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California State Emergency Plan

Welcome to the California State Emergency Plan

The California State Emergency Plan (SEP) plays a key role in guiding state agencies, local jurisdictions, and the public on emergency management. It describes the state’s emergency operations, mutual aid system, emergency response capabilities, resource mobilization, public information, and continuity of government during an emergency.

Updating and maintaining the SEP is crucial to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ mission to protect lives, build capabilities, and foster resilient communities.

State Operations Center
Swift water rescue team saving a dog.
People surveying a port with a cargo ship.

The SEP provides an overview of how the state prepares, mitigates, responds, and recovers from emergencies in California.

The plan is a requirement of the California Emergency Services Act (ESA), and describes:

  • California’s hazards and vulnerabilities
  • The state’s emergency management organization
  • Integrating considerations for people with Access and Functional Needs
  • Resource mobilization
  • Roles of government during an emergency
  • Mitigation programs
  • Emergency planning and preparedness
  • Whole Community Planning
  • Response operations
  • Mutual aid
  • Public information
  • California Emergency Support Functions
  • Recovery operations
  • California Recovery Support Functions
  • Continuity of government and essential functions
  • Roles and responsibilities of state government agencies and departments during emergencies
  • Plan development and maintenance
Images - SEP 2024 Cover Page

Significant Updates to the SEP 2024:

  • Increased emphasis on the whole community planning approach and the integration of Access and Functional Needs considerations in emergency management planning.
  • Updated hazards discussion with new information on wildfires, earthquakes, pandemics, severe weather, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), and cyberattacks.
  • Added information on the Fire & Rescue Coordination Center, Air Coordination Group, and the Medical and Health Coordination Center.
  • Updated information on Unified Coordination Group.
  • Added section on science and technology in emergency management.
  • Updated state agency roles and responsibilities.
  • Added Recovery Support Functions and the California Disaster Recovery Framework.

The SEP 2024 is the finalized version of the SEP 2023 Coordinating Draft. The prior SEP was published in 2017.

SEP Cover October 2017

Previously Published SEPs

If you have questions about the SEP, please email SEPUpdate@caloes.ca.gov or call 916-845-8501.

Winston Lin

Winston Lin

Senior Emergency Services Coordinator

Office: (916) 845-8501
Email: SEPUpdate@caloes.ca.gov