Office of Emergency Services

Mission Statement

The Office of Emergency Services ensures that the county is prepared to respond and recover from emergencies and disasters by providing leadership, coordination, and support to minimize the loss of life and property. This is achieved through an all-hazards emergency management program of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

What Does OES Do?

Before an emergency

• Develop emergency plans, including meeting all federal regulations for nuclear power plant response
• Conduct training and exercises for Emergency Operations Center staff, first responders and other emergency response personnel
• Organize and participate in federally evaluated drills and exercises related to Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
• Manage County emergency response facilities, including the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
• Maintain emergency response equipment
• Maintain situational awareness of regional and local threats and hazards  
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies in preparation for emergencies
• Staff a 24/7 duty officer that serves as an immediate point of contact for coordination for federal, state, and local agencies

During an emergency

• Coordinate emergency response
  • Provide notifications and updates to government officials and the public
  • Staffing (with many other county employees) the Emergency Operations Center and other facilities
  • Providing public information and alert and warning to the public
  • Deploying OES Staff to field Incident Command Posts to maintain situational awareness and enhance coordination efforts between the field and Emergency Operations Center, when activated 
  • Coordinate mutual aid
  • Serve as the operational area coordination center for all seven cities and special districts

After an emergency

• Advise on and coordinate Proclamations of Local Emergency for the county and cities in the operational area
• Coordinate Public Assistance cost recovery for disaster related impacts to public agencies, working closely with County departments, Cal OES and FEMA to ensure compliance and funding
• Incorporate lessons learned into our plans so we are ready for the next disaster
• Lead the delivery of disaster recovery services to the public after major emergencies by managing Local Assistance Centers, Family Assistance Centers, and related support programs.
• Manage and coordinate multiple emergency management grant programs, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant, Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), and Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)

ReadySLO.org

Where to Find Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Information

ReadySLO.org is where San Luis Obispo County residents and visitors get information to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.