Title
Adopt Resolution approving the November 2020 revision of the County of Monterey Emergency Operations Plan and September 2020 Plan Annex N - Family Assistance Plan in accordance with Chapter 2.68.080 and 2.68.0404 of the County Code.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt Resolution approving the November 2020 revision of the County of Monterey Emergency Operations Plan and September 2020 Plan Annex N - Family Assistance Plan in accordance with Chapter 2.68.080 and 2.68.0404 of the County Code.
SUMMARY:
Section 2.68.080 of the County Code prescribes the purpose and process for adopting and maintaining an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) for the County of Monterey. An Emergency Operations Plan is a key component of an emergency operations program, establishing the overall authority, roles and functions performed during response to major emergencies and disasters. The EOP also sets forth those overall authorities, roles and functions for preparedness, recovery and mitigation phases of emergency management. The emergency operations program is in continuous operation and includes non-disaster related activities such as training, exercises and public education. This plan provides the basis for the preparation of emergency operations including roles and responsibilities of government and emergency support agencies. The EOP provides guidance for disaster response and recovery. The November 2020 Emergency Operations Plan is a revision to a plan approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2013.
Annex N: Family Assistance Plan, is a newly developed annex to the EOP. The Family Assistance Plan is intended to coordinate and define roles and procedures for, 1) The safe, timely, and effective reunification of families after a disaster, 2) Providing appropriate and timely mental health, spiritual, public health, victim assistance, and recovery services that are tailored for the needs of those impacted, 3) Provide support agencies with the ability to provide a consistent and coordinated response to victims and families by centralizing the flow of information and services and assigning responsibilities to specific response agencies. The Monterey County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan revision and Annex N - Family Assistance Plan were approved, and adoption recommended by the Monterey County Operational Area Disaster Council on October 28, 2020.
DISCUSSION:
The County’s 2013 edition of the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) needed revision to maintain compliance with California’s Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), and to reflect changes made within the County’s emergency operations program to address the challenges of responding to and recovering from major emergencies and disasters within the County in today’s environment. FEMA’s National Response Framework identifies the local jurisdictions’ responsibility to develop detailed, robust all-hazards/all threats EOPs that should address strategies for both no-notice and forewarned events giving consideration to assisting the access and functional needs population. The November 2020 EOP has a simple format and is based on the FEMA Comprehensive Planning Guide document for writing and maintaining EOPs. The plan format includes Annexes that include all Emergency Response Plans adopted by the County whether hazard or geographic specific.
The Annex N - Family Assistance Plan, is a newly developed plan serving as a guidance document for the purpose of reunification, delivery many forms of assistance, and access to services in a centralized location after an emergency disaster.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Monterey County Operational Area Disaster Council serves as the advisory council to the Board of Supervisors and convenes at the request of the Director of Emergency Services (CAO) to consider and recommend emergency plans and agreements to improve disaster preparedness countywide as authorized by Monterey County Code 2.67et Seq. The Disaster Council is comprised of representatives from County Departments and County leaders responsible for emergency and disaster operations.
FINANCING:
The Office of Emergency Services if funded through the General Fund. Approval of these Strategic Plans will not impact the budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
_X_Economic Development
_X_Administration
_X_Health & Human Services
_X_Infrastructure
_X_Public Safety
Prepared by: Gerry R. Malais, Emergency Services Manager __________________________
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer ______________
Attachments: draft Resolution, Monterey County Office of Emergency Services Operations Plan and Annex N - Family Assistance Plan