Cal EMA Response consists of Regional Operations, Local Emergency Agencies, Mutual Aid, Fire and Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Law Enforcement, Volunteer, Threat Response and Reporting Suspicious Activity. In partnership, Cal EMA works with, coordinates and responds to multiple types of emergency response situations.
- Regional Operations
The California Emergency Management Agency has three administrative regions, Inland, Coastal and Southern which are located in Sacramento, Oakland and Los Alamitos, respectively. Cal EMA regions have the responsibility to carry out the coordination of information and resources within the region and between the SEMS state and regional levels to ensure effective and efficient support to local response. The regions serve as the conduit for local and regional perspective and provide a physical presence for Cal EMA functions at the local level in all phases of emergency management.
- Local Emergency Agencies
During major emergencies, Cal EMA will; call upon state and local government agencies, based on their specialized capabilities and expertise, to help provide support; Call on its own response resources to assist local government. For example: Cal EMA has communications vans, portable satellite units, caches of specialized equipment, principally for use by local law enforcement agencies, and Cal EMA fire engines stationed with fire districts at strategic locations throughout the state available for dispatch as needed; Coordinate the statewide Fire, Law Enforcement, and Telecommunications Mutual Aid Systems; Through the Fire and Rescue Branch, coordinate missions for the state's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force to rescue those trapped by collapsed structures or are in other high risk situations; and through its Law Enforcement Branch's Search and Rescue Program, coordinate search and rescue missions to locate individuals reported missing in the mountains, wilderness, or elsewhere.
- Mutual Aid
The Mutual Aid System is an extension of the concept of “neighbor helping neighbor.” Established in 1961, the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid System has been used to restore order during emergencies, including civil unrest and to provide assistance to local agencies during other unusual events. As a component of the Standardized Emergency Management System [SEMS], the Mutual Aid System is based on four organizational levels: cities, counties, regions and the State.
- Fire & Rescue
The Cal EMA Fire and Rescue Division, which coordinates the statewide response of fire mutual aid resources to all types of emergencies throughout the state, responded to more than 115 mutual aid incidents in 2004/05. The Fire & Rescue Division also houses the Hazardous Materials Section (HazMat).
- Hazardous Materials
The Hazardous Materials Section (HazMat), which is housed out of the Fire and Rescue Division, is responsible for the statewide implementation and local government oversight of hazardous material emergency management programs, plans, and team typing.
- Law Enforcement
Cal EMA Law Enforcement Division has provided valuable services to California’s law enforcement agencies. Staffed with experienced peace officers, the Cal EMA Law Enforcement Division works directly with the County Sheriff and Police Departments throughout CA. Additionally, branch personnel maintain liaison with all federal agencies including the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, State Dept. and all state law enforcement agencies.
- Volunteer
A Disaster Service Worker Vounteer is any person with an accredited Disaster Council for the purpose of engaging in disaster service without pay or other compensation. Registered DSW volunteers are persons who have chosen to volunteer their time to assist a disaster or emergency services agency in carrying out the responsibilities of that agency. The State of California Disaster Service Worker Volunteer Program (DSWVP), provides worker's compensation insurance coverage in the event a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) volunteer is injured while performing assigned disaster duties.
- State Threat Assessment System (STAS)
Cal EMA Information and Analysis Division provides strategic analytical support to a variety of internal branches during periods of activation of the State Operations Center (SOC) as well as security assessments to various Cal EMA program managers. A component of the Information and Analysis Division also serves as the Department of Homeland Security’s, Facility Security Officer, which enables the State of California to engage in secure bi-directional information sharing with the Federal and local governments to mitigate terrorist threats to California.
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If you are reporting an emergency or situation that requires immediate attention please dial 911. If you have information of suspicious activity such as surveillance, elicitation, tests of security, acquiring supplies, suspicious people who don't belong, dry runs, deploying assets/getting into position, terrorist funds or information that could have a terrorism connection that does not warrant immediate action, please contact the Regional Threat Assessment Center that represents your county.