EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The goal of HHSA's Office of Emergency Services (OES) is to prepare Tulare County and it's residents for natural or man-made disasters. Families and individuals who prepare for these possible disasters can reduce their fear and anxiety by knowing what to do and who to contact in the event of an emergency.

If an emergency does occur, your state and local governments will do all they can to assist you. You can help prepare yourself for emergencies by having your own emergency kit or in-home shelter. If you have animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, horses and livestock, know what to do to make them safe. Be aware of what you can do during floods, earthquakes, extreme heat, home fires, wildfires severe winter storms and extreme cold.

The media has made us all conscious of the possible threats of West Nile Virus, Smallpox and SARS. But, we should also know what to do if there is a biological, chemical or radiological situation. For the latest information on bioterrorism check the Tulare County Bioterrorism Preparedness Online web page. Become familiar with how to get information in an emergency and where to find emergency care. Your best protection is preparation.

In the event an emergency is declared in Tulare County, all public employees are obligated to serve as Disaster Service Workers (DSWs). As DSWs, public employees may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. This requirement is designated by both State and County law.

• Public employees include all county and city staff.
• DSWs provide services and aid during a declared emergency, disaster or catastrophic event.
• At any time during a declared emergency you are required to report to work and you may be assigned to disaster service work.
• As a DSW, you may be assigned to locations and duties outside of your normal job responsibilities.

View Jean Rousseau's (County Administrative Officer) CAO Disaster Service Worker Letter

The following link will take you to a 12-minute video which was designed specifically for public employees to learn about their role as a Disaster Service Worker: http://www.cchealth.org/topics/emergencies/video_disaster.php

For more information and resources, please visit these links:

Tulare County Ordinance Code – Civil Defense and Disaster (Section 1-15-1035)
http://www.co.tulare.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=4033

Governors Office of Emergency Services – Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program Regulations
http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/PDF/Laws&RegsCalCodePDFs/$file/Ch2.3_%20DSW.pdf

California Government Code 3100-3109
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=gov&group=03001-04000&file=3100-3109

The California Constitution Oath or Affirmation
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.const/.article_20

California Emergency Services Act:
http://www.oes.ca.gov/Operational/OESHome.nsf/PDF/California%20Emergency%20Services%20Act/$file/ESA-all8-06-final.pdf