaining 25 percent cost-share is the
responsibility of local government.
• CDAA Governor’s Proclamation
• When the Governor proclaims an emergency due to conditions of disaster or extreme peril beyond
the control of local government and the combined forces of a mutual aid response and authorizes
CDAA, the state can fund local agencies for debris removal, emergency activities, infrastructure
restoration costs, and certain private non-profits for critical services provided.
What is the purpose of a Presidential Declaration of Emergency or Major Disaster
and how is it triggered?
• When it is clear state capabilities will be exceeded, the Governor can request federal assistance,
including assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(Stafford Act). The Stafford Act authorizes the President to provide financial and other assistance to
state and local governments, certain private nonprofit organizations, and individuals to support
response, recovery, and mitigation efforts following a Presidential Declaration of Emergency or Major
Disaster Declaration. The Governor must request a Presidential Declaration of Emergency on behalf of
local government within 5 days after the need for federal emergency assistance is apparent and a
Major Disaster Declaration within 30 days of the incident.
How are requests for Presidential Declarations evaluated and how long does the
process take?
• Upon submission of the request, FEMA conducts a Preliminary Damage Assessment with Cal OES to
determine if the incident is of sufficient severity to require federal assistance under the Stafford Act and
makes a recommendation to the President through the Federal Department of Homeland Security.
The decision to approve the request is based on the amount and type of damage, potential needs of
the affected jurisdiction(s) and state, availability of state and local government resources, the extent
and type of insurance in effect, recent disaster history and the state’s hazard mitigation history.This
process could take a few days to a few weeks depending on the magnitude of the incident. If the
incident is so severe that the damage is overwhelming and immediately apparent, the President may
declare a Major Disaster immediately.
Who is in charge during an emergency or disaster?
• The Incident Commander sets the objectives and approves the strategy and tactics to be used for the
incident. The Incident Commander will be a high-ranking official of whichever local agency has the
lead role in the incident (Fire, Law Enforcement, Public Health, etc.).
What can my constituents do to be more prepared for an emergency?
• Individuals, families and businesses should develop an emergency plan and be self-sufficient in the
immediate aftermath of a disaster. It is important that individuals and families create an emergency
supply kit with food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days, have
a plan of action should an emergency occur, and, most importantly, be informed about potential
hazards and how to prepare for them. Encourage your constituents to review preparedness tips on the
Cal OES website at www.caloes.ca.gov.
What is the process for individuals, households, and businesses to request
assistance in the aftermath of a disaster?
• The California Emergency Services Act designates each county as an Operational Area to coordinate
the emergency activities and resources of its political subdivisions. Once a local declaration of
emergency has been made, damage information should be reported to the local Emergency Services
Office. It is the responsibility of the local office to collect and report local disaster damage to Cal OES.
Information regarding the recovery process can be found at www.caloes.ca.gov/For-Individuals-
Families.
State Operations Center
IONS
STAFFED 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR
1963: California’s Emergency
Operating Center Radio Room
The California State Warning Center (CSWC) is responsible for
receiving, coordinating, verifying, and disseminating
information pertaining to events within, or could affect,
California. In 2018, staff in CSWC handled over 74,000 calls and
more than 96,000 actionable incoming emails. The CSWC also
received about 10,000 hazardous material spills reports, which
resulted in more than 395,000 spill notifications to federal, state,
and local government agencies. In addition, CSWC made
over 1,155,000 notifications due to weather related warnings, fires, seismic events, and other
potential events with emergency management impacts.
California uses the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) to facilitate
communication during an emergency or disaster. This standardized system is the cornerstone of
California’s emergency response system and was created by state law after the devastating
Oakland Fire Storm in 1991. The system unifies all elements of California’s emergency
management community into a single integrated system and standardizes key functions,
which include management, operations, logistics, planning
and intelligence, and finance and administration. It
increases efficiencies and strengthens mutual aid response.
SEMS is required by the California Emergency Services Act
for managing multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional
responses in California. State agencies are required to use
SEMS and local government entities must use SEMS to be
eligible for reimbursement of response-related costs.
2019: California State Warning Center
When there is an immediate threat or actual emergency, local governments have the primary
responsibility to implement emergency plans and take critical actions to mitigate or reduce the
emergency threat. Actions include the timely deployment of law enforcement, fire fighting
services, and field-level emergency response personnel and the activation of emergency
operations centers and issuing orders to protect thepublic.Citiesandcountieshaveordinances
that establish an emergency organization and local disaster council. The ordinances provide for
the development of an emergency plan, establishment of responsibilities for emergency
management operations, and specification of officials authorized to proclaim a local
emergency.
California’s SEMS is so successful it has become the basis of the National
Incident Management System
Emergency management begins well before CSWC takes action
CALIFORNIA STATE
WARNING CENTER
The six regions manage and coordinate
information and resources among
counties, also known as operational
areas, within their regional borders and
between the operational areas and
Cal OES.
Mutual Aid Regions (I-VI)
These three regions carry out the
coordination of information and
resources within the region, as well as
between the state and regional levels to
ensure effective and efficient support to
local response.
Administrative Regions
Coastal Administrative Region
Lee Dorey, Acting Administrator
Lee.Dorey@CalOES.ca.gov
(707) 862-2356
Inland Administrative Region
Tom Graham, Administrator
(916) 657-9210
Southern Administrative Region
Sherri Sarro, Assistant Director - Response
(760) 405-4782
CALIFORNIA IS DIVIDED INTO ADMINSTRATIVE & MUTUAL AID REGIONS
CAL OES REGIONS
SOCIAL MEDIA
/oescalifornia
@Cal_OES
/calemergencytv
WWW.CALOES.CA.GOV
Preparing and Protecting California
HEADQUARTERS
3650 Schriever Ave
Mather, CA 95655
Phone: 916-845-8510
