The Cal OES Planning and Preparedness Branch develops and maintains state-level emergency plans and guidance that engage the whole community by using an all-hazards planning process that represents the actual stakeholders from the community, both local and state government leaders, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector.
The Preparedness Branch administers the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) Maintenance System, coordinates the state’s activities in the federal National Incident Management System (NIMS), and provides technical assistance in Radiological-Nuclear and Homeland Security areas.
The Branch also manages the Disaster Council Accreditation program and works in partnership with stakeholders to develop catastrophic emergency plans. Furthermore, the Branch is responsible for maintaining the State Emergency Plan, the State Executive Branch Continuity Plan, and the California Continuity Planning Guidance.
Branch staff assists local governments and other state agencies in developing their own emergency preparedness and response plans in accordance with the SEMS, NIMS, and the State Emergency Plan.
The Preparedness Branch Manager oversees the activities of two divisions and branch level programs. The Planning Division Chief supervises the Disaster Planning Unit and Emergency Function Planning Unit. The Technological Hazards and Systems Division Chief supervises the Radiological Preparedness Unit, the Emergency Management Systems Unit, and the newly formed Community Planning Unit. The principle program responsibilities for each unit are displayed below.
To contact the Planning and Preparedness Branch, click on the Contacts link.