2006-2007 Orange Book: Internet Directory
Office of Emergency Services

Office of Emergency Services

The job of the County Office of Emergency Services is to coordinate emergency response services and planning in the county for all hazards as well as man-made emergencies.

According to Assistant Director Willard Lewis, this county agency works with each of the 18 incorporated cities in their emergency programs, to make sure everyone is working from the same book, and is responsible for the emergency planning of the unincorporated areas. For example it plans for nuclear emergencies at San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, terrorist attacks, and hazard mitigation and does assessments of natural hazards.

Another example would be that a large area burns, exposing the soil to erosion. The agency’s job would be to work with county agencies to replant or reforest to mitigate potential landslides.

During a countywide emergency, such as the recent devastating fires, the office activates the county nerve center, the emergency operations center in Kearny Mesa and assists agencies in getting supplies to fight the fire.

Once the emergency operations center is activated it starts getting reports from the field on damage assessments and requests for resources needed to take care of the problem. "We make sure those resources get where they are needed," says Lewis.

The office’s logistics people order the supplies that are needed, route them, and track them to their destination. They get information and intelligence on damages and road closures from the California Highway Patrol and the Dept. of Public Works. They stay in touch with area hospitals and know how many beds are available. They tally injuries and death.

The agency also stays busy during the emergency itself answering questions from the public about the emergency, the extent of it, and when it is likely to be over. "We’re here for any questions about any kind of emergency or disaster, whether it’s man-made or an act of nature," says Lewis. Phone: (858) 565-3490.