An Important Message About Disaster Preparedness from the CAO

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A message from Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton:

Seeing the impacts of the fires in Los Angeles County is both devastating and deeply relatable. Here in San Diego County, we have seen and responded to similar emergencies and know the stress and heartbreak that can often accompany them.  

With windy, elevated fire conditions still in the local forecast, please take a few minutes to review some critical information to make sure you’re ready for an emergency. 

As County employees, we play an important role.  

First, make sure you and your family are prepared. AlertSanDiego provides resources, including these four important steps: 

Next, be aware that we are all designated Disaster Service Workers. What does that mean? If you look at the backside of your employee badge, government code sections 3100 and 3101 states all public employees are “Disaster Service Workers subject to such activities as may be assigned by law.” You may be called on to support response and recovery efforts, possibly outside of your assigned, day-to-day responsibilities. 

Lastly, you can receive specialized disaster response training through an Office of Emergency Services program that prepares employee participants in advance of emergencies, often in areas they are passionate about. Learn more and apply.  

As a County team, our hearts go out to those impacted by these fires. If you need support, resources are available to you through the County’s Employee Assistance Program. 

Stay safe and be prepared.