"The duties and responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Emergency Services, who reports directly to the Governor, are defined in the Government Code, Chapter 7. Other duties and responsibilities are delegated to the Director by the Governor. More specifically, the duties included but are not limited to:
Direction. Oversight and coordination of all statewide emergency preparedness, and post emergency mitigation efforts, and development, review, approval, and integration of federal emergency response plans. It also includes integration of volunteers from the private sector, direction and oversight of all drills, training, and exercising of emergency plans.
Reduction of all hazards. This included directing departmental efforts relating to hazard identification, either natural or man-made, and identification of mechanisms for hazard reduction, including but not limited to promoting and negotiating changes in statewide land use policies and codes relating to public safety.
Disaster response. Duties were related to development and maintenance of any and all mechanisms related to the effective use of state and local resources. This also included direction of the state's emergency response including maintenance of necessary records, and the gathering of accurate disaster damage data for the Governor, and subsequently, the President. This effort included the responsibility for prioritizing the use of disaster response resources during major disasters.
Directing disaster recovery. The Director is solely responsible for directing coordination of all efforts related to immediate and long-term disaster recovery. This includes oversight of repair and replacement of public facilities, as well as all efforts related to immediate relief of human suffering via delivery of federal, state, local, and voluntary benefits. During recovery, the Director functions as the Governor's Authorized Representative and the State Coordinating Officer.
Then, in 1971, an updated California Emergency Plan was issued by Governor Reagan, to serve as a basis for the conduct of emergency operations by all jurisdictions. California updated all of its plans and procedures to fulfill local emergency preparedness responsibilities. This plan consisted of a Basic Emergency Plan, a Peacetime Emergency Plan, a War Emergency Plan, and a compendium of legislation and references.
Under Governor Reagan's administration, law enforcement and fire mutual aid programs increased. Activities included intelligence gathering operations, pre-emergency liaison, and support to local jurisdictions through additional physical resources.
During the 1970s, OES developed the state's emergency operations plan and also focused on assisting other state agencies in developing their supporting plans.
Maintenance, activation and management of the State Operations Center was also OES's responsibility including assuring the availability of reliable emergency communications facilities. Emphasis was placed on assisting local jurisdictions in emergency management planning and training, establishing strong lines of coordination with local responders, and providing direct support and assistance to cities and counties impacted by an emergency."
Continues next week.
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