The Office of Emergency Services (OES), in cooperation with local cities, special districts, and fire and law enforcement agencies, provides emergency management services. During an active incident that requires emergency sheltering, such as a fire or a flood, OES secures resources necessary for first responders to protect the community.
Preparedness is all about pre-planning and education. Our office prepares emergency and contingency plans, ranging from evacuation plans to emergency operations plans. These help specify the roles and responsibilities of first responders and emergency management personnel an incident.
Office of Emergency Services staff attend trainings throughout the year, keeping our knowledge and skills current. We also plan and organize trainings and exercises involving Placer County and local, state, federal and regional agencies. People perform like they train, so training is a crucial aspect of preparedness. We also write and update county emergency plans.
The Office of Emergency Services responds to emergencies ranging from wildland fires to storm events to hazardous material incidents. We represent Placer County, assist first responders in accessing equipment and personnel, gather information and stay informed. At scene, we are part of the decision-making process and provide guidance.
After an emergency incident is resolved, affected residents and communities recover and rebuild and our office plays a large role in that process. We coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state, county and city agencies for funding and other needed resources. Our office assists with county infrastructure repair.
Mitigation is minimizing natural hazard risks by putting in place projects or procedures that reduce or prevent future damages. Our office prepares the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, a plan collaboratively crafted with other county agencies. It evaluates Placer County risks and potential hazards, whether natural or human-caused.